Invited to the RTS studio, El Hadji Ousseynou Diouf, one of the legends of Senegalese football, shared his views on the debate that has stirred fans since Senegal’s second Africa Cup of Nations victory against Morocco. For many supporters, Sadio Mané, a two-time AFCON winner and recipient of two African Ballon d’Or awards, is now the greatest Senegalese player of all time. But for Diouf, this comparison makes no sense.
According to him, football is experienced in every era, and each generation has its icons. “You can only be the best player of your time,” he asserts. For Diouf, Sadio Mané has made his mark just as he did before, and as some of his illustrious predecessors did as well. He emphasizes that talent and achievements cannot be directly compared across decades because the context, playing styles, and challenges are different.
The former international striker does not hide his admiration for Mané, whom he calls his “younger brother” in football. He recalls the moment during the AFCON final when Sadio Mané followed his advice and experience, showing the respect and humility that characterize great players. “I thank Sadio a lot because he could have chosen not to listen to me,” he said, highlighting that champions and great men always find each other on the pitch and in important moments.
Diouf also touches on the idea of passing the torch between generations. He explains that just as the legendary Roger Mendy and the mythical Issa Bocandé passed the torch to him, he considers that he has handed this role of leader and example to Sadio Mané. “The most important thing is that Bocandé passed the torch to me, and I gave it to Sadio Mané. Tomorrow, Sadio will pass it to someone else,” he specifies. This vision illustrates the importance of legacy in Senegalese football, where each great generation inspires and paves the way for the next.
For Diouf, football goes beyond personal accolades and comparisons. It’s about making your mark and leaving a legacy, whether through titles, performances, or influence on younger generations. So instead of debating who the greatest Senegalese player of all time is, he invites everyone to celebrate each other’s achievements and recognize the richness and continuity of Senegalese football across generations.
