Sadio Mané has officially retired from international football, bringing an end to a 14-year career with Senegal’s national team.
The 34-year-old forward confirmed his decision in a statement following Senegal’s elimination from the 2026 World Cup round of 32.
Mané leaves the national team with 130 caps, 54 goals and 29 assists to his name. He is Senegal’s all-time top goalscorer.
His greatest achievement came in 2021, when he led the Teranga Lions to their first-ever Africa Cup of Nations title. In the final against Egypt, Mané scored the winning penalty in a shootout.
He also led Senegal to the 2019 AFCON final and played a major role in the country’s disputed 2025 AFCON success.
Mané was named African Footballer of the Year in 2019 and 2022.
Senegal’s 2026 World Cup campaign ended in a heartbreaking 3-2 extra-time defeat to Belgium, having led 2-0 with five minutes remaining. The tournament was overshadowed by turmoil within the Senegalese Football Federation, including unpaid bonuses and a dispute over the team’s US base camp.
Despite the disappointment, Mané leaves as one of Senegalese football’s defining figures.
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In a farewell message, Mané paid tribute to supporters and reflected on his commitment. “Know that I sacrificed everything for this flag. I gave my all and always fought fiercely for our country,” he wrote. “Your constant support has been the driving force behind my success”.
Mané has expressed a desire to remain involved in Senegalese football. “Tomorrow, I will gladly put my experience at the service of the nation, whether within a technical staff, on the coaching bench, or in the governing bodies,” he said. He will continue playing at club level for Saudi side Al-Nassr.
