CAN 2025: Sadio Mané makes a major decision about his international future

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·15 January 2026

CAN 2025: Sadio Mané makes a major decision about his international future

The Senegalese striker reveals his decision after qualifying for the Africa Cup of Nations final.

Sadio Mané - Senegal

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It's a piece of news that comes as a shock and seems almost unimaginable to many. Yet, he made it clear. Sadio Mané announced this Wednesday, January 14, that he will play his last Africa Cup of Nations final next Sunday.

The Lions of Teranga striker made this revelation after Senegal secured their place in the 2025 final. The match-winner in the semifinal against Egypt spoke candidly about his decision during the post-match press conference.

"I am a soldier for my country. I try to give my all every day, whether it's in training or in matches. The most important thing is to bring this trophy back to Dakar. We've qualified and I am extremely happy to be able to play my very last AFCON, a final with the Lions. I hope we win and bring it home to Dakar," Sadio Mané declared, in the simplest yet most striking way.

This announcement raises several questions about the 33-year-old's future with the national team. Mané did not explicitly mention a full international retirement or the end of an era with the Lions of Teranga. It's worth noting that the 33-year-old footballer has featured in six Africa Cup of Nations tournaments since 2015. He played in the finals in 2019 and 2021, winning the continental title in the latter after defeating Egypt in a penalty shootout. Sunday's final will therefore be his third appearance in the showpiece event wearing the Lions of Teranga shirt.

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