Senegalese football is reeling after the sudden and heartbreaking death of Fadiouf Ndiaye, captain of Union Sportive de Ouakam (USO), who collapsed during a league match on Saturday and later passed away.
Ndiaye, 28, was playing in a home fixture against Oslo FA during the 24th matchday of the national championship. According to witnesses, he collapsed just before halftime after appearing to suffer intense pain following contact with an opposing player. Paramedics responded immediately, and he was rushed to hospital, but he died en route.
The club’s medical staff confirmed that Ndiaye had no prior medical conditions that might have indicated a risk.
Despite USO securing a 2-0 win, the result was quickly overshadowed by the devastating loss of their captain. In a statement, the club mourned one of its own:
“Fadiouf passed away following an illness. A disciplined player and a true warrior, he always embodied the love of the jersey. His commitment, his talent, and his pride in being a son of Ouakam will forever remain etched in our history.”
Ndiaye’s football journey began at US Ouakam, where he rose through the youth ranks before making his senior debut in 2013. In 2017, he briefly joined rivals ASC Jaraaf before returning to USO to help guide the club back to top-tier competition. Known for his leadership, discipline, and quiet strength on and off the pitch, he had become a symbol of the team’s resurgence.
Tributes poured in from across Senegal’s football community. Minister of Youth, Sports, and Culture, Khady Diene Gaye, offered condolences in an official statement:
“It is with immense sorrow that I learned of the passing of Fadiouf Ndiaye. I extend my most sincere condolences to his family, to US Ouakam, and to the entire Senegalese sports community. National football has lost one of its pillars. May Allah welcome him into His paradise, Firdawsi.”
Ndiaye was laid to rest on Sunday, May 18, at the Ouakam cemetery. Family, friends, teammates, and supporters gathered to bid farewell to a player whose impact went far beyond the pitch.
