During the opening-day match, Ousmane Bakhayokho scored one of the six goals and provided two assists in Senegal’s convincing victory over France. "We were very happy to not only win, I mean it felt amazing, but mainly to beat the host country in the opening match of the competition," footballer Ousmane shared. "It gives us a lot of confidence for the rest of the Unified Football World Cup.
Day 3 proved challenging for Ousmane and his teammates as Team Jamaica took the lead with a tight score of 1-0. Tomorrow, Senegal will play Brazil at 9:45 AM CET at Stade Ouest de la Cité Universitaire (West).
Football has always been a part of Ousmane’s journey. The 18-year-old midfielder from Kaolack first picked up the sport at just four years old, beginning a journey that would eventually take him from local pitches in Senegal to one of the world's biggest fields for Unified football.
Life hasn’t always been straightforward for Ousmane. Faced with people’s misconceptions about his intellectual disability and financial hardships in his family, he was forced to leave school and began an apprenticeship in a metal and aluminium workshop, where he continues to work today.
“Throughout everything, football became my constant. It became a place where I could grow and challenge myself and build lasting friendships.”
The Heart of the Midfield
Ousmane first joined Special Olympics Senegal as a Young Athlete when he was seven years old. Years later, coaches recognised his talent through the programme's school scouting initiative and invited him to return as a football athlete. Since 2022, he has competed in five editions of Senegal's National Football Championship, earning the respect of teammates and coaches alike for his calmness and willingness to do whatever the team needs.
"As a midfielder, I don't think I have one particular special skill because I like helping the team wherever I'm needed," Ousmane revealed. " I think I’m very versatile as a player; I can recover the ball, make passes, shoot and be in different areas of the game. What's important to me is doing my part so our whole team can succeed."
Eyes on the Prize
For Ousmane, however, individual performances are always secondary to the collective.
“What makes Team Senegal such a dynamic team is our team spirit. Everyone works toward the same goal, and we have good chemistry both on and off the field. We understand each other, and we have trust during matches. That's what helps us play as one team."
Away from football, Ousmane enjoys playing basketball, fitness training and jogging—activities that keep him active between competitions. Behind every achievement, his family is another source of motivation.
"My family's support means everything to me. Their belief in me is inspiring every time I run onto the field. I also really admire Marc-André ter Stegen, a German pro-footballer and goalkeeper who plays for FC Barcelona. I try to match his consistency and calmness under pressure."
Although the Unified Football World Cup schedule leaves little time for sightseeing, Ousmane is hoping to catch a glimpse of one Paris landmark before heading home.
"We won't be staying long after the competition, but I'd really like to see the famous Eiffel Tower while we're here, since it’s my first time in Paris too.”
For now, though, his focus remains exactly where it's always been—on the pitch. Opening the tournament with a commanding victory over the host nation has given Team Senegal momentum and belief.
The Unified Football World Cup Paris 2026 continues with tense matches and excitement until the closing ceremony on July 11. Catch all the action, with matches available on the Veo Live App.
