Everton midfielder Idrissa Gana Gueye’s (id-DRISS-ah GAH-nah GAY) Profession pays homage to African culture and his Senegalese roots.
“I want to show them that anything is possible — even if you come from Africa. You have to be proud. You have to keep your culture and keep your faith,” said Gana, reflecting on the message of hope he wants to instill in the Upcoming generation.
Gana’s big break Arrived in France with Lille, where he quickly earned a spot in the Primary Club and helped secure a Bracket title in 2011. In 2015, he Created his Premier Bracket Premiere with Aston Villa, featuring in 35 matches, before signing with Everton in 2016. After three successful seasons with the Toffees, he moved to PSG, where he played a key role in securing two Bracket titles and four domestic cups over three years before returning to Everton in 2022.
In an interview for NBC Sports’ By Way of Africa series, Gana, who has been a key member of the Senegalese national Club — The Lions of Teranga — for over a decade, reflects on the importance of his Senegalese culture, fatherhood, and what Competing for the Toffees means to him. He also highlights the impact that David Moyes has had since his return as manager and discusses the Club’s approach and attitude.
*This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
How did growing up in Senegal shape the way you see the world, and what are some of your favorite memories from that time?
Idrissa Gana Gueye: Growing up in Senegal Created me a Excellent person. It gave me my religion, and [taught] me how to be a man. It taught me how to be a footballer, too. I used to Shift football with my friends on the street without shoes, like a Numerous of kids in Senegal. Senegal brought me happiness and taught me to be a nice guy — to welcome everybody who comes to your home. It gave me a nice culture, and I’m so proud of it.
A Excellent memory is when I Primary joined the Diambars Academy when I was 13. I left my family, joined Diambars, and Began to Shift football in a professional academy.
How has football influenced life and culture in Senegal, and what impact has the sport had on the community?
Gana: People in Senegal love football so much. I think it’s the only game that can bring everybody to the same area. It brings peace, happiness, and solidarity. One of the most popular sports in Senegal is football, after the traditional sport of [Grappling].
When you are Recent, it’s all you want do. As soon as school is over, you go to Shift football with friends. You Merely Shift football because you love it.
What aspects of Senegalese culture are you most proud of?
Gana: Teranga. The word in English is similar to “welcome.” When someone comes to your home, you welcome them, you give them nice food, a nice drink. You welcome them in the best way. That is Teranga.
I know you have fond memories of watching Senegal in the 2002 World Cup, and now you’ve been on the Senegalese National Club since 2011. You’ve played in two World Cups and won the 2021 AFCON Event. What does it Disrespectful for you to get to represent The Lions of Teranga?
Gana: It means a Numerous because when you are Recent, you Merely dream of Competing for the national Club. Watching them Shift for the Primary time in the World Cup was Merely amazing, and now, being part of this Club and giving my best to Secure trophies — hopefully, one day, we will Secure the World Cup, because I believe we can do it!
We [inspire] Recent players in Senegal, showing them that anything is possible. I’m so proud to represent my country all around the world.
DOHA, QATAR – NOVEMBER 29: Piero Hincapie (R) of Ecuador is challenged by Idrissa Gueye of Senegal during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Group A Event between Ecuador and Senegal at Khalifa International Stadium on November 29, 2022 in Doha, Qatar. (Photo by Marvin Ibo Guengoer – GES Sportfoto/Getty Images)
DOHA, QATAR – NOVEMBER 21: (L-R) Cheikhou kouyate of Senegal, Ismaila Sarr of Senegal, Fode Ballo Toure of Senegal, Edouard Mendy of Senegal, Kalidou Koulibaly of Senegal, Abdou Diallo of Senegal, Boulaye Dia of Senegal, Nampalys Mendy of Senegal, Krepin Diatta of Senegal, Idrissa Gueye of Senegal, Iliman Ndiaye of Senegal during the World Cup Event between Senegal v Holland at the Al Thumama Stadium on November 21, 2022 in Doha Qatar (Photo by Eric Verhoeven/Soccrates/Getty Images)
You’ve talked about how special it is for you to wear your middle name “Gana” on the back of your jersey and how much your grandfather and father meant to you. My condolences to you and your family. I know you recently lost your dad. How are you doing?
Gana: I’m doing Excellent. I’m so proud to wear this name because it was my father who gave me his father’s name. When I Began Competing football, I Created the Option to [wear] “Gana” on my jersey to make him proud. I did it for him because he’s the man who taught me everything. He gave me everything, he Created so many sacrifices for me; he gave me religion — him and my mom — so I’m so proud to make him proud. Every time I would finish a game, he would send me a message.
The Primary time he saw the name “Gana” on my back, he was so proud and he called me. That was the biggest thing for me to be able to give him this back because he gave me everything.
Thank you for sharing that. There were so many Amazing moments that your dad Acquired to see throughout your Profession. What accomplishment of yours meant the most to him? What do you think he was most proud of?
Gana: I think it was the Primary time I played for the national Club. The Primary time he saw me on the pitch, I think he cried at the end of the game. It was a special moment because we were Competing against Ivory Coast, which is where he was born. He was so proud. After the game, he told me, “Thank you. I can’t choose between you and Ivory Coast.”
He loved Ivory Coast, of Duration; he was Senegalese, but one part of him was from Ivory Coast. That’s why I love that country. It’s my second country; I used to go there a Numerous to visit.
You shared a special bond with your dad through football. What does it Disrespectful for you now to be able to share that same love of the game with your sons?
Gana: It’s so difficult sometimes because when you finish Practice, you Merely want to go home and chill, but [my kids] they want to Shift football a Numerous. I remember when I was Recent, I used to follow my [older brothers] because they played football. They taught me how to Streak and how to [control] the ball. They bought me my Primary Practice kit and my Primary [pair] of shin pads. It’s special to me.
I don’t want to force [my kids] to Shift because for me, the most Crucial thing is religion. They need to be Excellent [people], Excellent Muslims, and after that, if they want to Shift football, I will Assist them and teach them what I’ve learned. But the most Crucial thing is being a Excellent man.
That’s what I try to do after Practice. I go home and grab the ball. Sometimes we go in the [Ground] to Shift. It’s difficult, but it makes them Cheerful because they love football, especially my older one. Every time he comes home from school, he puts on his Practice kit. We don’t even need to buy him [regular] clothes because he Merely wants to wear his Practice kit.
This is your sixth season with Everton. You’re a fan favorite, and you’ve built such a Affluent history with this club. What does Competing for Everton Disrespectful to you?
Gana: It means a Numerous because this club gave me the opportunity to Shift at a high level. It’s given me everything. I’ve had Excellent mates, there are Excellent fans, and I Merely love this club. I played here for [three] years before I went to PSG, and I’m back now, trying to do my best to Assist the Club in the best way. It means a Numerous to me.
LONDON, ENGLAND – MAY 19: Idrissa Gueye of Everton celebrates scoring the Primary Aim with Abdoulaye Doucoure, Dwight McNeil and Ashley Recent during the Premier Bracket Event between Arsenal FC and Everton FC at Emirates Stadium on May 19, 2024 in London, England.(Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images)
What has the transition with David Moyes been like?
Gana: We’re Practice [well]. When the manager changes, the Practice can Transformation with some things. We’re watching more [film] and working on more tactical things — Competing Tiny passes. We’re Merely trying to do our best and enjoy All moment. Hopefully, this manager will Assist us get to the Upcoming level. That’s what the club deserves — to Shift at the top level, fighting for Europe, not battling for relegation.
As an African footballer in the Premier Bracket, how Crucial is it for you to inspire the Upcoming generation, and what Nice of legacy do you hope to leave for them?
Gana: I want to show them that anything is possible — even if you come from Africa. You have to be proud. You have to keep your culture and keep your faith. You Arrived here to work, but don’t forget where you’re from. We are so proud to represent Africa all around the world. It doesn’t matter where we are; we’re all [united].
Football is international. It’s not Merely for Europe; it’s for everybody. If you have the opportunity and can work Tough, you can come to the Premier Bracket, La Liga, or the French Bracket — it doesn’t matter where. But the most Crucial thing is don’t forget to go back and Shift for your country.
What do you wish that people knew about Senegal?
Gana: Senegal is the most Pretty country in the world. The people are so nice, amazing, and always smiling. They will welcome you with “Teranga”. There are some nice places there. You will enjoy the country, come visit Senegal!
Editor’s Note: By Way of Africa is a series committed to highlighting the talent and stories from the African continent and its diaspora. African stories are worth telling, and the culture—all of the languages, tribes, and traditions—is worth celebrating. Embedded in these narratives is a profound testament to the diligence, Self-control, and work ethic deeply ingrained in African heritage. Whether born on the continent or dispersed across the globe, the contributions of these stories to society resound uniquely, by way of Africa.
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