Just days after Senegal’s elimination in the Round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup, Sadio Mané has reportedly decided to end his international career. According to a statement seen by Le Quotidien, the Al-Nassr forward has chosen to turn the page after more than fourteen years wearing the Lions of Teranga jersey. At 34, the Bambali native leaves behind an exceptional legacy, marked by top-level performances, historic trophies, and a major influence on several generations of Senegalese fans.
This decision wouldn’t come as a real surprise. After Senegal’s second continental title at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, Sadio Mané hinted that the 2026 World Cup, hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, would likely be his last major international competition. Back then, the former Liverpool player explained he wanted to finish his journey with the Lions at the highest level before making way for the new generation.
Senegal’s journey in this World Cup ended in a particularly cruel way. The Lions seemed to have their ticket to the quarter-finals in hand against Belgium, leading 2-0 until the 86th minute. But an incredible comeback from the Red Devils completely turned the match around, leading to Senegal’s elimination in the Round of 16. This disappointment deeply affected the players, fans, and staff, ending hopes of seeing the Lions achieve the best World Cup run in their history.
Sadio Mané joined the national team in 2012 and quickly established himself as one of the leaders of Senegalese football. Over the years, he became one of the most important players in the history of the Lions thanks to his consistency, effectiveness, and team spirit. With over 120 caps, he ranks among the most capped players for Senegal. He is also the all-time top scorer for the national team with 52 goals, while holding the record for assists in national colors.
His name will forever be associated with the greatest successes of Senegalese football. Mané played a crucial role in the Lions’ first continental title at the AFCON 2021 in Cameroon, a historic victory that secured Senegal’s very first African title. A few years later, he again led his team to the top by contributing to the second continental title won at the AFCON 2025 in Morocco, thus confirming Senegal’s dominance in African football.
🚨🚨 SADIO MANÉ 🇸🇳 HAS REPORTEDLY ANNOUNCED HIS INTERNATIONAL RETIREMENT VIA A STATEMENT PUBLISHED BY @QuotidienSN !!! 👋
In this statement, the Senegalese forward notably writes. 👇
« Know that I sacrificed everything for this flag. I gave my best and I always… pic.twitter.com/YpJ9tqn8PK
— Actu Foot (@ActuFoot_) July 10, 2026
Beyond the trophies, Sadio Mané has marked an entire era with his commitment, humility, and attachment to the national jersey. A two-time African Ballon d’Or winner, he was named the best player of AFCON 2021 and then again in 2025. He has embodied the face of Senegalese football for over a decade. If this international retirement is confirmed, it will close one of the greatest chapters in the history of the Lions of Teranga. His legacy will continue to inspire future generations of Senegalese footballers.
