From “Magic in the Air” to La Tanière: the beautiful destiny of Pathé Mboup

Pathé Mboup changes scene. Twelve years ago, he appeared in a music video that would make millions of people around the world dance. Today, the native of Mbao is preparing to experience a completely different adventure: his first call-up to the Senegal A national team. The Stade Brestois striker is one of the new players selected by Patrick Vieira for the double confrontation against Sudan, as part of the CAN 2027 qualifiers.

The anecdote is surprising. According to RMC Sport, the young Pathé Mboup appeared, at just 11 years old, in the music video for “Magic in the Air”, the famous title by the Ivorian group Magic System. He played a young footballer wearing a yellow jersey. An appearance which takes on a particular dimension today, as the boy in the clip has just taken an important step in his career by joining the Lions selection.

Released in 2014, “Magic in the Air” is much more than a festive song. Carried by a catchy chorus and dancing sounds, the song celebrates football, parties and the popular atmosphere around the ball. The title, recorded by Magic System with Moroccan singer Chawki, quickly established itself as a stadium anthem. It notably accompanied the successes of the France team, which adopted it during Euro 2016 and then the 2018 World Cup. The official clip has now exceeded 564 million views on YouTube.

Brest, the springboard to the Lions

Twelve years after this appearance, Pathé Mboup continues his path in professional football. Trained at AS Dakar Sacré-Cœur, where he arrived at the age of 10, the player then had several experiences in Europe, notably at Molenbeek and Pau FC, before joining Stade Brestois.

At 23, he established himself in the French Ligue 1 landscape. His start to the season with Brest was marked by two goals and an assist in nine league games. Performances which caught the attention of Patrick Vieira, eager to broaden his offensive options and evaluate new profiles.

This first call-up opens a new chapter for the young attacker. From the child who made a few appearances in a music video filmed in Senegal to the international call to defend the national colors, Pathé Mboup’s journey offers a beautiful story. The magic of “Magic in the Air” is now a thing of the past; that of the Lair remains to be written.

Sheikh Gora DIOP