KLAIPEDA (Lithuania) - Winning has become a familiar feeling for Sarah Cisse at national team level with France.
The rising star added another title on Sunday - claiming MVP honors in the process as France completed an unbeaten FIBA U20 Women's EuroBasket 2026 campaign as champions.
This was our goal, because we wanted the Under-20s, too.
It was a third Youth EuroBasket tournament for Cisse, and a third taste of celebrating on the top step of the podium.
The likes of Stella Colas, Tea Cleante, Ainhoa Risacher and Ines Pitarch-Granel had been part of one, or both, of those previous triumphs, too.
Tournament | Year | Result |
|---|---|---|
FIBA U16 Women's EuroBasket | 2022 | Champions |
FIBA U18 Women's EuroBasket | 2024 | Champions |
FIBA U20 Women's EuroBasket | 2026 | Champions |
Another golden generation for France emerges, as they continue to rack up medals at youth level, and paving the way for a stronger senior team.
"With a few girls, it was our goal at this championship, because we already won the Under-16s and Under-18s together, so we wanted the Under-20s, too," said Cisse.
“Our chemistry was so important. All of the players bought the energy. Everyone bought into the goal and did what they had to do in every game."
Cisse was a driving force for France's quest for the title in Alytus & Klaipeda, with averages of 15.4 points and 10.0 rebounds per game as MVP.
23 rebounds - along with 15 points - in the Final capped a crowning moment, with Cisse also having taken over during the Round of 16 win over Serbia with 33 points and 10 rebounds as one of four double-doubles.
"Honestly, the feeling is amazing," said Cisse. "“I just tried to give my 100-percent every time. Rebounds, defense and being the energizer for this team."
Cisse had only just finished her first season as a pro with BLMA in France in the 2025-26 campaign, having also made an instant impact in EuroCup Women.
The teenager impressed during the Regular Season - claiming October MVP honors in the process - with a season-high of 28 points, as her club eventually made it to the Semi-Finals.
And, Cisse wants to build on those experiences as she heads into another season with the French club.
"It has helped me to grow up as a player, going against grown up women and so many amazing players I had to face.
"I just want to keep winning, and doing whatever I can for my team."
Winning is addictive, and Cisse certainly doesn't want that feeling to go away anytime soon.
FIBA