A Thiès Local Hero Who Made It Big: The Habib Diallo Story

When it comes to heartfelt stories in African football, few are as inspiring as that of Habib Diallo. Born into a modest household, Diallo’s journey from poverty to wealth is a testament to his resilience. His father, Ousseynou Diallo, a humble and approachable man, opens his doors to everyone, welcoming visitors—including journalists—to discuss his son’s remarkable football journey. The pride in his voice is palpable as he shares stories of Habib’s rise from their humble home to the international football stage.

Rising from Humility: Habib Diallo’s Journey from Poverty to Stardom

Rising from Humility: Habib Diallo’s Journey from Poverty to Stardom

Preamble:

Habib Diallo’s talent and character were so impressive that even the legendary José Mourinho took notice, giving his approval for the striker to join Tottenham Hotspur. However, fate had other plans, as the club’s board ultimately rejected the deal. Despite this setback, Diallo’s rise to stardom continued, driven not only by his talent but also by the strong foundation he built at Generation Foot—the same Senegalese academy that launched Sadio Mane’s career.

Generation Foot is where young players, including Diallo, foster their “European Dream,” nurturing their skills in the hopes of one day playing on the biggest stages in the world. For Habib, this dream became a reality. His journey from boyhood to football fame is one filled with challenges, growth, and triumph.

In this biography, we explore the life of Habib Diallo, from his early days at Generation Foot to his rise as a professional footballer. As a preview of his incredible journey, we present a gallery that traces his life from childhood to his ascent in football—a true reflection of how far he has come.

The Biography of Habib Diallo - From humble beginnings to football stardom, discover the inspiring journey of the Senegalese sensation as we unveil the milestones of his life, both on and off the pitch.

The Biography of Habib Diallo – From humble beginnings to football stardom, discover the inspiring journey of the Senegalese sensation as we unveil the milestones of his life, both on and off the pitch.

Habib Diallo Childhood Story – Early Life and Family Background:

For Biography starters, Habib Diallo’s parents gave him the name- Habibou Mouhamadou Diallo after his birth. The name “Habib”, which we all know, is just a nickname. Habib Diallo was born on the 18th day of June 1995 in the city of Thies, Senegal. Habib Diallo was born as the second child and son of his parents. Below is a photo of Habib Diallo’s Dad and Mum, who have their family roots in Thiès, Senegal.

Habib Diallo's Parents are persons who have giving him the most in his life.

Habib Diallo’s Parents are persons who have giving him the most in his life.

Family Life:

How does it feel to have a successful footballer as a family breadwinner?… This section explains it all. Here, we provide you with more facts about Habib Diallo’s family members, beginning with his parents.

About Habib Diallo’s Father:

Ousseynou Diallo is known to be the proud dad of Habib. The humble and down-to-earth man as observed below, has refused to change his lifestyle despite having a millionaire son for a footballer.

Habib Diallo's Dad is being interviewed.

Habib Diallo’s Dad is being interviewed.

Ousseynou Diallo accepts journalists into his old-fashioned home, where he discusses his son’s success and football. Well, it is only a matter of time before Habib forces his dad to move his family into a mansion.

About Habib Diallo’s Mother:

Great African mothers have produced great sons, and the lucky mum of Habib Diallo isn’t an exception.  Speaking with Thies’ journalist, the supermum poured out her heart about how proud she is to be the mother of Habib Diallo.

Habib Diallo's Mother speaks to journalists about her son's success.

Habib Diallo’s Mother speaks to journalists about her son’s success.

Habib Diallo credits a huge part of his success to the upbringing his mother gave him. The devoted mother had always wished to see her son grow and be happy with what he had become.

Habib Diallo’s Brothers and Sisters:

Thanks to Thies Info media, Habib Diallo’s siblings, Yoan Dieng Habib and Tahiti Habib, are super proud of their big brother’s achievements. It is very likely one or both brothers would attempt to follow in Habib’s footsteps.

Meet Habib Diallo's Brothers and Sister.

Meet Habib Diallo’s Brothers and Sister.

Habib Diallo’s Big Brother:

Habib Diallo’s big brother is one of his chief supporters back in his homeland. The super big brother is known to have his best moment when seen in his country’s national colours. Having a family member in the Senegalese national team brings him a great sense of pride.

Meet the man who is likely to be Habib Diallo's Big brother or uncle

Meet the man who is likely to be Habib Diallo’s Big brother or uncle

Habib Diallo’s Assumed StepMother:

Being often found alongside Habib Diallo’s dad and mum and in the family home leaves little doubt that she could be the footballer’s stepmother. She might also be the mum of one of the little kids pictured above.

Meet the woman who is likely to be Habib Diallo's Step Mum

Meet the woman who is likely to be Habib Diallo’s Step Mum

About Habib Diallo’s Family Roots:

The city of Thiès, the hometown of Habibou Mouhamadou Diallo’s family, is recognized as the third-largest city in Senegal, boasting an official population of around 320,000 as of 2005. Located just 67.3 km from Dakar, the capital city, Thiès has its own unique charm and cultural significance.

One of the city’s standout features is its rich tradition of tapestry, a form of textile art that is intricately woven by hand on a loom. This craft reflects the creativity and artistic heritage of the region, adding to the vibrant identity of Thiès.

Habib Diallo has his Family Origin From Senegal, with Roots traced down to Thies, Senegal.

Habib Diallo has his Family Origin From Senegal, with Roots traced down to Thies, Senegal.

Like most footballers emanating from Senegal, Habib Diallo’s parents operated a lower-middle-class family home.

This implies that the footballer hails from an average family background. Habib Diallo grew up alongside his siblings, an elder brother and some younger ones, both male and female, whom we have presented in this article.

Habib Diallo Early Years:

Growing up in Thies, Habib Diallo’s parents were the type who could not afford for him, the newest collections of toys. He only got a soccer ball that he played most times all day.

Habib Diallo Education:

Right from Habib Diallo’s childhood time, there was never any interest in education as the young lad preferred playing football than anything else. He knew that he had talent and could make something out of football.

Leaving his Family:

Aside from Tapestry jobs, having a polytechnic and University, the city of Thiès never offered Habib what he wanted.

Having heard football success stories from Senegal’s capital (Dakar), the youngster made his decision to leave his family behind to pursue his dreams.

The youngster, after a successful application, was invited for trials by Generation Foot, a Dakar (Senegal’s capital) club founded by Mady Touré in 2000.

Our very own Diallo was footballitically educated at Generation Foot.

Our very own Diallo was educated the football way at Generation Foot.

Just like many who had tried and found success before him, namely Sadio Mane and Papiss Cissé, etc, Habib Diallo also had a successful trial with Generation Foot.

Back then and now, every player at Generation Foot had one thing in common- “The European Dream”. For Habib, his determination to play in a European club was never seen as a passing fantasy.

Did you know?… Since 2003, Generation Foot has earned a reputation for its synergy with French Club FC Metz.

For many, Generation Foot is regarded as the African pool of FC Metz. Club scouts from Metz often come to pick players from Generation Foot to play for them in Europe.

Habib Diallo Biography Facts – Early Career Life:

When he made his Family Proud: While in Generation Foot, Habib Diallo continued to play football with confidence, forming the habit of overstepping his mark and doing things out of the blue with the soccer ball.

Soon, he became the academy’s most prized possession. The local boy from Thies saw his destiny being reshaped as he welcomed good news.

Did you know?… The pride of Habib Diallo’s parents and family members knew no bounds at the time he was selected as by FC Metz scouts to go play in their academy in Europe.

Pictured below, it appears the local lad might be the first in his entire family lineage to land in Europe.

It appears the local lad is the first in his family to land himself in Europe.

It appears the local lad is the first in his family to land himself in Europe.

Habib Diallo followed Rigobert Song, Kalidou Koulibaly, Papiss Cissé and Sadio Mané, who are said to be the previous fruits of the agreement between FC Metz and African clubs.

Did you know?… His success at Generation Foot paved the way for the likes of Islmaila Sarr to follow.

At first, it wasn’t easy, but Habib Diallo had to force-adapt to living alone in France despite not having any family members around him.

It didn’t take long for the youngster to make an impression with the club, a feat that saw up the ranks very quickly.

Journey to Fame:

When the Going Got Tough: After impressing his youth coaches, Habib Diallo secured academy graduation in the year 2014.

Following his graduation, the youngster was deployed to play with Metz II (FC Metz Under-23s). Getting into the club’s senior team was tougher than he had expected.

A frustrated Habib observed he could not compete and benched his rivals in the FC Metz senior side. He lost out in the Metz first-team competition.

When the Going got Tough.

When the Going got Tough.

He began to pay his Dues: In order to gain more experience, Habib Diallo decided to go build himself up as he took a loan move. He was shipped to Stade Brest, a French football club known to have raised Franck Ribéry.

At Brest, Diallo made relentless efforts to build his experience with hopes of beating FC Metz’s first-team competition. While striving to succeed, he once said in his words;

“Like many players, you don’t always build overnight. You don’t get to the top right away. Sometimes you have to build yourself slower.”

Justification for his Recall: For the 2017–18 Ligue 1 season, FC Metz endured a horrid campaign, losing eleven out of their first twelve matches.

The club’s manager, Frédéric Hantz, was in a desperate search for a player who would bring some glimmer of hope to the fans. This saw Habib returning back on loan to get his last opportunity.

Habib Diallo Biography Facts – The Success Story:

Rather than crumble, the Senegalese footballer went from strength to strength as he helped his club recover from their travails. Habib Diallo became a beast upon his return- a poacher in the box and a symbol of the new generation of FC Metz.

He was noted for his style of play- physical strength, speed, ability in the air (like C Ronaldo), + powerful and accurate strikes like Didier Drogba.

The Ultimate Rise of the Senegalese Star from the city of Thies. He became FC Metz's Hero.

The Ultimate Rise of the Senegalese Star from the city of Thies. He became FC Metz’s Hero.

Did you know?… The breakout star and goal machine scored a whopping 26 league goals thanks to his wonderfully cultured combination of accuracy and power. On the 26th day of April 2019, Habib Diallo helped his club win back promotion to Ligue 1. His FC Metz side finished first in the Ligue 2 table.

The Senegalese star achieved a meteoric rise with FC Metz, leading his team to achieve major honours.

The Senegalese star achieved a meteoric rise with FC Metz, leading his team to achieve major honours.

The French league is indeed one of Europe’s top leagues for nurturing talent, as seen in the likes of Mbappe, Hazard, Benzema, Nicolas Pepe, Moussa Dembele and, more recently, Victor Osimhen.

The list goes on. We are confident that Habib Diallo will be added up there with them. The truth is, he has the potential to be the future of African football. Diallo could be the next Drogba… just saying.

The Senegalese Striker joins the likes of Boulaye Dia and Bamba Dieng, who are taking inspiration from Sadio Mane. The rest, as they say, is history.

Love Life:

The ascension to the helm of Senegalese football affairs surely makes Habib a successful man. Hence it is certain that most fans (especially female fans from Senegal) must have begun pondering on their minds the following questions: Who is Habib Diallo’s Girlfriend?…. Who is Habib Diallo’s Wife?… Is Habib Diallo Married?

Football Fans (especially females) have pondered on the love life of the Senegalese superstar.

Football fans (especially females) have pondered the love life of the Senegalese superstar.

Yes!! There is no denying the fact that Diallo’s cute looks, coupled with his professional success, wouldn’t place him at the top of every potential girlfriend or wife’s wish list.

The truth is, behind the successful footballer, there sure exists a woman who happens to be either a wife or baby mama. She is the mother of his children (pictured below).

Habib Diallo’s relationship with his wife or baby mama surely escapes the scrutiny of the public eye simply because it is private and possibly drama-free.

Our research has revealed he is the parent of two beautiful children (a boy and a girl) from his supposed wife or baby mama.

Pictured is Habib in a celebratory mood with his daughter and son.

Pictured is Habib in a celebratory mood with his daughter and son.

He is a Good Parent: Every happy family needs a caring and loving father, and Habib Diallo fits one.

The proud dad once shared a sizzling photo on his Instagram page where he appears to be completely at ease enjoying a sunny holiday with his beautiful daughter.

He has indeed shown the world that he is a wonderful parent to his kids.

He has indeed shown the world that he is a wonderful parent to his kids.

Habib Diallo Lifestyle:

Ask anyone off the street of Senegal whether it’s worth it to be a starving footballer, and they’re likely to say NO. Habib Diallo is a perfect example of someone who came from nothing to become a millionaire footballer.

At the time of writing, he lives a luxurious lifestyle, one easily noticeable by his exotic car, among other beautiful things in his possession.

He lives a Luxurious Lifestyle, Facts easily noticeable by his exotic car, which he flaunts around the city.

He lives a luxurious lifestyle, which is easily noticeable by his exotic car, which he flaunts around the city.

Following observations about his exotic lifestyle, lots of fans, especially those who have seen his car, must have asked… What are Habib Diallo’s wages and annual salary?

The footballer at the time of writing earns a weekly wage of €18,500K and an annual salary of.962,000K; wow!… a pointer to him living an exotic lifestyle.

Did you know?… The average man in Senegal needs to work for at least nine years to earn the same as Habib earns in a month.

Personality:

Getting to know Habib Diallo’s personal life would help you get a better picture of his personality off the pitch. Aside from football, Habib loves to be in the company of people, especially those with family origins similar to his. He loves to display humbleness amidst the typical fame of the modern-day footballer.

Getting to know Habib Diallo's Personality of the pitch of play.

Getting to know Habib Diallo’s Personality of the pitch of play.

Secondly, in his personal life, Habib looks up to Didier Drogba, his idol and career guardian. His admiration for Drogba stems back from Senegal- beginning from those times he lived with his parents and would go watch the Premier League via viewing centres.

Lastly, Habib Diallo’s personal is his likeness for Dogs. Footballers, namely Messi, Daley Blind, Marcelo, Aaron Ramsey, James Rodriguez, etc, all love their pets (dogs).

Habib Diallo, who is pictured below with his, isn’t an exception. Pictured below is the Senegalese babysitting his lovely puppy.

Many footballers love their dog and our very own Diallo isn't an exception.

Many footballers love their dog and our very own Diallo isn’t an exception.

Even thou there is a saying that there is no loyalty left in the modern game, it surely doesn’t take into account the relationships shared between Habib and his cute dog.

Habib Diallo’s Religion:

Like most Senegalese footballers, it is most likely that Habib Diallo’s parents raised him to adopt Islamic religious doctrines.

We’ll update you as soon as there are photo proofs of Habib practising his religion.

Untold Facts:

FC Metz Notable Footballers before him:

Before Habib Diallo, there were other FC Metz Legends who also destroyed the grounds with impressive plays and GOALS. From the Top left to right below, we have Kalidou Koulibaly, Emmanual Adebayor, Sadio Mane, Frank Ribery and Louis Saha.

Notable Footballers who have grazed FC Metz.

Notable Footballers who have grazed FC Metz.

From Bottom left to right, we have Rigobert Song, Sylvain Wiltord, Robert Pires, Miralem Pjanić and Papiss Cissé.

Habib Diallo Tattoo:

Tattoo culture is very popular in today’s football world as it is often used to portray one’s religion or the people they love. Habib Diallo isn’t tattoo-free. His tattoo, “INAYA- XIIIXIMMXVI“, spotted on his left arm, is a drawing that represents something or someone he holds dear to his heart.

Little is known about the meaning of his tattoo. But we know he holds it very close to his heart.

Little is known about the meaning of his tattoo. But we know he holds it very close to his heart.

Underrated FIFA Ratings:

Player ratings are always a hot topic of conversation with the release of a new FIFA game, and this is no exception when it comes to Habib Diallo. Fans eagerly discuss how his skills and performance are reflected in the latest ratings, showcasing their excitement and expectations for the talented Senegalese forward. The Senegalese footballer had the misfortune of finding out he, like Nicolas Fullkrug, is underrated despite scoring 26 league goals in one season.

Habib Diallo's FIFA Ratings show he is highly underrated.

Habib Diallo’s FIFA Ratings show he is highly underrated.

Most FIFA 20 gamers would not be happy to see Habib Diallo’s ratings. There was a feeling he didn’t get the recognition he deserved.

He is the Face of a Multi-Level Marketing corporation:

Habib doesn’t only earn money for simply kicking a ball around the field. Monies from Sponsorship play a big part in his sources of income. Habib at the time of writing, recently sealed a sponsorship partnership with Herbalife International of America, Inc.

Habib Diallo wouldn't mind running some adverts in order to put money in his Pocket.

Habib Diallo wouldn’t mind running some adverts to put money in his pocket.

Fact Check:

Thanks for reading our Habib Diallo’s story, a footballer with unfinished goal-scoring business at his former club, Strasbourg. We strive for accuracy and fairness in our quest to deliver you Senegalese Soccer Stories. The Life History of Nicolas Jackson and Iliman Ndiaye will excite you. If you find something that doesn’t look right, please share it with us by commenting below. We’ll always value and respect your ideas.

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