Brazil claim U17 Men’s Futsal crown at Dakar en Jeux 2025 as Senegal shine in Women’s event

Seleção showcase their class to lift the men’s U17 title, while Senegal’s young stars thrill home fans by winning the women’s competition at Dakar Arena.

Brazil underlined their futsal pedigree once again, overcoming Portugal 3–1 in the final of the FIFA U17 Men’s Futsal Tournament at Dakar Arena on Sunday, 9 November. The thrilling encounter brought the curtain down on the 2025 Dakar en Jeux festival, a major prelude to the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games.

(Main picture source: Olympic website)

Brazil come from behind to take the title

The Seleção, six-time senior world champions, faced a motivated Portuguese side who had beaten them on penalties a day earlier. Portugal struck first through Martim Gonçalves Da Silva, threatening to repeat their upset, before Brazil responded with confidence and flair.

Eric Henrique Winter equalised in the 17th minute, capping off a spell of sustained pressure. After the break, Brazil looked sharper and more composed, with Jhon Lucas Domingos De Lima firing them ahead in the 21st minute. Júlio César Souza de Oliveira then sealed victory ten minutes later to confirm Brazil’s dominance in Senegal’s first-ever international futsal event.

“I am so happy for this win and my performance here,” said Souza de Oliveira. “I’m already thinking about next year, I always want more.”

Morocco claim third; Senegal gain experience

Morocco finished third after defeating hosts Senegal 14–7 in an action-packed match. Captain Hamza El Ahmadi led by example, scoring twice and steering his side to their second win of the tournament. The Atlas Lions’ success followed their triumph earlier in the year at the “Castro Del Rio” international futsal tournament in Spain, where they beat Spain, France, and the USA.

Despite Senegal’s winless campaign, the tournament provided valuable experience for the young squad and showcased the nation’s growing passion for futsal ahead of the Youth Olympic Games.

Senegal celebrate in Women’s competition

While the men’s trophy went to South America, the hosts had plenty to cheer about in the women’s event. Senegal A topped the group after three straight victories, capped by a dominant 14–2 win over Namibia in front of an enthusiastic home crowd.

Thirteen-year-old sensation Mareme Niang stole the show once again, scoring four goals in the final game to continue her remarkable run of finding the net in every match. Mariama Faty also hit four as Senegal completed a perfect campaign.

“I’m very proud, this is just the start,” Niang said after the match. “Next year at the Youth Olympic Games, I’ll be even better prepared.”

Niang, who began playing football at six despite her parents’ hopes she would pursue basketball, cited Senegalese international Iliman Ndiaye as her inspiration, even mimicking his celebrations on the court.

Guinea finished second following an 8–0 win over Senegal B, combining attacking flair with solid defence to round off an impressive campaign.

Final Standings

Men’s Tournament

1. Brazil – 9 pts

2. Portugal – 7 pts

3. Morocco – 6 pts

4. Senegal – 0 pts

Women’s Tournament

1. Senegal A – 9 pts

2. Guinea – 6 pts

3. Senegal B – 3 pts

4. Namibia – 0 pts

A glimpse of Dakar 2026

The 2025 Dakar en Jeux festival served as an ideal preview for next year’s Youth Olympic Games, highlighting Africa’s growing commitment to futsal development. From Brazil’s technical brilliance to Senegal’s vibrant home support, the event reflected the sport’s global reach, and its bright future on the road to Dakar 2026.

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