Senegal star Sadio Mané reportedly retires from international football after 2026 World Cup

Senegal forward Sadio Mané has reportedly brought an end to his international career following the Lions’ exit from the 2026 FIFA World Cup, closing a chapter that has seen him become one of the most influential players in the nation’s football history.

According to reports, the 34-year-old Al Nassr attacker confirmed his decision in a statement seen by Le Quotidien, bringing to an end more than a decade of service with the Senegal national team.

The reported announcement comes only days after Senegal’s World Cup campaign concluded with a Round of 16 defeat to Belgium.

It also follows comments Mané had previously made after Senegal secured their second AFCON title in Morocco, when he suggested that the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico would likely be his final major tournament with the national side.

According to Iwsport, the conclusion of the tournament has now prompted the former Liverpool and Bayern Munich forward to step away from international football.

Mané made his Senegal debut in 2012 and went on to become one of the country’s greatest-ever players. Throughout his international career, the Bambali-born forward established himself as a central figure in the Lions’ success and one of the most recognisable footballers on the African continent.

The reports state that he finished his international career with more than 120 appearances and 52 goals, making him Senegal’s all-time leading scorer.

He is also credited as the nation’s leading assist provider, underlining the influence he had throughout his years in the national team.

His legacy is closely linked to one of the most successful periods in Senegalese football. Mané played a key role in the country’s triumphs at the 2021 AFCON in Cameroon and the 2025 AFCON in Morocco, helping the Lions secure two continental titles.

Beyond Africa, he represented Senegal at two FIFA World Cup tournaments and remained one of the team’s most experienced leaders on the international stage.

The two-time African Footballer of the Year also collected individual honours during his international career, including being named the best player at both the 2021 and 2026 AFCON tournaments.

If the reported decision is confirmed, Mané’s retirement will mark the end of an era for Senegal, bringing the curtain down on an international career that established him as one of the country’s most accomplished and celebrated footballers.