The announcement follows Senegal’s exit from the tournament, bringing the curtain down on a remarkable international journey that saw Mané establish himself as one of the greatest players in the country’s football history.

The 34-year-old had earlier hinted that the World Cup would be his last tournament in Senegal colours, and he has now made that decision official after more than a decade of representing his nation at the highest level.

During his time with the national team, Mané became a central figure in Senegal’s rise as a continental powerhouse. He played a leading role in delivering the country’s first-ever Africa Cup of Nations title in 2022 before helping the Lions of Teranga secure a second AFCON crown in 2025.

Across a career that produced well over 100 international appearances, Mané scored crucial goals, captained his country with distinction and inspired a new generation of Senegalese footballers through his consistency, leadership and dedication.

Reflecting on his decision, the former Liverpool forward thanked the people of Senegal and everyone who supported him throughout his international career.

“I will support the young players until the World Cup, and after that, it will be over. I thank the Senegalese people. I’m very happy. I gave everything in this match because I knew it was my last here. Representing Senegal has been the greatest honour of my career, and I leave knowing I gave everything for my country.”

Although his chapter with the Senegal national team has come to an end, Mané is expected to continue playing at club level as he begins the next phase of his illustrious football career.

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The fallout from CAF’s controversial decision to award the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations title to Morocco has deepened, with the Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) and captain Sadio Mané both breaking their silence in strongly worded statements.

In a ruling that has stunned the football world, CAF officially overturned Senegal’s victory two months after the final, declaring Morocco champions instead. The decision, announced on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, followed a review of events that occurred during the January 18 final in Rabat.

The match, which was locked at 0-0 deep into stoppage time, took a dramatic turn when Senegal’s players staged a protest by walking off the pitch for about 20 minutes after a controversial penalty was awarded to Morocco. Although the team later returned—reportedly convinced by their captain, Sadio Mané—and went on to win 1-0 after extra time, CAF ruled that the temporary walk-off breached competition rules.

Citing Articles 82 and 84, CAF’s Appeals Committee concluded that Senegal’s action amounted to a forfeiture, leading to a 3-0 victory being awarded to Morocco and the title officially reassigned.

Reacting swiftly, the Senegalese Football Federation rejected the decision outright, describing it as both unfair and damaging to the image of African football. The body also confirmed plans to challenge the ruling at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).

“The Senegalese Football Federation condemns this unjust, unprecedented, and unacceptable decision, which brings African football into disrepute. We acted in the interest of fair play on the night, yet we are being punished for a situation handled with the utmost leadership by our captain.”

The federation maintained that since the match was completed and a winner emerged on the pitch, the original result should not have been overturned.

Sadio Mané, who was instrumental in ensuring the match resumed and was later named Player of the Tournament, also expressed deep disappointment over the development.

“We won that trophy with our sweat and our hearts on the pitch in Rabat,” he said. “To take it away in a boardroom months later is not football. I went into that dressing room to bring my brothers back because we wanted to prove we were the best through play, not politics. This decision hurts every Senegalese person, but we know who the real champions are.”

With the ruling, Morocco has been officially crowned AFCON 2025 champions via a 3-0 forfeit, while Senegal’s players—including Mané—have been stripped of their winners’ medals. The case is now expected to head to CAS, setting up a potentially lengthy legal battle.

The controversy has sparked widespread debate about officiating, discipline, and the increasing influence of VAR in African football. While Morocco insists the decision simply reflects enforcement of the rules, many in Senegal see it as a harsh and targeted sanction.

As attention shifts toward the 2026 World Cup, the Lions of Teranga now face not only preparations on the pitch but also a fight off it—one aimed at reclaiming a title they believe was rightfully theirs.

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The official squad is dominated by players from the tournament’s top three nations, reflecting their impact throughout the month-long competition.

AFCON 2025 Best XI

Goalkeeper:

• Yassine Bounou (Morocco) – Awarded Best Goalkeeper, providing a safe pair of hands throughout the tournament.

Defenders:

• Achraf Hakimi (Morocco) – Right-back, part of Morocco’s defensive backbone.
• Calvin Bassey (Nigeria) – Central defender, praised for his physicality and consistency.
• Moussa Niakhaté (Senegal) – Central defender, forming a solid partnership with Bassey.
• Noussair Mazraoui (Morocco) – Left-back, complementing Morocco’s defensive unit.

Midfielders:

• Idrissa Gana Gueye (Senegal) – Anchoring the midfield with defensive discipline.
• Pape Gueye (Senegal) – Defensive midfield powerhouse and scorer of the winning goal in the final.
• Ademola Lookman (Nigeria) – Winger, recognised for his creativity and assist tally.

Forwards:

• Brahim Díaz (Morocco) – Tournament Golden Boot winner with five goals.
• Victor Osimhen (Nigeria) – Striking force and one of the tournament’s most lethal forwards.
• Sadio Mané (Senegal) – Captain and Player of the Tournament, leading Senegal’s attack with authority.

Nigeria had three players in the final XI: Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, and Calvin Bassey, highlighting their impressive performances despite finishing third.

The selection underscores the dominance of Senegal and Morocco, with both teams providing the bulk of the defensive and midfield structures, while the attack was shared among the top performers of the tournament.

This Best XI celebrates the players who made the biggest impact on AFCON 2025, combining talent, consistency, and moments of magic on the biggest stage in African football.

Excellence, position by position. Meet the #TotalEnergiesAFCON2025 best XI. 🌟@Midea pic.twitter.com/DP3r3AzMiF

— TotalEnergies AFCON 2025 (@CAF_Online) January 21, 2026

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From ruthless finishers to clever creators, the numbers so far tell the story of who has truly stamped their authority on the tournament.

At the top of the goal charts sits Morocco’s Brahim Díaz, who has been in devastating form throughout the group stage. With five goals in five matches, the attacker has consistently delivered when it matters most, making him the current leading scorer of the competition.

Close behind is Nigeria’s Victor Osimhen, whose presence in the box has once again proven decisive. The Super Eagles striker has found the net four times in five games, continuing his reputation as one of Africa’s most reliable goal scorers on the big stage.

Nigeria also boasts another strong contender in Ademola Lookman, who has contributed three goals from five appearances. He shares this tally with Lassine Sinayoko (Mali), Ayoub El Kaabi (Morocco), Mohamed Salah (Egypt) and Amad Diallo (Ivory Coast), all of whom have delivered crucial goals for their nations.

Perhaps the most eye-catching efficiency belongs to Riyad Mahrez. The Algerian captain has scored three goals in just two matches, underlining his impact whenever he steps onto the pitch.

Highest goal scorers at AFCON 2025

• Brahim Díaz (Morocco) – 5 goals (5 matches)
• Victor Osimhen (Nigeria) – 4 goals (5 matches)
• Ademola Lookman (Nigeria) – 3 goals (5 matches)
• Lassine Sinayoko (Mali) – 3 goals (5 matches)
• Ayoub El Kaabi (Morocco) – 3 goals (5 matches)
• Mohamed Salah (Egypt) – 3 goals (5 matches)
• Riyad Mahrez (Algeria) – 3 goals (2 matches)
• Amad Diallo (Ivory Coast) – 3 goals (5 matches)

Beyond the goals, creativity has been just as influential. Ademola Lookman has stood out not only as a scorer but also as the tournament’s leading provider, recording four assists to underline his all-round attacking influence for Nigeria.

Senegal’s talisman Sadio Mané follows closely with three assists, while Nigeria continues to dominate the assist charts through Alex Iwobi and Samuel Chukwueze, who have both contributed two assists each. Azzedine Ounahi (Morocco) and Anis Hadj-Moussa (Algeria) complete the list, also registering two assists apiece.

Players with the highest assists at AFCON 2025

• Ademola Lookman (Nigeria) – 4 assists
• Sadio Mané (Senegal) – 3 assists
• Alex Iwobi (Nigeria) – 2 assists
• Samuel Chukwueze (Nigeria) – 2 assists
• Azzedine Ounahi (Morocco) – 2 assists
• Anis Hadj-Moussa (Algeria) – 2 assists

With qualification spots still on the line and knockout football fast approaching, these goal scorers and playmakers are expected to play even bigger roles.

As AFCON 2025 enters its most critical phase, their boots and their vision could be the difference between an early exit and a march toward continental glory.

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Barcelona’s teenage sensation Lamine Yamal has made history by breaking into Forbes’ top 10 highest-paid footballers of 2025, joining an elite list dominated by some of the game’s biggest global icons.

At just 18 years old, Yamal’s inclusion marks a stunning ascent both on and off the pitch. The young winger, who enjoyed a breakout 2024/25 season with Barcelona, now earns a reported $43 million annually, placing him 10th on Forbes’ latest list and making him the youngest footballer ever to feature among the sport’s top earners.

Meanwhile, Cristiano Ronaldo continues to reign supreme financially. The 40-year-old Portuguese superstar tops the rankings for the second consecutive year with an astounding $280 million in earnings, driven by his record-breaking contract extension with Al Nassr and his vast global endorsement portfolio. Ronaldo also remains on course to hit the 1,000 career goals milestone, underscoring his enduring dominance.

Lionel Messi sits in second place with $130 million, largely fueled by lucrative partnerships with Adidas, Lay’s, and Mastercard, as well as the launch of his own sports drink brand. Karim Benzema, now at Al Ittihad, takes the third spot with $104 million, while Kylian Mbappé ($95 million) and Erling Haaland ($80 million) complete the top five.

But all eyes are on Yamal, the new face of Barcelona’s future. His dazzling performances, including 18 goals and 25 assists last season, helped the Catalan giants capture a domestic treble (La Liga, Copa del Rey, and Spanish Super Cup). His heroics for Spain’s Euro 2024-winning side only cemented his superstar status.

Off the field, Yamal’s marketability has skyrocketed. In addition to Adidas, Konami, and Powerade, he recently signed a major endorsement deal with Beats by Dre, boosting his commercial value. Barcelona rewarded his impact with a new contract running until 2031 and handed him the iconic No. 10 jersey once worn by Lionel Messi, symbolising a generational passing of the torch.

Here’s Forbes’ list of the 10 highest-paid footballers in 2025:

1️⃣ Cristiano Ronaldo (Al Nassr) – $280 million
2️⃣ Lionel Messi (Inter Miami) – $130 million
3️⃣ Karim Benzema (Al Ittihad) – $104 million
4️⃣ Kylian Mbappé (Real Madrid) – $95 million
5️⃣ Erling Haaland (Manchester City) – $80 million
6️⃣ Vinícius Jr (Real Madrid) – $60 million
7️⃣ Mohamed Salah (Liverpool) – $55 million
8️⃣ Sadio Mané (Al Nassr) – $54 million
9️⃣ Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid) – $44 million
🔟 Lamine Yamal (Barcelona) – $43 million

From La Masia prodigy to global powerhouse, Lamine Yamal’s rise reflects football’s new era, where teenage talent can rival legends in both performance and pay.

The World’s Highest-Paid Soccer Players 2025 https://t.co/20jsp6aLxQ

— Forbes (@Forbes) October 16, 2025

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Below is a detailed breakdown of the top earners in football for the year 2024, taking into account their on-field salaries as well as off-field earnings from endorsements and business ventures.

Top 10 Highest-Paid Footballers in 2024:

10. Kevin De Bruyne

– Age: 33 | Club: Manchester City | Nationality: Belgium
– On-Field: $35 million • Off-Field: $4 million
De Bruyne earns a total of $39 million annually, with $35 million coming from his playing contract with Manchester City and an additional $4 million from endorsements with brands like Nike, McDonald’s, and Credit Karma.

9. Sadio Mane

– Age: 32 | Club: Al Nassr | Nationality: Senegal
– On-Field: $48 million • Off-Field: $4 million
Mane’s move to Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia significantly increased his earnings, making him one of the highest-paid players globally with a $48 million salary and $4 million from endorsements.

8. Mohamed Salah

– Age: 32 | Club: Liverpool | Nationality: Egypt
– On-Field: $35 million • Off-Field: $18 million
Salah remains a vital part of Liverpool’s success, earning $35 million from his playing contract and $18 million from endorsements, bringing his total to $53 million.

7. Vinicius Junior

– Age: 24 | Club: Real Madrid | Nationality: Brazil
– On-Field: $40 million • Off-Field: $15 million
Vinicius Jr. has become one of football’s top earners, with a $40 million salary and $15 million from brand deals, including PlayStation and Pepsi.

6. Erling Haaland

– Age: 24 | Club: Manchester City | Nationality: Norway
-On-Field: $46 million • Off-Field: $14 million
Haaland, Manchester City’s prolific scorer, earns $46 million in wages and $14 million through endorsements, totalling $60 million annually.

5. Kylian Mbappe

– Age: 25 | Club: Real Madrid | Nationality: France
-On-Field: $70 million • Off-Field: $20 million
After his high-profile move to Real Madrid, Mbappe earns $70 million on the field, with an additional $20 million from endorsements. His total earnings reach $90 million.

4. Karim Benzema

-Age: 36 | Club: Al Ittihad | Nationality: France
-On-Field: $100 million • Off-Field: $4 million
Benzema’s move to Saudi Arabia’s Al Ittihad landed him a $100 million salary and $4 million from endorsement deals.

3. Neymar

– Age: 32 | Club: Al Hilal | Nationality: Brazil
-On-Field: $80 million • Off-Field: $30 million
Neymar’s switch to Al Hilal in Saudi Arabia earns him $80 million on the pitch, complemented by $30 million from endorsements and sponsorships.

2. Lionel Messi

-Age: 37 | Club: Inter Miami | Nationality: Argentina
-On-Field: $60 million • Off-Field: $75 million
With his move to Inter Miami, Messi earns $60 million on the field, along with $75 million off the field through his endorsements and business ventures.

1. Cristiano Ronaldo

-Age: 39 | Club: Al Nassr | Nationality: Portugal
-On-Field: $220 million • Off-Field: $65 million
Ronaldo tops the list as the highest-paid footballer in the world, earning a staggering $220 million from his playing contract with Al Nassr and $65 million from off-field endorsements.

These players dominate the sport and leverage their global appeal to maximize earnings through brand partnerships and business ventures.

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EA Sports has released its updated player ratings for the top African footballers ahead of the 2024/25 season. Among the standout names, Egypt’s Mohamed Salah (Liverpool), Nigeria’s Victor Osimhen (Napoli), and Algeria’s Riyad Mahrez (Al Ahli) have all been recognized for their exceptional abilities.

Salah leads the pack with a rating of 89, maintaining his status as one of the best African footballers. Osimhen, coming off a stellar season, has earned an impressive 88 rating. Mahrez follows with an 86 rating.

The list also includes other highly-rated African talents, such as Senegal’s Sadio Mane (86) and André Onana of Cameroon (Manchester United, 85). In total, players from leading African nations such as Egypt, Nigeria, and Senegal dominate the rankings, reflecting their strength in world football.

These ratings highlight the contributions of African stars who continue to make their mark on the global stage.

Here’s a sneak peek at the top 20 highest-rated African players in EA Sports:

1. Mohamed Salah (Egypt) – 89

2. Victor Osimhen (Nigeria) – 88

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Sadio Mane, the forward for Al-Nassr, has finally spoken out following his marriage to his 19-year-old girlfriend, Aisha Tamba.

The former Liverpool star exchanged vows with Tamba in a ceremony held last weekend in Dakar, Senegal, just a week before the commencement of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

Expressing his joy, Mane shared his sentiments with local media, stating (via The Sun): “Honestly, I am happy [with] the fact the president has congratulated me just as much as, well, I would say not just my teammates. I think that all the people have congratulated me and wished me [luck], so I am happy and I hope that it will be okay.”

In 2022, Mane had previously mentioned his desire to marry a woman who respects God and doesn’t focus on social media spending.

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Senegalese football star and two-time African Player of the Year, Sadio Mane, has left an enduring impact both on and off the field by unveiling the Bambali Stadium, a project he funded at his own expense for the people of his home village in Senegal, West Africa.

Sadio Mane’s dedication to giving back is showcased in the construction of the Stade de Bambali, the stadium replacing a humble mud pitch where his football journey began. Funded entirely by Mane, this initiative reflects his commitment to providing enhanced sports infrastructure for the community.

Beyond the stadium, Mane’s impact extends to the lives of the people in Bambali, offering a dedicated space for local sports teams to practice and compete. The stadium also serves as a central gathering place for community events and celebrations.

This philanthropic endeavor is not the first for Mane, who previously built a hospital in his home village in June 2023. Sadio Mane’s consistent commitment to community development and philanthropy underscores his desire to make a positive difference in the lives of the people in his home region.

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After joining Al Ittihad during the summer, Karim Benzema stated that he “always wanted” to live in Saudi Arabia.

The famous forward was widely anticipated to sign a one-year agreement with Real Madrid after the 2022–23 season, but he suddenly decided to join Saudi Pro League team Al Ittihad instead, agreeing to a deal for an astounding £172 million annually.

Benzema has made 11 appearances for his new teams so far, scoring six goals in those contests to help the defending champions climb the Saudi Pro League standings.

Speaking to the league’s official media outlets, Benzema spent time explaining why he chose to go to the Middle East, citing his faith as a major motivator.

“Well with everything I’ve made and gained with Real Madrid, I think it was for me the good moment to try a new challenge,” he said. “For a really long time, even before football, I always wanted to come here. Also, it’s a Muslim country. Straight away I felt this love for me. On and off the pitch I feel good.

“This country welcomed me with open arms. I feel the love of the people here so obviously that makes me happy.”

“I really want to help Saudi football grow. [Al Ittihad] was a project that was just starting to burst from everywhere so from my side I wanted to be part of the story. That’s the reason why I came here.”

Benzema also discussed how surprised he’s been by the standard of play in the Saudi Pro League. A huge number of top level players such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Sadio Mane and Riyad Mahrez have all made the move to the league over the last 12 months, greatly improving the product.

“I’m really surprised and pleased about the level of the game here,” he went on to explain. “Really surprised because in Europe we don’t watch much football from here. Nowadays we are watching more and more because of the big names they signed.”

"I really wanted to be part of the story and to help Saudi football grow" 🎙️@Benzema discusses his move and start to life in the RSL 🇫🇷#yallaRSL pic.twitter.com/67VysqGDMM

— Roshn Saudi League (@SPL_EN) October 11, 2023

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Sadio Mane has finalized his transfer from Bayern Munich to Al Nassr of the Saudi Pro League, where he will make £650,000 per week.

Mane has a contract in place through 2027, so if he sees it through, he will be eligible for a total payout of over £136 million.

Saaaadiiiioooooooo MANÉ! 🦁🗣️#ManéIsYellow 🤩💛 pic.twitter.com/NelGDo7MKh

— AlNassr FC (@AlNassrFC_EN) August 1, 2023

The 31-year-old winger recently inked a three-year deal with Bayern Munich just last summer, following his departure from Liverpool for a transfer fee of £35 million.

However, his time at Bayern took a downturn after an incident where he struck his teammate Leroy Sane following a Champions League defeat to Manchester City in April.

Despite Bayern’s remarkable achievement of winning their 11th consecutive Bundesliga championship, Mane found himself on the bench and facing fines. Over the course of 38 games, he managed to net 12 goals.

While he did join Bayern on their pre-season tour of Asia, he was conspicuously absent from the squad for Saturday’s friendly against Kawasaki Frontale in Tokyo. Bayern Munich issued a statement, stating, “Sadio Mane is in contract talks ahead of a possible transfer and so is not in today’s squad.”

Sadio Mane bid farewell to Anfield after making an impressive 269 appearances and scoring 120 goals in various competitions, following his arrival from Southampton in 2016. Bayern Munich initially paid £27.5 million for the Senegalese forward, with an additional £7.5 million in add-ons.

During his six-year tenure at Anfield, Mane secured an array of accolades, including the Premier League, the Champions League, the FIFA Club World Cup, the UEFA Super Cup, the FA Cup, and the Carabao Cup.

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According to reports, Bayern Munich forward Sadio Mane has agreed a deal in principle to join Saudi Pro League side Al Nassr.

One of the more well-known players this transfer window who has been linked to a move to the Middle East is the former Liverpool player.

After a somewhat lacklustre 12 goals in 38 appearances across all competitions in his debut season with Bayern, Mane gained notoriety for his physical altercation with teammate Leroy Sane after a Champions League defeat.

Mane originally declined to negotiate a move to Saudi Arabia, but according to rumours in May, Bayern would consider bids for him.

Steven Gerrard sought to ramp up Saudi Pro League interest in Mane after taking over at Al Ettifaq, but 90min understands he has now quickly reached an agreement in principle on personal terms with Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr.

Mane emphasizes that he would not have even considered moving to Saudi Arabia a fortnight ago, thus the decision represents a significant U-turn.

Bayern expects to not be able to return the £35 million they spent to Liverpool to recruit Mane, but they will try to bring in a number that is as near to that amount as they can.

The Bundesliga champions are hopeful that the deal will move through quickly and that Mane will soon sign with Al Nassr.

Bayern Munich is still interested in getting Harry Kane from Tottenham Hotspur, according to sources who spoke to mp3bullet, but Spurs have reportedly continued to refuse to even set a price for their star striker.

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