Former Liverpool forward Sadio Mane has announced he will retire from international football after playing in the 2026 World Cup, following Senegal’s dramatic 1-0 victory over Morocco to win the Africa Cup of Nations
Former Liverpool star Sadio Mane says he will retire after the 2026 World Cup(Image: )
Sadio Mane has revealed his intention to represent Senegal at the 2026 World Cup before calling time on his international career. The ex-Liverpool forward was instrumental as Senegal won the Africa Cup of Nations with a 1-0 triumph over Morocco in a dramatic final.
The 33-year-old, currently with Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia, contributed five goals across the tournament with two strikes and three assists. He featured in every match as Senegal clinched AFCON glory for only the second occasion in their history.
Speaking to beIN Sports following the final whistle, Mane said: “I will try to play in the 2026 World Cup, and then I will retire from international football.
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“The Saudi league is very competitive and very strong, people need to know that. It is one of the best leagues in the world.”
Mane demonstrated his quality throughout the competition and proved crucial during a chaotic conclusion to regulation time.
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Sunday’s final in Rabat erupted into controversy when the home side was given a penalty in the eighth minute of stoppage time, moments after Senegal had what appeared to be a legitimate goal disallowed with the match goalless.
Senegal manager Pape Thiaw instructed his squad to leave the pitch, with play only resuming approximately 16 minutes later after former Liverpool icon Mane – who had initially stayed on the pitch before eventually heading to the dressing room – convinced his colleagues to see out the contest.
Real Madrid striker Brahim Diaz eventually sent his Panenka penalty attempt straight at goalkeeper Edouard Mendy, and Senegal secured their second AFCON title thanks to Pape Gueye’s stunning extra-time winner.
“It would have been a shame and sad to see this kind of scenario happen,” Mane told reporters about the possibility that the match might be called off. Thiaw offered an apology after the game for leading the Senegal players off the pitch.
“After reflecting on it I made them come back (on the pitch) – you can react in the heat of the moment,” Thiaw told BeIN Sports.
“We accept the errors of the referee. We shouldn’t have done it but it’s done and now we present our apologies to football.
Morocco boss Walid Regragui condemned Thiaw for orchestrating Senegal’s walkout protest, saying: “The image we’ve given of Africa is shameful.
“A coach who asks his players to leave the field. What Pape did does not honour Africa. Thiaw wasn’t classy.
“But he is a champion, so he can say whatever he wants. We stopped the match in the eyes of the world for 10 minutes.”
