Sadio Mané facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Sadio Mané

Mané playing for Al Nassr in 2023
Personal information
Full name	Sadio Mané
Date of birth	(1992-04-10) 10 April 1992 (age 33)
Place of birth	Bambali, Senegal
Height	1.75 m (5 ft 9 in)
Position(s)	Left winger, forward
Team information
Current team	Al-Nassr
Number	10
Youth career
2009–2011	Génération Foot
Senior career*
Years	Team	Apps	(Gls)
2011	Metz B	12	(2)
2011–2012	Metz	22	(2)
2012–2014	Red Bull Salzburg	63	(31)
2014–2016	Southampton	67	(21)
2016–2022	Liverpool	196	(90)
2022–2023	Bayern Munich	25	(7)
2023–	Al-Nassr	64	(27)
International career‡
2012	Senegal Olympic	4	(0)
2012–	Senegal	113	(45)
Medal record Men's football Representing  Senegal Africa Cup of Nations Winner 2021 Cameroon Runner-up 2019 Egypt
*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 22:40, 26 May 2025 (UTC) ‡ National team caps and goals, correct as of 23:55, 25 March 2025 (UTC)

Sadio Mané (born 10 April 1992) is a famous Senegalese footballer. He plays as a forward or left winger for Saudi Pro League club Al-Nassr. He also plays for the Senegal national team. Many people think he is one of the best African players ever. He was also one of the top wingers in the world during his best years.

Mané started his professional career at age 19 with Ligue 2 club Metz in France. After one season, he moved to Austrian club Red Bull Salzburg in 2012. There, he helped his team win both the league and the cup in the 2013–14 season. Later that summer, Mané joined English club Southampton. He set a new Premier League record for the fastest hat-trick, scoring three goals in just 176 seconds in 2015.

In 2016, Mané signed with Liverpool. He became the most expensive African player at that time. At Liverpool, he formed a strong attacking team with Mohamed Salah and Roberto Firmino. He helped Liverpool reach two UEFA Champions League finals, winning in 2019. He also shared the Premier League Golden Boot award in the 2018–19 season for scoring the most goals. Mané helped Liverpool win the 2019–20 Premier League, ending their 30-year wait for a league title. In October 2021, he scored his 100th Premier League goal. He was also ranked high in the Ballon d'Or awards in 2019 and 2022.

For his country, Mané has scored 45 goals in 113 games for Senegal since 2012. He is currently Senegal's all-time top goalscorer. He played for Senegal in the 2012 Olympics and several Africa Cup of Nations tournaments. In 2019, he helped Senegal finish as runners-up. In the 2021 final, Mané scored the winning penalty kick to give Senegal their first Africa Cup of Nations title. He was also named the Player of the Tournament. In 2022, he was named African Player of the Year for the second time. Mané also played for Senegal in the 2018 FIFA World Cup.

Early Life and Beginnings

Mané was born in Bambali, Senegal. He grew up in a religious family. When he was young, he dreamed of becoming a footballer. However, his father, who was an imam, did not want him to play football. His father wanted him to focus on religious studies.

When Mané was seven, his father passed away. At age 15, he left his home village with a friend to go to Dakar. He wanted to follow his dream of becoming a footballer. From then on, his family supported him in his journey.

Starting His Football Journey

In 2009, Mané was playing football in M'Bour. Scouts noticed his talent and sent him to Génération Foot. This club helped him move up to the second division in the 2010–11 season.

Club Career Highlights

Playing for Metz

In 2011, Mané joined Metz, a club that worked with Génération Foot. He played his first professional game on 14 January 2012. He came on as a substitute in a match against Bastia. In his first season, he played 19 league games and scored one goal. At the end of that season, Metz was moved down to a lower league.

Time at Red Bull Salzburg

Mané (right) playing for Red Bull Salzburg in 2013

Metz asked for €2 million for Mané, and many clubs were interested. Red Bull Salzburg in Austria was one of them. Metz then increased their price to €4 million. Mané moved to Salzburg on 31 August 2012. This was one of the biggest transfer fees Metz had ever received.

He scored his first hat-trick for Salzburg on 31 October in an Austrian Cup game. On 27 October 2013, he scored another hat-trick in the Austrian Bundesliga. He scored three more goals in a cup semi-final game on 7 May 2014. That season, his team won both the league and the cup. In August 2014, Mané decided he wanted to leave the club. He missed training and an important Champions League qualification game to make his wish clear.

Joining Southampton

2014–15 Season

On 1 September 2014, Mané moved to Premier League team Southampton for £11.8 million. He signed a four-year contract. He played his first game for them 22 days later in a League Cup win against Arsenal. He scored his first goal for the club in a 1–0 win against Stoke City.

In December and January, he scored in three games in a row. These were against Crystal Palace, Chelsea, and Arsenal. Mané scored two winning goals in 1–0 league victories in February and March. However, he was left out of a game against Liverpool because he was late to the stadium.

On 16 May, Mané scored three goals in just 2 minutes and 56 seconds against Aston Villa. This set a new Premier League record for the fastest hat-trick. The old record was 4 minutes and 33 seconds. Mané finished the season with 10 goals in 32 games.

2015–16 Season

Mané (right) playing for Southampton in 2015

Mané started the 2015–16 season well. He helped Southampton get into the next round of the UEFA Europa League. On 2 December, he scored a goal against Liverpool in just 39 seconds in the League Cup. However, Southampton lost that game.

On 2 January 2016, his manager, Ronald Koeman, again left him out of the starting team. This was because Mané was late for a meeting before a game against Norwich City. After not scoring in the league for over four months, Mané scored two goals against Liverpool on 20 March 2016. He then scored five goals in the next five games, including a hat-trick against Manchester City. He ended the season as Southampton's top scorer with 15 goals.

Moving to Liverpool

2016–17 Season

Mané playing for Liverpool in 2017

On 28 June 2016, Mané joined Liverpool for £34 million. This made him the most expensive African player at that time. On 14 August, he scored his first goal for Liverpool in a 4–3 win against Arsenal.

On 19 December, Mané scored the only goal in a big game against Everton. On 11 February 2017, he scored two goals in two minutes against Tottenham Hotspur. On 20 April 2017, Mané was chosen for the PFA Team of the Year. He scored 13 league goals in his first season. Even though he missed some games due to injury, he won the Liverpool Player of the Season award on 9 May 2017.

2017–18 Season

On 12 August 2017, Mané scored Liverpool's first goal of the new season against Watford. He was named Premier League Player of the Month for August. On 9 September 2017, he received a red card for a high kick against a goalkeeper. Mané, Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino, and Philippe Coutinho were a strong attacking group. They were called the "Fab Four" and later "Fab Three" after Coutinho left.

On 14 February 2018, Mané scored his first hat-trick for Liverpool in a 5–0 win against Porto in the 2017–18 UEFA Champions League. He became only the second player to score an away hat-trick for Liverpool in Europe. He also became the highest-scoring Senegalese player in Premier League history.

On 26 May, in the 2018 UEFA Champions League final against Real Madrid, Mané scored Liverpool's goal. He was the first Senegalese player to score in a Champions League final. His goal was his 10th in the competition that season. Liverpool was the first team to have three players score 10 or more goals in a single Champions League season.

2018–19 Season

On 22 November 2018, Mané signed a new long-term deal with Liverpool. On 10 March 2019, he scored two goals against Burnley. This included his 50th goal for Liverpool. He also became only the fifth Liverpool player to score in six home Premier League games in a row. Three days later, he scored two more goals against Bayern Munich in the Champions League. This made him the club's top away goalscorer in that competition. He also broke another record, becoming the Senegalese player with the most goals in a single Premier League season. On 20 April, he was nominated for the PFA Players' Player of the Year award. He was also named in the PFA Team of the Year.

On the last day of the league season, Mané scored two goals against Wolverhampton Wanderers. His 22 goals meant he shared the Premier League Golden Boot award with Salah and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. On 1 June, Mané helped Liverpool win an early penalty in the 2019 UEFA Champions League final against Tottenham. Liverpool won the match 2–0 and claimed the title.

2019–20 Season

Mané lifting the UEFA Super Cup after scoring twice against Chelsea in the final.

Mané playing for Liverpool in the UEFA Champions League, December 2019

On 14 August 2019, Mané scored two goals in the 2019 UEFA Super Cup final against Chelsea. Liverpool won the match on penalties. Mané was named man of the match. A month later, he scored two goals against Newcastle United. This extended his record of not losing a game for Liverpool at Anfield to 50 matches. On his 100th Premier League game for Liverpool, he scored his 50th league goal for the club.

On 21 October, Mané was on the list of 30 players for the 2019 Ballon d'Or award. He finished in fourth place. Two days later, he scored one goal and helped with two others as Liverpool beat Everton 5–2. This made Liverpool unbeaten in 32 league games, a new club record. Later that month, Liverpool won the 2019 FIFA Club World Cup. Mané helped set up the winning goal in the final.

On 7 January 2020, Mané was named the CAF African Footballer of the Year. He was only the second Senegalese player to win this award.

On 24 February, Mané scored the winning goal against West Ham United. This made Liverpool win 21 home games in a row, a league record. On 7 March, Mané scored the winning goal against Bournemouth. This set a new English top-flight record of 22 consecutive home wins. Liverpool went on to win the Premier League title that season.

2020–21 Season

On 20 September 2020, Mané scored both of Liverpool's goals in a 2–0 win against Chelsea. On 2 October 2020, Mané tested positive for COVID-19. Mané later said that the 2020–21 season was the worst of his career. On 23 May 2021, he scored two goals against Crystal Palace. This helped Liverpool finish third in the league and qualify for the next Champions League season.

2021–22 Season

Mané and Salah during a pre-season game in 2021

On 18 September 2021, Mané scored his 100th Liverpool goal against Crystal Palace. This goal also made him the first player to score in nine league games in a row against the same opponent. On 16 October, Mané scored his 100th Premier League goal. He was the third African player to reach this milestone. On 10 April 2022, his 30th birthday, Mané scored a goal against Manchester City. He then scored two goals against Manchester City again on 16 April in an FA Cup semi-final. Liverpool won that game and reached their first FA Cup final since 2012, which they later won. On 3 May, he scored the winning goal against Villarreal in the Champions League semi-final. This secured Liverpool's spot in the final, which they lost to Real Madrid. Liverpool almost won four trophies that season, but finished second in the Premier League and Champions League. They did win the EFL Cup and the FA Cup.

Playing for Bayern Munich

On 22 June 2022, Mané joined Bundesliga club Bayern Munich in Germany. The transfer fee was reported to be €32 million. On 30 July 2022, Mané played his first official game and scored his first goal for Bayern. They won 5–3 against RB Leipzig in the 2022 DFL-Supercup. A week later, he scored his first Bundesliga goal.

On 8 November, Mané got injured during a game against Werder Bremen. This injury meant he could not play in the 2022 FIFA World Cup. He had surgery and was out for three months. He returned to play on 26 February 2023.

On 13 April, Mané faced a team suspension and fine after an incident with a teammate. On 28 May, Bayern Munich won the Bundesliga title.

Joining Al-Nassr

Mané (right) playing for Al Nassr against Persepolis in September 2023 at Azadi Stadium

On 1 August 2023, Saudi Pro League club Al Nassr announced they had signed Mané. Mané later shared that former Liverpool teammates had suggested he join clubs in Saudi Arabia. On 3 August, he played his first game for Al Nassr. He scored his first goal for the club on 14 August in a league game.

International Career for Senegal

Early International Years (2012–2017)

Mané was part of the Senegal team at the 2012 Olympic tournament. He played in every game as Senegal reached the quarter-finals. They lost to Mexico, who went on to win the tournament.

Mané was initially out of the Senegalese squad for the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations due to a calf injury. He later returned and played in their last two group matches.

Africa Cup of Nations and World Cup (2017–2019)

Mané played for Senegal in the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations. He scored a goal in their first two wins against Tunisia and Zimbabwe. In the quarter-final against Cameroon, he missed a penalty in the shootout, and Senegal was knocked out.

In May 2018, Mané was chosen for Senegal's team for the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. He scored the first goal in a 2–2 draw against Japan. Mané played in all three of Senegal's group games. Senegal was eliminated after the first stage.

Mané was called up again for the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations. He scored two goals and missed a penalty in a 3–0 win against Kenya. Senegal finished second in their group and moved to the knockout stage. Mané scored the only goal in Senegal's 1–0 win over Uganda. He played in Senegal's next three matches as they reached the final. They lost 1–0 to Algeria. Even though they were runners-up, Mané was named in the Team of the Tournament.

Recent International Success (2021–Present)

At the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations, Mané was a star player as Senegal won the competition for the first time. In the final against Egypt, Mané missed a penalty early in the game. However, he went on to score the winning kick in the penalty shootout. He also scored three goals and had two assists before the final. He was named the player of the tournament. In the 2022 World Cup qualifications, he scored the winning penalty kick against Egypt again. This helped Senegal qualify for the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

On 4 June 2022, Mané scored three goals against Benin. This made him Senegal's all-time top scorer with 32 goals, passing Henri Camara.

On 11 November 2022, Mané was included in Senegal's team for the 2022 FIFA World Cup. However, he had to withdraw from the squad on 17 November due to an injury.

Mané played his 100th game for Senegal on 18 November 2023. He scored two goals in a World Cup qualifier against South Sudan.

In December 2023, Mané was part of Senegal's team for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations. He scored one goal and provided assists in the group stage. He played the full game against the Ivory Coast in the round of 16. Senegal lost in a penalty shootout to the hosts.

How Sadio Mané Plays

Mané with Liverpool in 2017

Mané is known as a very complete player. His Liverpool teammate Fabinho said he plays with "high levels of intensity and concentration." Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher called Mané a "world-class winger." He has been praised for his ability to score with both feet and his head. People also admire his amazing speed.

Mané is a great goalscorer. His main strengths are his finishing, speed, and clever moves with the ball. He is also good at making decisions and creating chances for his teammates. Even though he is quiet, he handles pressure very well. Experts also notice his strong defensive work and his ability to win headers, even though he is not very tall. Mané usually plays on the left side of the field. This allows him to move into the middle and shoot with his stronger right foot. During the 2021–22 season, he started playing more as a central striker. Kyle Walker has said Mané is one of the toughest opponents he has ever faced.

Helping His Community

Mané is very generous and helps his community a lot. In 2019, he gave £250,000 to build a school in his hometown of Bambali, Senegal. In March 2020, he donated £41,000 to help fight COVID-19 in Senegal. In 2021, he gave £500,000 to build a hospital in Bambali.

He has also paid for a petrol station and a post office for his village. He provides the school with free laptops and internet. In total, he has spent over £700,000 on these improvements. He also gives about €70 a month to each family in his hometown, which has 2,000 people. This amount is similar to a month's minimum wage in Senegal.

Mané is also an ambassador for Right To Play. This is a group that helps children in need. He works with them to make sure young girls and women in Senegal have equal chances to play sports and get an education.

Personal Life

When he played for Liverpool, Mané lived in Allerton, Liverpool. His home was burgled twice. He is a Muslim and sometimes prays before matches.

He was given a special award, Grand Officer of the National Order of the Lion, by the President of Senegal after Senegal won the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations.

He married Aisha Tamba on 7 January 2024.

Career Statistics

Club

International

Honours and Awards

Red Bull Salzburg

• Austrian Bundesliga: 2013–14
• Austrian Cup: 2013–14

Liverpool

• Premier League: 2019–20
• FA Cup: 2021–22
• EFL Cup: 2021–22
• UEFA Champions League: 2018–19; runner-up: 2017–18, 2021–22
• UEFA Super Cup: 2019
• FIFA Club World Cup: 2019

Bayern Munich

• Bundesliga: 2022–23
• DFL-Supercup: 2022

Al-Nassr

• Arab Club Champions Cup: 2023
• King's Cup runner-up: 2023–24

Senegal

• Africa Cup of Nations: 2021; runner-up: 2019

Individual

• Sócrates Award: 2022
• King's Cup 2023–24: joint top scorer
• CAF Team of the Year: 2015, 2016, 2018, 2019, 2023
• PFA Team of the Year: 2016–17 Premier League, 2018–19 Premier League, 2019–20 Premier League, 2021–22 Premier League
• PFA Fans' Player of the Month: August & September 2016, August 2018, March 2019
• Premier League Player of the Month: August 2017, March 2019, November 2019
• Liverpool Fans' Player of the Season Award: 2016–17
• Liverpool Players' Player of the Season Award: 2016–17
• Premier League Golden Boot: 2018–19 (shared)
• UEFA Champions League Squad of the Season: 2018–19
• UEFA Team of the Year: 2019
• Africa Cup of Nations Player of the Tournament: 2021
• Africa Cup of Nations Team of the Tournament: 2019, 2021
• African Footballer of the Year: 2019, 2022
• Onze d'Or: 2018–19
• IFFHS Men's World Team: 2019
• ESM Team of the Year: 2018–19
• PFA Fans' Player of the Year: 2019–20 Premier League
• IFFHS CAF Men Team of The Year: 2020, 2021, 2022,
• IFFHS CAF Men's Team of the Decade 2011–2020
• IFFHS Best CAF Men's Player of the Year: 2020, 2022

Orders

• Grand Officer of the National Order of the Lion: 2022

See also

In Spanish: Sadio Mané para niños

• List of Liverpool F.C. records and statistics
• Premier League records and statistics
• List of men's footballers with 100 or more international caps