Senegal head coach Pape Thiaw has appealed to Sadio Mané to rethink his decision to retire from international football, insisting he would do everything possible to persuade the iconic forward to continue with the Teranga Lions.
Mané, 33, has once again been central to Senegal’s campaign at the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations, contributing two goals and three assists as the reigning champions booked a place in Sunday’s final against hosts Morocco at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat. Kick-off is scheduled for 19:00 GMT.
The former Liverpool star was instrumental in Senegal’s historic AFCON triumph in Cameroon in 2022 — the country’s first continental title.
However, following the semi-final win over Egypt, Mané revealed that while he intends to play at the FIFA World Cup later this year, the current tournament would be his last AFCON appearance.
Speaking to ESPN on Saturday, Thiaw made his feelings clear.
“The country is not in agreement [with his decision], and I am not in agreement,” Thiaw told ESPN on Saturday.
“We want to keep him as long as possible. He represents Africa, the world, and when we say it’s his decision, it doesn’t just belong to him, he belongs to the people of Senegal, and they want to see him carry on.”
The Senegal coach became visibly emotional as he highlighted Mané’s influence beyond the pitch.
“Considering his example, we need such people like this in the country,” Thiaw continued, his voice cracking with emotion. “He gives lessons, his humility, his education, how he gives his sweat for Senegal.
“He gave his life for this team to get to the World Cup in 2022, he gave his life to win the first AFCON and get the first star.
“If I had to sign a paper to allow this player to leave, I would say ‘no’, and his teammates would say ‘no’ as well.”
Since making his international debut in 2012, Mané has been at the heart of Senegal’s rise on the global stage. He has played a decisive role in three successive World Cup qualifications, ending the nation’s long absence from the tournament in 2018, and has twice led the team to the AFCON final.
At club level, Mané has enjoyed remarkable success in Europe, winning the UEFA Champions League and Premier League with Liverpool, alongside claiming two African Footballer of the Year awards — further cementing his status as one of Africa’s greatest-ever players.
