Crystal Palace fans watched Ismaila Sarr deliver an uncharacteristically inefficient display for Senegal against France on Tuesday.
The 2025/26 Crystal Palace Player of the Season was clinical last term, netting 21 goals in 45 appearances for the Eagles.
However, Sarr struggled as Senegal suffered a 3-1 defeat against France in their opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup – and Senegalese media outlets made sure to let him know about it.
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He can boast a 67.5% win ratio from 40 games at RC Lens 😍
What Seneweb and DSPORTS wrote about Ismaila Sarr
The Crystal Palace No.7 missed a glorious opportunity to put Senegal 1-0 up just before the interval when he sliced an effort high over the bar, following a cross from Sadio Mane.
Despite threatening the French backline at times with his pace, Sarr largely struggled to get involved in the game.
Discussing the former Watford man’s display, Senegalese news outlet Seneweb wrote: “Very impressive at the start of the match thanks to his runs and pace, Ismaila Sarr had several opportunities to threaten the French defence in the first half.
“However, the Crystal Palace striker lacked efficiency and precision in the final pass or shot. In the dying seconds of the first half, he missed a golden chance to open the scoring by misjudging an excellent cross from Sadio Mane. He was replaced by Ibrahim Mbaye (75th minute) who made a decisive impact by pulling a goal back for the Lions.”
Seneweb gave Sarr – who Will Hughes admires – a 4/10 for his performance. No other player received a lower rating.
Another Senegalese news outlet in DSPORTS also criticised the 28-year-old. They were brief in their analysis, writing: “Ismaila Sarr is very active but lacks realism in key moments.”
After such a tremendous season with Crystal Palace – and helping Senegal win the Africa Cup of Nations at the start of 2026 – it is possible that Sarr is simply exhausted.
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Hopefully, the man born in Saint Louis has a better game next time out against Jorgen Strand Larsen’s Norway on Tuesday.
