Ahead of the high-stakes Nice vs Marseille match, Yehvann Diouf reflects on a season of extremes: from the euphoria of lifting the CAN trophy with Senegal—initially awarded to Morocco before CAF’s decision was challenged at the CAS—to the disappointment of being temporarily sidelined at Nice.
Once a stargazer from the Paris suburbs with a telescope pointed at the skies of Val-de-Marne, Yehvann Diouf has had a season unlike any other. Joining Nice last summer, his journey has been a rollercoaster of collective struggles, CAN triumph with Senegal—where he became an unlikely hero in the towel incident—and the heartbreak of losing his starting position upon his return.
«Is it fair to say your season has been crazy?»
Crazy? Maybe not the right word, but it’s definitely been unique (he laughs). I wrapped up a tough season with Reims late into the summer, so rest was scarce when we resumed early due to the Champions League third qualifier against Benfica (0-2, 0-2). Adapting to a new club, new tactics, and a new team—it was all very intense.
When did you realize things weren’t going your way?
Not immediately. We had a brief bright spell in October, beating Rennes (2-1) and Lille (2-0). I thought, ‘This is it, things are turning.’ But no, the challenges persisted. The 1-3 loss to Freiburg on November 6 really hurt. It marked the start of a tough European campaign, and we kept dropping points in avoidable matches.
«It can be entertaining, even a bit folkloric, but most importantly, it should never have happened. My safety was compromised.»
On his scuffle with ball boys to protect Édouard Mendy’s towel during the CAN final
You had a magical CAN experience. What moments stand out?
Two moments shine brightest. First, the breathtaking opening ceremony in Dakar, where the streets were packed with fans running alongside our bus to the hotel. Second, the final itself—winning it meant everything.
And because it’s a wild story…
The match was extraordinary. Ideally, it would have ended differently, but ultimately, what matters is that Senegal won (1).
Do you realize people remember you more for the towel incident than some star players?
I realized it when we returned home and fans kept bringing it up, thanking me. All I can say is, if it helped Édouard Mendy perform at his best, that’s great. But honestly, it shouldn’t have happened. It can be funny, even add folklore, but most importantly, no one’s safety should ever be at risk.
Coming back to Nice, the emotional drop must have been brutal when you lost your starting spot…
I didn’t see it coming because I hadn’t even considered it. I was fully focused on the CAN, even if I followed Nice’s matches. When I returned, my mind was elsewhere. But I quickly came back to reality (he laughs). It’s part of life. Coach Puel trusted Maxime Dupé, and I respect that decision.
Did it take you long to bounce back?
Not really. Winning the CAN gave me perspective. If we hadn’t won, maybe it would have taken longer. But with the trophy in hand, I told myself, ‘It is what it is.’ I’d lost my spot—I needed to work hard to earn it back.
You got your chance back in the Coupe de France quarter-final shootout win at Lorient (0-0, 6-5 on penalties).
I played well, though there wasn’t much action—it wasn’t Bayern vs Real Madrid. But we knew we were in a tough spot. Sometimes you have to fight tooth and nail, even when you’re not at your best. It’s part of the journey, especially at Lorient (3).
Last year with Reims, you reached the Coupe de France final only to be relegated right after…
We believed we had a shot against Paris—we knew they might not be fully focused, given their Champions League final the following week. But they scored early, and it broke our momentum. Still, it was a special moment for our supporters and president Jean-Pierre Caillot. I’ll never forget those fans in red at the Stade de France. It made me proud, even though we were relegated. Playing three high-stakes matches in a week—the first leg playoff, the final, then the second leg playoff—wasn’t ideal.
What makes you believe history won’t repeat itself this year?
I’d like to say I believe it. Nice now controls its destiny (15th with a four-point lead over Auxerre before Matchday 31), with two crucial matches coming up: at Auxerre (Matchday 33) and against Metz (Matchday 34), plus playoffs ahead of time. Everyone here knows the stakes.
You spoke up in the dressing room after the 1-3 loss at Strasbourg, urging the team not to relive that nightmare…
Everyone’s career is different, but we all work toward the same goals. Some, thankfully, haven’t experienced relegation or a fight for survival. It’s important to speak up, to say things as they are. It might not always be pleasant, but I wanted some players to realize: ‘Guys, it’s on us. No one else will do it for us.’
