President of Senegal – Bassirou Faye declared the winning day as a paid holiday, after the soccer team won the AFCON 2025. The team defeated Morocco in Rabat, at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium.
Senegal won 2025 African Cup of Nations on Sunday, Jan 18, 2026 and announced Monday, Jan 19, 2026 as a paid public holiday to celebrate the victory of the country.
Reportedly, the announcement was made in the wake of Senegal’s title-winning performance in the AFCON final. It is a success that triggered jubilant scenes across Dakar and several other major cities as fans poured into the streets to celebrate.
As per the presidency, this decision intended to give citizens the opportunity to fully take part in nationwide festivities while honouring the national team for their historic achievement on the continental stage.
The latest AFCON success of Senegal further underlines the growing reputation of the nation as a dominant force in African Football and represents another significant milestone in the proud history of the Teranga Lions.
Senegal’s President Bassirou Faye has declared today a paid holiday, after Senegal won the AFCON. pic.twitter.com/ExTknfOP0Z
— Africa Facts Zone (@AfricaFactsZone) January 19, 2026
The victory celebration continued throughout the night in Senegal and around the world on Sunday as they are expected to persist for the next 24-hours and for years to come.
President Faye urged citizens to mark the occasion with unity and dignity. He said that, “This Monday will be considered as a paid public holiday. Senegalese people will celebrate. Then we must welcome the Lions properly and congratulate them.”
This is the second AFCON title triumphed by Senegal, as previously they lifted the trophy in Cameroon, four years back in 2022.
The latest success of Senegal’s Teranga Lions cements the status of West African Nation as one of the dominant forces in African Football. This win underlined the consistency and quality of a generation of players that has delivered sustained success on the continental stage.
Involving the entire nation in the celebration, President Faye considered this victory into a broader symbol of national unity and collective pride. Resilience and composure of the team wrote another chapter in the sporting history of the country under intense pressure.