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Sadio Mané Retires After 130 Caps Post-Belgium Loss

7/10/2026

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Summary

Mané Retires

Sadio Mané announced his retirement from Senegal’s national team in a statement published by Le Quotidien.
The 34-year-old ends a 14-year international career that included 130 caps for Senegal.
Mané helped Senegal win the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations during his tenure.
His retirement follows Senegal’s 2-3 loss to Belgium in the round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup.

Summary

Senegal Stripped

CAF stripped Senegal of the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations title and awarded a 3-0 win to Morocco after the final, despite Senegal’s 1-0 extra-time victory.
Logistical and financial problems plagued the Senegalese Football Federation throughout the 2026 campaign, hampering the national team’s preparations.
Senegal, a World Cup dark horse placed in a group of death with France, Norway and Iraq, led Belgium 2-0 late before losing in extra time.

History

Historical Context

Senegal’s rise began with Bruno Metsu’s 2002 World Cup run, where they stunned France 1-0 and reached the quarter-finals, becoming second African side to advance that far. The Lions captured their maiden Africa Cup of Nations title in 2021, but CAF’s March 2026 decision to overturn the 2026 final after a walk-out revived governance concerns, echoing earlier disputes that led FIFA to fine the federation 175,000 CHF.

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Mané Retires

Sadio Mané announced his retirement from Senegal’s national team in a statement published by Le Quotidien.
The 34-year-old ends a 14-year international career that included 130 caps for Senegal.
Mané helped Senegal win the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations during his tenure.
His retirement follows Senegal’s 2-3 loss to Belgium in the round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup.

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