Senegal captain Sadio Mane has announced his retirement from international football following the country’s dramatic exit from the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The 34-year-old Al-Nassr forward confirmed his decision after Senegal suffered a heartbreaking 3-2 extra-time defeat to Belgium in the Round of 32, despite taking a two-goal lead during the match.
Mane featured in all four of Senegal’s World Cup matches, bringing an end to a remarkable 14-year international career in which he earned 132 caps and scored 55 goals, making him one of the greatest players in the nation’s history.
In a statement shared by Senegalese outlet Le Quotidien, Mane reflected on his journey with the national team.
“Know that I sacrificed everything for this flag.
I gave my very best, and I always fought fiercely for our homeland.
Your constant support has been the engine of my success.”
The former Liverpool and Bayern Munich star also expressed his desire to remain involved in Senegalese football after retirement.
“Tomorrow, I will gladly put my experience at the service of the nation, whether within a technical staff, on the sidelines as a coach, or in the governing bodies.
Long live Senegal.”
Mane leaves the national team as an Africa Cup of Nations winner, Senegal’s all-time leading goalscorer, and one of the most influential footballers in the country’s history.
