Sadio Mane Retirement

Sadio Mane Confirms His Last Game For Senegal Ahead of AFCON Final

Pranav Venkatesh

Published - Jan 15, 2026, 11:25 AM

3 min

Add

As Preferred Source

Summary

Sadio Mane leads Senegal to yet another AFCON final
The ex-Liverpool legend drops a hint on potential retirement
Senegal to meet Morocco in the finals

Big games often call for big players, and Sadio Mane, one of the greatest African players of all time, delivered again. The legendary Senegalese forward took his side to the finals at the AFCON. As his team prepares for one final push for the title against hosts Morocco, there was a shock press announcement. Sportsdunia read between the lines of Sadio Mane's retirement hint. What else do we know about Sadio Mane's AFCON last game? Allow us to spill the beans

Sadio Mane's Retirement Claim

In an epic semi-final at the 2025 AFCON, Senegal locked horns with Egypt. It was all about Liverpool icon Mohamed Salah going head-to-head with his ex-teammate Sadio Mane. As the clock slowly paced towards the 90-minute mark, Mane made the difference when he rifled a finish from 25 yards into the bottom corner. It booked his side's spot in a third final since 2019 as Mane looks to add another AFCON title to his esteemed collection.

Speaking to the media after the game, Mane opened up about his future and said:

"I am a soldier for my country. I try to give my all every day, whether it's in training or in matches. The most important thing is to bring this trophy back to Dakar. We've qualified, and I am extremely happy to be able to play my very last AFCON, a final with the Lions. I hope we win and bring it home to Dakar."

Having already won one AFCON title, Mane is desperate to get his team over the line and take another trophy to Dakar. He believes this is his final AFCON. At just 33 years of age, Mane etched his name as one of the best ever in Africa and knows his legacy is well documented. The Ex-Bayern Munich forward Sadio Mane is at peace and wants to bow out of AFCON on a high.

When is Sadio Mane's AFCON Last Game?

Since Mane almost confirmed that this AFCON will be his final one, the final against Morocco will be his final one. Senegal will meet hosts Morocco, who are on a 50-year run without a major title. Sadio Mane and his star-studded Senegal side should be at their best to beat the Atlas Lions, who will be buoyed by a strong home support. The final will take place on Sunday, 18th January 2026.

Mane's shock revelation has also shed some light on his potential plans. The Senegal National Football Team qualified for the World Cup, so Mane will be keen to lead them in the USA. Since the next AFCON is in 2027, and Mane declared that this will be his last AFCON, there is a high chance that he might retire after the 2026 World Cup. An era will end in African football as one of the best black football players retirements dawns on us.