Senegal captain Sadio Mané has announced his retirement from international football following the Teranga Lions’ elimination from the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The decision comes days after Senegal suffered a 3-2 defeat to Belgium in the Round of 32, bringing an end to the country’s World Cup campaign and Mané’s distinguished career with the national team.
In an emotional farewell message published by Senegalese newspaper Le Quotidien, the 34-year-old thanked supporters for their unwavering support throughout his 14 years with the national team.
“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.
The former Liverpool and current Al-Nassr forward earned 130 caps for Senegal and played a key role in some of the country’s greatest football achievements, including leading the nation to its first-ever Africa Cup of Nations title in 2021.
Despite stepping away from international football, Mané indicated his willingness to continue serving Senegalese football in another capacity in the future.
“I will proudly put my experience at the service of my country, whether through working within the technical staff, as a coach, or through any administrative role that serves the future of football in Senegal,” he stated.
Mané retires as one of the greatest players in Senegal’s football history and one of Africa’s most celebrated footballers of his generation.
