Ibrahim Mbaye: PSG’s teenage winger comes of age
Paris Saint-Germain’s shift towards youth has been gradual, deliberate and, at times, understated. Ibrahim Mbaye’s recent performances suggest it may now be accelerating. At just 17, the Parisian winger is no longer a novelty inclusion or a developmental footnote — he is beginning to look like a genuine first-team option.
Mbaye’s senior breakthrough came early. Thrown into the spotlight at 16, he became PSG’s youngest-ever starter at the opening of the 2024–25 season. At the time, the selection felt symbolic — a statement of intent from Luis Enrique. A year on, Mbaye’s progress is tangible rather than theoretical.
Following his historic debut, Mbaye himself struck a tone of humility rather than entitlement. “I’m entering into the history of the club. It’s incredible,” he told PSG TV. “You have to work hard to get to this level. The intensity is completely different.”
Physically stronger and tactically sharper, he is now capable of sustaining his impact beyond flashes. His recent display against Metz, producing two assists and constant penetration from the left flank, was the clearest sign yet that he is adapting to the rhythm and demands of Ligue 1.
Mbaye fits the profile Luis Enrique demands from his wide players. He presses aggressively, holds his width, and attacks space with conviction. Crucially, his decision-making in the final third — once erratic — is beginning to mature.
Luis Enrique has been consistent in his messaging regarding academy players, insisting that age and status are secondary to trust and quality.
“It’s a particularity of our club to give confidence to players we believe have quality,” the PSG coach explained on Ligue 1+. “Today, they did very well.”
Competition, without fear
Operating in one of PSG’s most competitive areas of the pitch, Mbaye has not shrunk. With Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Bradley Barcola ahead of him on paper, the teenager has instead used rotation opportunities to underline his value.
Where others have dipped under fatigue or form pressure, Mbaye has brought energy and urgency, injecting intensity rather than demanding protection.
Mbaye’s progress has not gone unnoticed in the dressing room. Senior teammates have been quick to stress that his rise is merit-based. “They work very well all season and they deserve what’s happening to them,” said Gonçalo Ramos on Ligue 1+, referring to Mbaye and fellow academy graduate Quentin Ndjantou.
PSG remain cautious. Minutes are managed, expectations tempered. The objective is progression, not acceleration. Yet Mbaye’s development curve suggests that his integration will be driven by performance rather than age.
With Senny Mayulu, Warren Zaïre-Emery and Quentin Ndjantou forming a growing academy core, Mbaye’s rise feels less isolated and more structural.
READ MORE:
>> Seven goals, four red cards: Lille's "mad" win over Auxerre
