Veteran French coach Claude Le Roy has heaped praise on Sadio Mané for his outstanding performances at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, describing the Senegal star’s campaign as nothing short of exceptional.
Mané, who was instrumental in Senegal’s maiden AFCON triumph in Cameroon in 2010, once again proved decisive as the Teranga Lions clinched the continental title. The former Liverpool forward delivered a series of scintillating displays throughout the tournament, underlining his enduring influence at the highest level.
In the final against hosts Morocco in Rabat, the Al Nassr winger played a pivotal role as Senegal edged the Atlas Lions 1-0 in extra time. Mané was heavily involved in the build-up to Pape Gueye’s stunning winning goal, which sealed Senegal’s second AFCON crown.
Speaking to Egyptian broadcaster ON Time Sports, Le Roy admitted he had initially harboured doubts about the physical consistency of some of Africa’s biggest stars.
“Before the tournament, I was saying that Mane, whose personality did not surprise me, and players like Riyad Mahrez, Mohamed Salah, and Aubameyang, you cannot expect much from them in terms of physical consistency, for many reasons. I mentioned, for example, that Omar Marmoush was more physically prepared than Mohamed Salah during the tournament.”
However, Le Roy also acknowledged that Mané defied those expectations.
“From the first minute until the end of the competition, he looked like a player on a special mission,” Le Roy noted.
“His level really amazed me, especially as I thought his move to the Saudi League, after competing at the highest level in the Premier League, might affect him.”
Le Roy concluded by hailing Mané’s overall impact, saying: “Mané delivered an exceptional tournament in every sense of the word.”
Mané’s brilliance was formally recognised after the final, as he was named the Best Player of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
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