Addio, Sadio: Mane calls time on international career
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Reading Time: 2min | Fri. 10.07.26. | 15:23
Senegal captain decided to end his spell with the Lions of Teranga after their Round-of-32 exit from the 2026 World Cup
Sadio Mane could take no more!
He's been a Senegal international for 14 years, but 2026 was arguably the toughest one for him and his national team.
The beginning of the year brought a dream Africa Cup of Nations, which the Lions of Teranga won, beating the hosts Morocco 1-0 in the final after extra time, only to be stripped of the title two months later, with the Atlas Lions being awarded a 3-0 victory by default and crowned champions by the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
Just when Mane and Co. had recovered from that shock, another one followed.
The Lions of Teranga arrived in the USA, Canada, and Mexico as one of the 2026 World Cup dark horses, despite being drawn into a group of death, alongside France, Norway, and Iraq.
Although they barely advanced to the knockout phase, Senegal were on the verge of eliminating Belgium in the Round of 32. Nevertheless, they bottled a 2-0 lead late in the game and eventually suffered an extra-time defeat.
That setback, amid numerous logistical and financial issues within the team and the Senegalese Football Federation (FSF), seemed to have been the last straw for Mane, who has decided to call it quits.
"Know that I sacrificed everything for this flag. I gave my best and I always fought fiercely for our country," he said in a statement published by Le Quotidien.
Sadio Mané has announced his international retirement 🥹🇸🇳
— OneFootball (@OneFootball) July 10, 2026
He led Senegal to their first ever trophy as he won the 2021 AFCON, scoring the winning kick in the penalty shootout 👏 pic.twitter.com/WzgyqPYkpt
During his 14-year spell with the national team, Mane won the 2021 AFCON and played two more finals in 2019 and 2025. With him in the squad, the Lions of Teranga participated in three World Cups.
Today, he retires, but leaves behind a lasting legacy. With 54 goals, he is Senegal's all-time leading scorer, while his 130 appearances put him second on the nation's all-time caps list, just behind Idrissa Gueye, who has played five games more.
Thank you, magician. It was an honour to watch you wear Senegal's colours and fight for your country. The Lions of Teranga and international football will miss you.