Mané's International Farewell
Senegal Icon Sadio Mané Retires from International Football After Glorious 14-Year Run
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Key Points
1
CAF stripped Senegal of the 2026 Africa Cup of Nations title, awarding Morocco a 3-0 victory by default after Senegal had originally won the final on the field.
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Mané is Senegal's all-time leading scorer with 54 goals in 130 appearances.
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The 2026 World Cup campaign saw Senegal hailed as potential dark horses in a group of death (France, Norway, Iraq), who advanced to the knockouts but were edged out in extra time vs Belgium.
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Reports indicate Mané had signalled that the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations would be his final tournament before retirement, a view later reinforced by his 2026 exit.
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Even after retiring from international duty, Mané stated he would remain involved in Senegalese football, offering to contribute in coaching, on-field roles, or governance.
Sadio Mané has retired from international football, ending a 14-year career with Senegal that included 130 caps, 54 goals, and an Africa Cup of Nations title. Complete Sports reported the announcement after Senegal's elimination from the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where the Lions of Teranga were knocked out in extra time by Belgium.
Mané leaves as Senegal's all-time leading scorer and one of Africa's greatest players. He said he "sacrificed everything" for the national flag and expressed a desire to stay involved in Senegalese football — through coaching, administration, or on-field roles.
130 Caps, 54 Goals, and One AFCON Title
Mané made his Senegal debut in 2012 and went on to become the country's most-capped outfield player. He scored 54 goals in 130 appearances — more than any other Senegalese player in history. His crowning moment came when he captained Senegal to the Africa Cup of Nations title in 2021, a first for the country, Complete Sports reported.
His international journey was not without heartbreak. He missed a penalty in the 2019 AFCON final. He also helped Senegal qualify for back-to-back World Cups. Yahoo Sports noted that Mané had previously signalled the 2025 AFCON would be his final tournament before stepping away for good.
Senegal's World Cup Run Ends Against Belgium
Senegal entered the 2026 World Cup in a tough group alongside France, Norway, and Iraq. They were seen as dark horses and managed to advance to the knockout rounds. But their run ended in a narrow extra-time defeat to Belgium, Yahoo Sports CA reported.
The exit proved to be Mané's final act in a Senegal shirt. At 33, he chose not to carry on. His club career, however, continues — he is under contract with Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr until 2027.
CAF Strips Senegal of 2026 AFCON Crown
Mané's retirement comes amid a major controversy off the pitch. The Confederation of African Football stripped Senegal of the 2026 Africa Cup of Nations title. CAF awarded Morocco a 3-0 default victory after Senegal had won the final on the field. The decision cast a shadow over his final chapter as an international player.
Despite the turmoil, Mané's legacy remains intact among fans and football observers. Complete Sports described him as "one of the greatest players" in Senegalese football history, celebrated for his leadership and the moments that defined a golden era for the Lions of Teranga.
Mané Wants to Stay Close to Senegalese Football
Stepping away from playing does not mean stepping away from the game. Mané made clear he wants to give back. He offered to help Senegal in any way needed — as a coach, an administrator, or in another role on or off the pitch. Yahoo Sports reported he is eager to put his experience to work for the next generation.
The announcement drew wide praise across African football. Mané spent years at Liverpool and Bayern Munich before joining Al-Nassr. But it is his work with Senegal — built over 14 years and 130 games — that will define how he is remembered on the continent.
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