Saido Mane cemented his status after Senegal’s controversial AFCON win, writes Sam French. Even before Sunday’s win against Morocco, Mane was widely regarded as one of the greatest African footballers of his generation. He has won many individual accolades, been part of numerous successful teams and a winner on the international stage. The AFCON win against Morocco was the second African title he has won with his nation of Senegal.
Mane was born on April 10, 1992, in Bambali, a small rural village in Senegal. His love for football emerged early, despite limited facilities in his hometown. He eventually joined Génération Foot, a Senegalese football academy that has produced several international players.
Africa’s top man Sadio Mane
He earned a move to FC Metz in France in 2011. Although Metz struggled and were relegated, Mane’s performances revealed his potential and opened the door to a move elsewhere in Europe. He scored two times in 22 appearances for the Metz first team in 2011/12.
His role as a senior leader was clear in the AFCON final
In 2012, he signed for Red Bull Salzburg, a pivotal step in his development. In Austria, he refined his technical ability and tactical awareness while becoming a prolific goal scorer. During the 2013–14 season, he helped Salzburg secure a domestic league and cup double, impressing in both national and European competitions. He scored 31 goals in 63 games. His pace, direct attacking style, and composure in front of goal soon attracted interest from top leagues.
Mane joined Southampton in the English Premier League in 2014, where he announced himself as one of the league’s most exciting attackers. He flourished, showcasing versatility across the front line and relentless pressing.
In 2015, he etched his name into Premier League history by scoring the fastest hat-trick ever recorded (2 minutes and 56 seconds) in a 6-1 win against Aston Villa. His performances at Southampton established him as one of the league’s standout players. In 2015/16, he was the Saints’ top scorer with 15 goals in all competitions.
It could be argued that the defining chapter of Mane’s club career began in 2016 with his move to Liverpool. Under Jürgen Klopp, he reached world class status and became a central figure in Liverpool’s resurgence.
Alongside Mohamed Salah and Roberto Firmino, the diminutive striker formed one of football’s most feared attacking threesomes. His contributions were vital as Liverpool won the UEFA Champions League in 2019 and the Premier League title in 2019/20, ending the club’s 30-year league title drought. Mane was praised not only for his goals, but also for his defensive work rate, selflessness, and ability to perform in crucial moments.
His individual achievements matched his team’s success. He shared the Premier League Golden Boot in the 2018/19 season, was named in the PFA team of the season and finished fourth in the 2019 Ballon d’Or rankings, the highest-ever finish for an African player at the time.
In the summer of 2022, the African embarked on a new challenge by joining Bayern Munich. His move to Germany marked his first experience in the Bundesliga and came with high expectations.
He contributed to Bayern’s Bundesliga title in the 2022/23 season. However, his time in Munich was mixed, shaped by injuries and competition for places. He featured 25 times that season and scored 7 goals.
In 2023, Mane made a significant career shift by signing for Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia. The move reflected a new phase of his career, combining football ambition with the growing global profile of the Saudi Pro League. At Al Nassr, he has sometimes taken on a leadership role, contributing goals, experience, and professionalism. In 73 games, he currently has 30 goals.
Mane has been the heartbeat of the Senegal national team since making his debut in 2012. He scored on his second cap and now has 53 international goals in 126 games.
After losing the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations final, he led Senegal to historic success at AFCON 2021, scoring the winning penalty in the final shootout to secure the nation’s first continental title. He continued his leadership into the 2022 FIFA World Cup and remained a key figure in the side.
At the 2025 AFCON, his vast experience and influence were central as Senegal competed among the tournament favourites. He played every game as they claimed their second title with Mane scoring the winner in the semi-final against Egypt.
His role as a senior leader was clear in the final as he was the player who remained on the pitch when the other members of the squad had gone back down in the tunnel after a decision to award Morocco a penalty in stoppage time.
It was a remarkable moment, but it was Mane who stayed calm and ensured his nation returned to the field. After a dramatic end to the tournament, Senegal would go on to get a 1-0 win and be crowned champions.
Off the pitch, Mane is praised for his outlook. He has invested millions into Bambali, funding a hospital, schools, a mosque, and vital infrastructure. His charitable efforts reflect his desire to inspire change.
From Bambali to Europe’s grandest stages and Africa’s biggest tournaments, including AFCON 2025, he has left a key mark on the game.
His legacy extends beyond goals. Senegal will be pleased to hear that Mane has revealed he wishes to play for them in the World Cup this summer and that he then will retire from international football. He is a player known across the world and, if it was ever needed, his success at AFCON has reminded people of his qualities.