Sadio Mane Urged to Reconsider International Retirement After AFCON Triumph | Quick Digest
Sadio Mane has announced his intention to retire from international football after the 2026 World Cup and confirmed AFCON 2025 was his last. Senegal coach Pape Thiaw and the nation are strongly urging the star forward to reconsider his decision, highlighting his importance.
Sadio Mane declared plans to retire from international football after the 2026 World Cup.
AFCON 2025, where Senegal won, marked Mane's final appearance in the tournament.
Senegal head coach Pape Thiaw publicly stated his disagreement and begged Mane to reconsider.
Thiaw emphasized Mane's role as a representative of Africa and Senegal, belonging to the people.
Mane, currently 33, plays for Saudi Pro League club Al-Nassr.
Sadio Mane, the esteemed former Liverpool and Bayern Munich star, has announced his intention to conclude his international football career with Senegal after the 2026 FIFA World Cup, further clarifying that the recently concluded Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025, which Senegal won, was his last appearance in the continental tournament. This declaration has prompted an impassioned plea from Senegal's head coach, Pape Thiaw, and the wider nation for Mane to reconsider his decision.
Coach Thiaw explicitly stated that both he and the country are not in agreement with Mane's planned retirement, expressing a strong desire to retain the globally recognized player for as long as possible. Thiaw highlighted Mane's profound significance, asserting that the forward 'represents Africa, the world' and 'belongs to the people of Senegal,' who wish to see him continue his illustrious international journey. Other teammates have also reportedly joined in the appeals for Mane to extend his tenure with the national squad. Mane, who is 33 years old and currently plays for Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League, played a pivotal role in Senegal's AFCON 2025 victory, contributing significantly with goals and assists. While The Mirror's headline accurately captures the essence of the coach's appeal, it slightly exaggerates by implying an immediate reversal of an *already made* retirement, rather than an *announced intention* for a future one.
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