As Senegal's football team prepares for a monumental Africa Cup of Nations semi-final clash against Egypt on Thursday, star forward Sadio Mane will carry the support of his young family. The former Liverpool icon's journey off the pitch, including his marriage to then 18-year-old Aisha Tamba, is as compelling as his sporting prowess.
The Wedding and a Traditional Courtship
In January 2024, amidst preparations to defend Senegal's AFCON title, Mane exchanged vows with Aisha Tamba in an Islamic ceremony held at her family home in Keur Massar, Dakar. The event was attended by close family and friends from both sides.
According to Aisha's father, Amadou Tamba, the couple first met two years earlier when Aisha was just 16, during a family visit. They did not date prior to marriage, with Tamba explaining the union followed traditional discussions between the families. He noted that Mane, who is 13 years older than his wife, "probably saw something special in her."
Education Before Honeymoon
Following the wedding, Mane's plans for a honeymoon were reportedly postponed at the request of Aisha's family, who wanted her to focus on her final school exams. The commitment paid off later in 2024 when the couple celebrated Aisha's graduation, as she received her baccalaureate with a passable distinction. Social media footage captured Mane joyously celebrating the achievement with his wife.
Welcoming a Daughter and Dreams of a Big Family
The couple welcomed their first child, a baby girl, in March 2025 when Aisha was 19. Mane famously dedicated a goal for his club, Al Nassr, to his newborn daughter soon after, using a cradling celebration during a match.
When asked about his ideal family size, the footballer revealed his hopes for multiple children. "If it is just a choice, I would say 3 or 4," Mane told Senepeopleplus. He added, "Except that it is God who decides and I will thank him no matter what." Pressed on whether he would consider an even larger family of six or seven, he replied, "Maybe, you never know."
On the pitch, Mane's focus is now firmly on the AFCON semi-final. Senegal, having conceded only two goals in the tournament, face a formidable Egypt side led by his former Liverpool teammate Mohamed Salah. Mane has scored once in the competition so far, and a victory would see Senegal one step closer to retaining the trophy they won by beating Egypt in the 2021 final.
