AFCON 2025
Senegal captain Sadio Mané has announced his retirement from international football, bringing an end to a remarkable 14-year career with the Lions of Teranga.
The 34-year-old made the announcement just days after Senegal’s heartbreaking 3-2 defeat to Belgium in the Round of 16 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, a result that ended the country’s campaign.
In a statement published by Senegalese outlet Le Quotidien, Mané confirmed his decision to step away from national team duty after earning 130 caps for Senegal.
“Know that I sacrificed everything for this flag. I gave the very best of myself and I always fought fiercely for our homeland,” Mané said.
Mané leaves the national team as one of the greatest players in Senegal’s history. Since making his international debut in 2012, the former Liverpool forward played a pivotal role in the country’s rise on the global stage.
His greatest achievement came in 2022 when he inspired Senegal to their first-ever Africa Cup of Nations title, defeating Egypt in the final. He also helped the Lions of Teranga qualify for multiple major tournaments and established himself as the team’s all-time leading goalscorer.
Having represented Senegal 130 times over 14 years, Mané bows out as a national icon, with his final appearance coming in the World Cup defeat to Belgium.
His retirement marks the end of an era for Senegalese football as the two-time African Footballer of the Year closes the chapter on an illustrious international career.
