Sadio Mané's impact on African football was already undeniable, but today the 33-year-old cemented his legacy among the greats of the continent.
The former Liverpool star, who stands as his country's all-time leading goals scorer (53), with the second most appearances, etched his name into the record books, achieving a feat only reached by two other African players.
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With two AFCON titles to his name, Mané is now just the third African footballer to win multiple AFCON titles and multiple African Footballer of the Year awards, joining Cameroonian legends Roger Milla and Samuel Eto’o.
Leading Senegal to a dramatic Africa Cup of Nations victory over Morocco in the final, Mané was named Best Player of the tournament, as the Lions of Teranga lifted the trophy for a second time (2021, 2025), finishing with two goals and three assists — the second most in the tournament.
While his impact on the pitch speaks for itself, today Mané's leadership and influence were on full display as he rallied his team back onto the pitch after a tense standoff.
Sadio Mané inspires Senegal victory after dramatic scenes
The AFCON Final was not without controversy as Senegal's players dramatically left the pitch in the eighth minute of stoppage time and went to the tunnel after Morocco were awarded a debatable penalty for a foul on Brahim Diaz.
Referee Jean‑Jacques Ngambo Ndala pointed to the spot following a VAR review, just minutes after he ruled out what looked like the winner for Senegal in the 92nd minute, with Abdoulaye Seck judged to have fouled Morocco's Achraf Hakimi in the buildup.
90+2’—Senegal disallowed goal
— B/R Football (@brfootball) January 18, 2026
90+8’—Morocco are awarded a penalty by VAR
90+12’—Senegal players leave the pitch due to decision
90+21’—Senegal players return to pitch
90+24’—Édouard Mendy SAVES Brahim Diaz’s panenka penalty
AFCON FINAL GOES TO EXTRA TIME.
🤯 pic.twitter.com/pPhE7AKTKL
After the penalty was awarded, Senegal coach Pape Thiaw ordered his team off the pitch, which led to a 15-minute delay, before Mané intervened.
With fans hurling objects onto the pitch in protest at the decision, Mané was the only Senegal player to remain on the pitch, speaking with both the officials and Morocco's players, heroically recalling his team from the tunnel, demanding they continue the game.
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Diaz missed the penalty with a panenka attempt that was easily saved by goalkeeper Édouard Mendy, before Pape Gueye rifled in a left-foot screamer from the edge of the box in the fourth minute of extra time to seal the win.
Sadio Mane was instrumental in calling the Senegal players back to the pitch 👏#AFCONFinal | #TotalEnergiesAFCON2025 pic.twitter.com/LV34ZuSoL4
— beIN SPORTS (@beINSPORTS_EN) January 18, 2026
"Yes, it was I who convinced the team to return to the field, Mané said post-game.
"The players and the coach had decided to withdraw, and I didn’t understand that decision, but finally, I told everyone to return immediately and to play no matter the cost."
Mané urged to reverse retirement decision
Following their 1-0 semi-final win over Egypt, in which Mané scored the winning goal, he announced that this would be his last AFCON appearance, after featuring in six tournaments, however, manager Thiaw is doing everything he can to keep him around.
"The country is not in agreement [with his decision], and I am not in agreement, Thiaw told ESPN ahead of the final.
"We want to keep him as long as possible. He represents Africa, the world, and when we say it's his decision, it doesn't just belong to him, he belongs to the people of Senegal, and they want to see him carry on.
"...Considering his example, we need such people like this in the country. He gives lessons, his humility, his education, how he gives his sweat for Senegal."
The next Africa Cup of Nations will take place in 2027, hosted by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda, while the 2029 edition is being brought forward to 2028.
Before that, Mané will lead the Lions of Teranga at the FIFA World Cup later this year, with an entire nation hoping he continues his national team career beyond that.