The air in Rabat is thick with anticipation as Senegal prepares to face Morocco in the final of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. Yet, beneath the surface excitement for continental glory, a poignant question hangs over the Teranga Lions camp: Will this be Sadio Mane’s final dance on the AFCON stage?
For the 33-year-old forward, now starring for Saudi Arabia’s Al-Nassr, the journey has been nothing short of legendary, stretching back to the dusty, red-earth pitches of his hometown, Bambali. From watching Liverpool’s miraculous Istanbul comeback as a young boy to lifting the Champions League and Premier League trophies, Mane has achieved footballing immortality. However, it was the 2021 AFCON victory that he famously labelled the “best day and best trophy” of his life, cementing his status as a national hero, earning him a stadium named in his honour.
Chasing a Second Crown Amid Retirement Rumours
Mane himself has fuelled the speculation regarding his international future. Following a crucial semi-final performance where his strike helped dispatch Egypt, the skipper hinted at a potential curtain call after this tournament. "I will be very happy to play my last Afcon final, to enjoy it and to make my country win," Mane stated, suggesting the final against Morocco could serve as a glorious exit.
This potential departure is not being taken lightly by his teammates. Villarreal midfielder Pape Gueye voiced the squad’s collective hope, urging the icon to reconsider. "We're going to try to keep him with us a bit longer, because he still has some great years to give," Gueye told BBC Afrique. The desire for Mane to feature in the 2027 tournament in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda is palpable, reflecting his enduring importance to the team’s structure and spirit.
Mane: The Statistical Leader in Morocco
Mane’s influence on this campaign remains undeniable. Despite his age and move away from European top-flight football, his performance metrics in the 2025 tournament underscore his continued elite status. Leading the charts for chances created (18), shots on target (10), and touches in the opposition half (295), he remains the focal point of Senegal’s attack. Centre-back Moussa Niakhate praised him as "an incredible man," acknowledging the immense weight Mane carries for the nation.
Senegal’s expectations are clear. Idrissa Gana Gueye described Mane as a "big player" whom the team relies on to deliver in high-pressure moments—a role he has consistently fulfilled over his 120+ international caps, making him the country's record goalscorer with 53 goals.
Humble Roots, Global Impact
Beyond the pitch statistics and trophy counts, Mane’s legacy is deeply rooted in his unwavering humility and profound generosity back home. His charitable work in Bambali—funding a hospital, a school, and contributing to local mosques—speaks volumes about a man who has never forgotten where he started. This grounded nature endeared him to the fans during his peak years in England, exemplified by moments like cleaning mosque toilets in Toxteth after a victory, purely for the sake of community service, not publicity.
Imam Abu Usamah Al-Tahabi confirmed this discreet approach: "He’s not a person looking for fanfare. There's no arrogance." This humility is mirrored by the love he receives back home, where locals see him as someone "working for everybody."
As Senegal prepares to end Morocco's 50-year wait for AFCON glory on Sunday, the focus will inevitably shift to Mane. Whether he walks away victorious in Rabat or stays on for the next continental cycle, Sadio Mane has already secured his place as one of African football’s most cherished figures. The world watches to see if he chooses to sign off this chapter with a triumphant flourish or continue writing the history books for the Lions. The potential World Cup later this year also remains on his immediate horizon, suggesting that while the AFCON chapter may close, the final pages of Mane’s international story are yet to be written.
