Fact Check: Has Sadio Mane Retired from International Football after World Cup Exit? Know The Truth

A report of Sadio Mane announcing his international retirement has gone around across social media on Friday (July 10).

Multiple media outlets across the globe reported that Sadio Mane has called it quits for Senegal after the World Cup 2026 exit.

In January 2026, after captaining Senegal to their second AFCON title with a 1-0 extra-time win over hosts Morocco, the then-33-year-old (now 34) Mané declared the tournament was his final AFCON. He confirmed he would continue with the national team through the 2026 World Cup before stepping away from international duty.

Senegal reached the Round of 32 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup before exiting after a 3-2 a.e.t. loss to Belgium. Mane featured prominently, providing leadership and an assist. He is currently Senegal’s all-time leading goalscorer with 55 goals in 132 caps, a two-time AFCON winner (2021 & 2025), and a cornerstone of the nation’s golden era. And on Friday, reports emerged that the Al Nassr player won't play any part for Senegal anymore.

Fact Check: Sadio Mane hasn't Retired for Senegal

MyKhel can confirm that Sadio Mane's retirement news is fabricated and false. French outlet L'Equipe announced first that the retirement news was false, as a fake press release was shared to the media.

Senegalese media outlet Le Quotidien reported Mane's retirement, which has turned out to be false. A Senegalese reporter Malang Sane also claimed it to be a false one.

"The information circulating that Sadio Mané would have announced in a press release that he is ending his international career is FALSE. Neither Sadio nor his immediate entourage are behind this press release. Sadio's only statement on this matter dates back to the CAN," he wrote on X.

Also on social media, Mane has not announced any retirement post and there is no credible source which has so far confirmed his retirement. MyKhel had a talk with an Africa-based source who also claimed it to be a falsified one.

Sadio Mane Club Career

Mané has been with Al-Nassr since August 2023 on a contract that ran until June 30, 2026. He played a key role in the 2025/26 Saudi Pro League season, contributing goals and assists as the club won the title. No official announcement of full retirement from club football has been made. At age 34, he is currently a free agent but has not retired from professional football.

Sadio Mane Career Highlights

• Born: April 10, 1992, in Bambali, Senegal
• Clubs: Metz, Salzburg, Southampton, Liverpool (Premier League & UCL winner), Bayern Munich, Al-Nassr
• Individual: Two-time African Player of the Year, Ballon d’Or runner-up (2022)
• International: Key figure in AFCON triumphs and multiple World Cup appearances