On the eve of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final, Senegal coach Pape Thiaw turned up the heat with pointed remarks about Morocco star Achraf Hakimi and his own captain Sadio Mane.
In comments widely seen as provocative, Thiaw insisted Hakimi does not deserve the Ballon d’Or, arguing that Mane is the more worthy candidate.
Thiaw described Mane as a true legend and a player who belongs to an entire people, stressing that the decision on when he retires is not just his alone, but also tied to the wishes of Senegalese fans who still see him as their undisputed leader.
Looking ahead to the final in Rabat, the coach said he knows Morocco’s Atlas Lions very well and acknowledged that Moroccan football’s recent achievements speak for themselves.
However, he played down the potential impact of the home crowd, insisting his players are used to performing under intense pressure in any stadium. Thiaw’s words add a clear psychological edge to an already charged showdown between Morocco and the West African champions.
