The glittering career of Senegal's football talisman, Sadio Mane, almost never happened. The African icon recently revealed that his late father, a devout Muslim, initially wanted him to focus on religious studies instead of football.
A Father's Wish and a Young Boy's Resolve
Now 33, Mane shared this personal story with a senior Confederation of African Football (CAF) official. He spoke fondly of his father, describing him as a man with a big heart who was always proud of his son. However, their views on his future differed. The death of his father when Mane was just seven years old was a devastating blow that reshaped his life.
"His death had a major impact on me and the rest of my family," Mane confessed. "I said to myself — now I have to do my best to help my mother. That is a hard thing to deal with when you are so young." This early hardship forged a steely determination that would fuel his rise to the top of world football.
From Village Fields to Global Stardom
Mane's journey took him across Europe's elite leagues. He honed his skills at Metz and Salzburg before making a memorable move to the English Premier League. His time at Southampton is etched in history, where he scored a hat-trick against Aston Villa in just 176 seconds, a record that remains the fastest in the Premier League.
His transfer to Liverpool in 2016 marked the beginning of a legendary period. Alongside Egyptian star Mohamed Salah, Mane became a cornerstone of a team that conquered all before it. The trophy haul at Anfield was immense, including the Champions League, Premier League, FA Cup, League Cup, UEFA Super Cup, and the Club World Cup.
After six glorious seasons, he spent a year at Bayern Munich before joining the influx of stars in the Saudi Pro League with Al Nassr.
The Pinnacle: Delivering Glory for Senegal
Mane's greatest achievement came in the red of Senegal. After the heartbreak of losing the 2019 AFCON final to Algeria in Cairo, the Teranga Lions reached the final again in 2022 in Yaounde. Against Egypt once more, a goalless draw led to a tense penalty shootout.
It was Mane who stepped up and converted the decisive spot-kick, finally delivering Senegal's first-ever Africa Cup of Nations title. The victory was a moment of pure national joy and cemented his status as a national hero.
Senegal could not retain the title in 2024, falling to hosts Ivory Coast on penalties in the round of 16. They now look ahead to the 2025 AFCON in Morocco, where they are drawn in Group D with Botswana, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Benin.
The clash with DR Congo will evoke happy memories. In October last year, Senegal came from two goals down to win 3-2 in Kinshasa, a victory that secured their place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. While Mane didn't score in that match, he netted twice a month later in a 4-0 rout of Mauritania to seal qualification. He finished as Senegal's top scorer in the qualifiers with five goals.
A New Generation and Unfinished Business
As Senegal prepares for Morocco 2025, the attacking options are enviable. Coach Pape Thiaw, a member of the 2002 World Cup quarter-final squad, can call upon Mane, Nicolas Jackson (on loan from Chelsea to Bayern Munich), Iliman Ndiaye of Everton, and Ismaila Sarr of Crystal Palace.
A new star is also emerging: 17-year-old Ibrahim Mbaye from Paris Saint-Germain. He became Senegal's youngest-ever scorer in an 8-0 warm-up win against Kenya, a match where Mane himself scored a hat-trick, proving his predatory instincts remain sharp.
With a blend of experienced icons and exciting young talent, Senegal is widely tipped as one of the favourites for the 2025 AFCON. If they are to lift the trophy again, the inspirational Sadio Mane, who overcame early grief and opposition to become an icon, is destined to play a central role in the quest for more glory.
