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Sadio Mane plans to retire from international soccer after the 2026 FIFA World Cup, but Senegal head coach Pape Thiaw has sensationally claimed that he doesn't accept his decision.
Mane, 33, celebrated his second Africa Cup of Nations title with Senegal on Sunday following a 1-0 win over hosts Morocco in the final. A dramatic game saw Senegal storm off the pitch in protest, then return and eventually win the final in extra time.
After celebrations began in Senegal's locker room, Mane was joined by his wife and young daughter, as the former Liverpool star closed the chapter on his AFCON career. Mane stated that this would be his final AFCON appearance, but Thiaw believes that the player cannot make the decision alone.
When Mane retires from soccer completely, he will go down as one of the game's greats. However, he's already a national icon in Senegal and has been instrumental in the nation's two AFCON championships.
Mane was on the championship team in 2022 and played a key role in this year's competition. Mane helped create Pape Gueye's winning goal against Morocco, and he scored in a 1-0 semifinal win over Egypt.
After Sunday's final, Mane said this would be his final AFCON appearance, and he will step away from all international duty after the World Cup. "I am so happy, but as I have said, for me, as far as the AFCON is concerned, it's over here," Mane said.
"I will stay with the team until the World Cup, but after that, it's over." Mane had already informed Senegal of his wishes, but coach Thiaw is desperate for him to continue his international career.
In an attempt to persuade Mane to reconsider his decision, Thiaw claimed that he "belongs" to Senegal and admitted he would not sanction his retirement. "The country is not in agreement [with his decision], and I am not in agreement," Thiaw told ESPN on Saturday, one day before the final.
"We want to keep him as long as possible. 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."
Despite Thiaw's comments, Mane is in control of his future and wants to focus on domestic soccer after the World Cup this summer. Mane will turn 34 in April and is closing in on the end of his career.
Domestically, Mane plays for Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia and is under contract through June 2026. He earns a reported $43 million annually and has yet to confirm whether he will sign an extension or sign with another club.
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