Sadio Mané Announces International Retirement After Senegal's World Cup Exit

Senegalese star Sadio Mané has announced his retirement from international football, bringing an end to a 14-year career with the Senegal national team, just days after the "Lions of Teranga" were eliminated in the Round of 16 at the 2026 World Cup following a defeat to Belgium.

Mané leaves the national team as Senegal's all-time top scorer, having netted 55 goals in 132 international appearances. He was also a key figure in the golden generation that led the team to victory in the 2022 Africa Cup of Nations, alongside participating in several World Cup editions.

The decision from the 34-year-old player came after Senegal's journey in the 2026 World Cup ended, a move that had been anticipated in recent months as he approached the end of his international career, making way for a new generation of players to lead the team in upcoming competitions.

Mané is regarded as one of the greatest players in Senegalese football history, leaving a significant mark on the national team through his goals and achievements, in addition to his successful professional career with several European clubs before moving to the Saudi league.