Sadio Mane celebrates AFCON win in locker room with wife with 13-year age gap

Sadio Mane's wife joined the former Liverpool star in the locker room after Senegal won the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco on Sunday, and she was holding their young daughter

Sadio Mane celebrated his second AFCON title in the locker room with his wife(Image: sadiomaneofficiel/Instagram)

Senegal star Sadio Mane was seen celebrating with his wife, Aisha Tamba, moments after winning the Africa Cup of Nations following a chaotic 1-0 victory over Morocco.

Mane, 33, married Tamba in January 2024, though there is a reported 13-year age gap between the two lovers. Though her age has never been officially disclosed, she was 19 when welcoming their first child in early 2025 and was a student when she met Mane.

She was present at the dramatic final hosted at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, as Senegal stormed off the pitch after Morocco was awarded a late, controversial penalty. Mane convinced his teammates to return to the field, and after the penalty was saved, Senegal claimed a narrow 1-0 victory.

Tamba joined Mane in the locker room after Senegal won the championship, for the second time in the nation's history. Mane was part of the inaugural championship team in 2022 and was instrumental in Senegal's success this year.

It was midfielder Pape Gueye who scored the winning goal for Senegal in extra time, but Mane played a key role in the build-up. Mane also scored the only goal in a 1-0 win over Egypt in the semifinal.

After achieving international success twice, Mane claimed that his association with the Senegal national team is nearly over. Mane plans to play at the FIFA World Cup this summer, but retire from international soccer after the tournament.

"I am so happy, but as I have said, for me, as far as the AFCON is concerned, it's over here," Mane said on Sunday. "I will stay with the team until the World Cup, but after that, it's over."

Although Mane is well respected and one of Senegal's greatest-ever players, head coach Pape Thiaw does not want him to retire. Rather than respect his decision, Thiaw has attempted to make Mane reconsider, claiming that his choice has not been accepted.

"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.

Mane has now won AFCON with Senegal twice, 2022 and this year(Image: Getty Images)

"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.

"Considering his example, we need such people like this in the country. 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."

Mane will be 34 when the next AFCON is hosted in Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania. He would be 38 at the 2030 FIFA World Cup, should Senegal qualify.