Senegal players and fans pay emotional tribute to ex-Fulham and West Ham midfielder Papa Bouba Diop on second anniversary of his death during Ecuador game, while Kalidou Koulibaly wears squad number on captain’s armband

Two years after his untimely death, Senegal players and supporters paid a moving homage to Papa Bouba Diop.

The former midfielder, best known in the UK for his time with Fulham, Portsmouth, and West Ham United, died in November 2022 at the age of 42 following a protracted illness.

Senegal supporters held up Diop's shirt on the anniversary of his sad passing — Senegal supporters held up Diop’s shirt on the anniversary of his sad passingCredit: Getty

"True lion never dies" was the message from supporters ahead of their clash with Ecuador — “True lion never dies” was the message from supporters ahead of their clash with EcuadorCredit: Getty

Senegal's players let their fans know that Diop remains close to their hearts, too — Senegal’s players let their fans know that Diop remains close to their hearts, tooCredit: Getty

Koulibaly, who scored in the 2-1 win, carried Diop's number on his arm — Koulibaly, who scored in the 2-1 win, carried Diop’s number on his armCredit: Getty

Supporters were cheering on their nation ahead of the World Cup clash with Ecuador on Tuesday when fans held up pictures and shirts with a number of those watching wearing his famous number 19 jersey.

The posters held up read the message: “True lion never dies.”

As well as be a combative midfielder at domestic level, Diop was a regular feature in Senegal’s international set-up between 2001 and 2008, leading him to win 63 caps in that time and score 11 goals.

He was the scorer when Senegal stunned World Cup holders France in their group win in 2002 and the nation’s fans clearly still hold a special place for him in their hearts.

After the game, which Senegal won, the players held up a similar banner to show they were united in remembering the former star.

Captain Kalidou Koulibaly’s armband also carried Diop’s no.19.