Senegal President rewards AFCON champions with land and cash bonuses

Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye awarded the Africa Cup of Nations champions generous cash bonuses and prime coastal land, acknowledging their gritty 1-0 extra-time victory over Morocco in the final.

At a jubilant ceremony in Dakar on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, Faye addressed thousands of roaring fans, declaring each of the 28 squad members deserving of 75 million CFA francs, approximately $134,892, and a 1,500 square-meter plot of beachfront property. This package, exceeding $3.7 million solely for the players, eclipses the rewards from Senegal’s inaugural AFCON title in 2021.

Captain Kalidou Koulibaly, Sadio Mané, and coach Pape Thiaw led the Lions of Teranga through Dakar’s streets earlier that day on an open-top bus parade, mobbed by ecstatic crowds waving flags in a sea of green, gold, and red.

Faye praised the team as embodiments of national spirit: “Dear Lions, you have honored the flag entrusted to you… You have shown that when Senegalese unite with discipline and confidence, no challenge stands in our way.”

This gesture underscores a rare moment of collective jubilation for a nation craving heroes. The final match has become an integral part of AFCON history as a thrilling game filled with drama.

Senegal briefly walked off the pitch in protest over a disputed late penalty call against them, only to return and watch goalkeeper Édouard Mendy save the spot-kick. Pape Gueye then secured victory with the decisive extra-time strike, propelling Senegal to its second continental crown.

Faye’s generosity has far-reaching implications beyond the pitch, with football federation officials receiving 50 million CFA francs each plus 1,000 square-meter plots, delegation staff receiving 20 million francs and 500 square-meter lots, and Sports Ministry employees sharing a 305 million franc bonus pool.