Chelsea defender Kalidou Koulibaly was seen wearing a one-off captain's armband in Senegal's World Cup match with Ecuador on Tuesday afternoon.
The 31-year-old, who led his country out for their decisive Group A encounter with Ecuador, was wearing a special captain's armband, with the number 19 on his left arm to pay tribute to the late Papa Bouba Diop. The former Senegal international tragically passed away in November 2020 at the age of 42 after a battle with a long illness.
Senegal supporters were pictured paying tribute to Diop, with one banner saying: "True lion never dies". A number of Senegal fans had the No.19 on their back as well, the number Diop wore for his country.
READ MORE: Why Mason Mount may have started over Phil Foden and Chelsea's star England miss ahead of Wales
It was a lovely touch from Senegal and their supporters, as well as Koulibaly, who performed magnificently in the first-half of the match in Qatar. When Diop passed away two years ago, Koulibaly took to Twitter, saying: "Rest in peace my big brother. We will miss you lion."
Senegal knew with the Netherlands likely to beat Qatar in the other match of Group A, they needed to beat Ecuador to progress into the Round of 16. The Africans took the lead late into the first-half after Ismaila Sarr scored from the penalty spot.
Koulibaly was solid at the back in the first-half, barely putting a foot wrong. His Chelsea team-mate Edouard Mendy had virtually nothing to do in the Senegal goal.
READ NEXT:
Mason Mount set for definitive England test as Chelsea star faces big World Cup questions
Chelsea's World Cup problem to be highlighted in England vs Wales as stars return to training
Graham Potter has £90m Chelsea duo boost to complete ideal Reece James Abu Dhabi plan
Gary Neville picks out Chelsea star for 'unbelievable' tactical option he offers at World Cup
Todd Boehly accepts Man City and Liverpool transfer battle as Chelsea ready Jude Bellingham bid
