Football - Senegal: Moussa Niakhaté's outstanding season this far

In July 2024, Moussa Niakhaté left Nottingham Forest for Lyon for nearly 32 million euros. From his second season, the Senegalese international becomes the boss of the Gones defense. He becomes regular in his performances with clean and saving interventions. He is a real nightmare for the opposing attackers. 

Moussa Niakhaté at the top of his art

Renowned for his athletic solidity, speed and his interceptions, the Senegalese international is also intractable in duels. Having grown in maturity, the African champion displays all his know-how to the delight of the supporters of the Gones and the Senegalese selection. He is clearly at the top of his game. 

Niakhaté achieves an almost faultless course.  In Ligue 1, he has played 18 matches including 16 as a starter, an average of 83 minutes per match (1498 minutes played). If he delivered 2 assists, he excelled the most in his field: defense. The Senegalese is 0.6 interceptions, 1.1 tackles, 0.7 blocked shots, 3.3 balls recovered and 61% of duels won per match. To this is added 90% of successful passes with his impeccable reminders thanks to his precision in his left foot. 

Niakhaté’s high-caliber performances do not stop just in Ligue 1. On the European stage, the native of Roubaix imposes his qualities in high intensity matches. The 29-year-old played 7 matches in the Europa League for 7 starts, or 90 minutes per match (630 minutes in total). The Senegalese has again raised his level in C3. He is the author of 100% of successful dribbles, 52% of won duels including 59% on the ground and 48% in the air, 1.7 interceptions, 5.4 balls recovered per match and 92% passes passed successfully. 

The figures speak in favor of the rise of Moussa Niakhaté. The 29-year-old is one of the players who allow OL to be in an upward phase with a 4th place in Ligue 1 (39 points), a first place in the Europa League with 21 points and a direct qualification for the eighth finals. Linked to the Gones until June 30, 2028, the winner of CAN 2025 still has time to mark his history at Groupama Stadium.