Plots of Land & $135K Cash: Senegal’s Lavish Rewards for AFCON 2025 Champions

Senegal's President Bassirou Diomaye Faye has showered the "Lions of Teranga" with unprecedented rewards following their 1-0 extra-time victory over Morocco in the AFCON 2025 final. Each of the 28 players received $135,000 (75 million CFA francs) and a 1,500-square-meter plot of prime coastal land in the Petite-Côte tourism hub. Additionally, the entire squad was awarded the rank of Commanders of the National Order of the Lion, the country's highest honor.

These lavish expenditures come amidst a challenging fiscal climate. According to the IMF, Senegal's national debt reached 132% of GDP by the end of 2024, leading to the suspension of a $1.8 billion lending program. However, President Faye defended the move during the victory parade in Dakar, stating that the players had "honored the flag" and served as a global example of Senegalese excellence and discipline.