Internationally acclaimed actor Omar Sy has been named an ambassador for the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games, lending his voice and image to the first Olympic event ever to be staged on African soil.
Closely connected to Senegal and long committed to supporting young people, the Lupin star will help promote the Games, which are scheduled to take place from 31 October to 13 November 2026.
At 47, Sy is stepping into a role grounded firmly in real life, building on a career that has already left a lasting impression on audiences around the world. Widely regarded as a unifying public figure, he will become one of the most recognisable faces of the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games, a landmark event for both Senegal and the Olympic movement.
Sy first rose to prominence in French-language cinema with the 2011 global hit The Intouchables, which established him as one of France’s most popular actors. His international profile expanded significantly through the Netflix series Lupin, which introduced him to a global audience well beyond Europe.
His appointment as an ambassador for the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games was announced on Monday, 29 December, marking another milestone in his growing international influence. Reacting to the news, Sy spoke of his pride in taking on the role.
“I am proud and honoured to be an ambassador for the Youth Olympic Games that will take place in 2026 in Senegal. These Games represent values that are close to my heart: sharing, solidarity, pushing beyond one’s limits, and intercultural encounters,” he said.
He also highlighted the deeper symbolism of the event for the continent and its young people. “Seeing the youth of Senegal and the entire world shine together on the land of Teranga is a powerful symbol of unity and hope,” he added.
Born in France to a Senegalese father, Sy maintains a strong personal bond with Senegal. This connection has shaped several of his artistic choices, including his roles in Yao (2018) and Father & Soldier (Tirailleurs, 2022). In January 2025, he was received by President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, underlining his ongoing commitment to the country and its youth.
Beyond his work in film and television, Sy has cultivated a long-standing relationship with young people and sport. Actively involved in social causes that benefit youth, he has consistently championed the values of openness, solidarity and excellence that underpin the Youth Olympic Games.
His sporting interests are equally visible. Sy recently joined the board of Paris Basketball as a co-owner and was seen at the 2025 French Open at Roland Garros, where he posed alongside tennis star Coco Gauff, further cementing his profile as a prominent figure at the intersection of culture, sport and youth engagement.
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