FIFA World Cup: Why is Senegal captain wearing a special armband vs Ecuador?

Senegal captain Kalidou Koulibaly wore a special armband in memory of former international Papa Bouba Diop, who died exactly two years ago, in a game against Ecuador at the World Cup on Tuesday.

Kalidou Koulibaly of Senegal with an armband that has “19” on it. | Photo Credit: Getty Images

Senegal captain Kalidou Koulibaly wore a special armband in memory of former international Papa Bouba Diop, who died exactly two years ago, in his team’s decisive Group A game against Ecuador at the World Cup on Tuesday.

Diop, who died at the age of 42, scored the goal that helped Senegal beat France 1-0 in the opening game of the 2022 World Cup, where the African side reached the quarterfinal.

Koulibaly’s armband has “19” on it - Diop’s shirt number with Senegal.

With three goals, Diop, who won 62 caps, is Senegal’s top scorer in World Cup finals.