Senegal captain Sadio Mané has announced his retirement from international football following the country’s 3-2 extra-time defeat to Belgium in the Round of 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The 34-year-old Al-Nassr forward confirmed his decision in a statement released after Senegal’s exit from the tournament, ending an international career that spanned 14 years.
“Know that I sacrificed everything for this flag,” Mané said. “I gave the very best of myself and I always fought fiercely for our homeland. Your constant support has been the engine of my success.”
Although he is retiring from international duty as a player, Mané said he hopes to continue contributing to Senegalese football in another role in the future.
“Tomorrow, I will gladly put my experience at the service of the nation, whether within a technical staff, on the sidelines as a coach, or in the governing bodies,” he said.
Mané retires as one of Senegal’s most decorated footballers, having made 132 appearances for the national team and scored 55 goals. He featured in all four of Senegal’s matches at the 2026 World Cup, where the Lions of Teranga were eliminated by Belgium after relinquishing a two-goal advantage.
During his time with the national team, Mané played a key role in Senegal’s historic 2022 Africa Cup of Nations triumph, helping the country secure its first-ever AFCON title. He was also named African Footballer of the Year twice and represented Senegal at several major international tournaments.
At club level, Mané enjoyed a trophy-laden spell with Liverpool, scoring 90 goals in 196 appearances while winning the Premier League, UEFA Champions League, FA Cup and League Cup. He later joined Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr.
His retirement brings to a close one of the most successful international careers in Senegalese football history and signals the beginning of a new chapter as the national team prepares to build around a younger generation of players.
