Former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has called on Senegal to honour Sadio Mane with a huge statue in Dakar following the forward’s influential role in the country’s Africa Cup of Nations triumph in Morocco.
Mane, who previously worked under Klopp during his time at Liverpool, featured for Senegal in Sunday’s final and played a key part as the Teranga Lions defeated Morocco to secure their second AFCON title.
The final was overshadowed by controversy after a late penalty decision in Morocco’s favour sparked angry protests from the Senegalese camp, leading to a brief stoppage as players appeared ready to walk off the pitch following instructions from the bench. Tensions only eased after Sadio Mane stepped in, showing leadership by urging his teammates to return to the field so the match could continue.
Reacting to the incident and Senegal’s eventual victory, Jurgen Klopp took to Facebook to heap praise on Mane’s mentality and influence.
“If there’s a true hero tonight, it’s Sadio Mane. I absolutely love that mentality—a mentality that strives to win under any circumstances, with no compromise, no surrender until the final whistle. That’s what football is all about. Tonight, Senegal should erect a huge statue in their capital, Dakar. It’s the least they can do to honor this great player,” Klopp said.
The renowned manager continued, “Without Sadio Mane’s mentality tonight, Senegal wouldn’t have won the title. He’s a world-class player who trained under great coaches, absorbing incredibly high-level football concepts. That’s why Sadio Mane urged his Senegalese teammates to get back on the pitch. I’ve seen many scenarios like that. After missing a penalty at such a crucial moment, when Morocco was on the verge of winning the title, it’s natural for the opponent to be instilled with a huge sense of determination to win.
“That’s exactly what we saw from the Senegalese players in extra time, because the other side was bound to collapse. Imagine, he acted like that, and he’s not even the captain or the second captain, yet he commands everyone’s respect. That’s the style and wisdom of legends. Congratulations to Senegal, especially to the great player Sadio Mane.”
Klopp’s remarks have further fuelled admiration for Mane’s composure and leadership, with many viewing his intervention as a defining moment in Senegal’s path to continental glory.
