Sadio Mane has officially announced his retirement from international football, bringing an end to a distinguished career with the Senegal national team following the conclusion of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The 34-year-old forward confirmed his decision in an emotional letter published by Senegalese newspaper Le Quotidien, thanking supporters for their unwavering backing throughout his international journey.
"Know that I sacrificed everything for this flag. I gave everything and always fought fiercely for our country. Your unwavering support has been the driving force behind my success," Mane wrote.
Mane leaves the national team as one of the greatest players in Senegal's history. Since making his senior debut in 2012, he earned more than 130 international caps and scored a record 54 goals, making him the country's all-time leading scorer.
During his international career, Mane represented Senegal at three FIFA World Cups in 2018, 2022, and 2026. He also captained the Lions of Teranga to their first-ever Africa Cup of Nations title in 2021, famously converting the winning penalty against Egypt in the final.
Beyond his achievements on the pitch, Mane became the leader of Senegal's golden generation, helping establish the country as one of Africa's strongest footballing nations while guiding the team to the Round of 16 at the 2022 World Cup.
Despite stepping away from international football, Mane revealed he hopes to continue serving Senegal in another role.
"I will gladly put my experience at the service of the nation, whether as part of the coaching staff, on the bench, or within the governing bodies," he said.
His retirement marks the end of an era for Senegalese football, with a new generation led by players such as Lamine Camara, Nicolas Jackson, and Ismaïla Sarr expected to take the team forward.
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