Sadio Mane has announced that he will retire from international football after the 2026 World Cup. The 33-year-old former Liverpool forward, now playing for Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia, made the revelation following Senegal's Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final victory over Morocco.
Mane played a key role in Senegal's 1-0 win, contributing five goals (two goals, three assists) across the tournament. He featured in every match as Senegal clinched their second AFCON title. Speaking to beIN Sports, Mane said: 'I will try to play in the 2026 World Cup, and then I will retire from international football.' He also praised the Saudi league, calling it 'very competitive and very strong'.
The final was marred by controversy when Morocco were awarded a penalty in stoppage time, moments after Senegal had a goal disallowed. Senegal manager Pape Thiaw instructed his players to leave the pitch in protest, with play halted for around 16 minutes. Mane, who initially stayed on the pitch, eventually convinced his teammates to return. Morocco's Brahim Diaz missed the penalty, and Senegal won through Pape Gueye's extra-time goal.
Thiaw later apologised, saying: 'After reflecting on it I made them come back – you can react in the heat of the moment. 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 coach Walid Regragui condemned the walkout, calling it 'shameful' and saying it 'does not honour Africa'.
