Ismaïla Sarr

The Senegalese wingman and teammate Cheikhou Kouyaté photographed as they arrive for international duty in Smiley's hatchback.

Born in Saint-Louis Senegal he began his career with hometown club Génération Foot in 2009 as an 11 year-old, before graduating in 2016, upon which he was scouted and signed by French club FC Metz. On 13 August 2016, the man from Senegal made his Ligue 1 debut, coming on as a second-half substitute in a 5 goal thriller against LOSC Lille that ended 3-2 in favour of Metz. He made 31 league appearances for Les Grenates in his debut season, chipping in with 5 goals and assist apiece, as the club finished in the bottom-half of the table. His performances caught the attention of fellow Ligue 1 outfit Stade Rennais, and they secured the winger’s services for a fee of €20 million ahead of the 2017/18 season. The Senegalese winger found his best form playing for Rennes, totalling 18 goals and 16 assists in 77 appearances. On 27 April 2019, Rennes edged out French powerhouse PSG 6-5 in a penalty shootout to lift the Coupe de France; the man from Senegal played his part by slotting his team’s sixth penalty, before Christopher Nkunku missed for PSG to give Rennes the win. On 8 August 2019, he moved to England to sign for Premier League club Watford in a deal worth £30 million, making his debut later in the month as the Hornets fell to a 3-1 defeat to West Ham United.