Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson has named Sadio Mané as his favorite African footballer, ranking the Senegalese star ahead of Didier Drogba and Yaya Touré. In an interview with Sky Sports, the 23-year-old shared his admiration for Mané, highlighting his exceptional qualities both on and off the pitch.
“Number one, Sadio Mané, of course,” Jackson said when asked to choose between the three iconic players. “Drogba second and Yaya Touré third.”
High Praise for Mané
Jackson, who hails from Senegal, described Mané as the best African footballer of his generation, citing his remarkable work ethic and unique skill set.
“For me, he [Sadio Mané] is the best African footballer since I was born. What makes him so special? His hard work. He has everything. He is electric, a good teammate. He is different,” he explained.
Mané, who has enjoyed a glittering career with clubs like Liverpool and Bayern Munich, continues to inspire young players like Jackson, who is carving out his own path at Chelsea.
Drogba’s Influence on Chelsea
Reflecting on Chelsea’s rich history of African football legends, Jackson also paid tribute to former Ivorian stars Didier Drogba and Yaya Touré.
He acknowledged Drogba’s monumental legacy at Stamford Bridge, expressing a desire to emulate the success of the club’s all-time great.
Nicolas Jackson ranks Chelsea’s best haircuts 😂💇 pic.twitter.com/HGDduoq7ZD
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) December 7, 2024
“Yaya Touré is exceptional. Drogba is an incredible legend,” he said. “I hope to become a Chelsea legend like him.”
Although Jackson has yet to meet Drogba in person, he dreams of celebrating major triumphs with Chelsea that could lead to such an encounter.
“I haven’t had the chance to speak to him yet. I hope that one day when we win the Premier League or the Champions League, that will be the case,” he added.
A Rising Star
Jackson’s own contributions to Chelsea have been significant this season. The forward has scored eight goals across all competitions and provided three assists, establishing himself as one of the club’s key attacking players.
As Jackson continues to grow in his career, his admiration for African football icons like Mané and Drogba serves as a testament to the influence of these players on the next generation.
For the Chelsea striker, the goal remains clear: to make his mark in the footballing world and inspire others, just as his heroes have inspired him.
