One of the greatest Africans to ever play the sport, Mané is expected to make the 2026 World Cup his swan song for Senegal, as he’s said he’d like to retire from international competition after the tournament. One of the best wingers of his generation, Mané is 34 and nearing the end of his career, which could provide an extra boost of motivation to the Teranga Lions as they look to hoist the trophy for the first time.Currently club teammates with Cristiano Ronaldo for Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia, Mané has made 126 appearances for the Senegalese national team. His 53 goals are the most all-time for the country, while he’s second in appearances. Sadio Mane of Senegal. Buda Mendes / FIFA via Getty ImagesThough Senegal appeared in the 2022 World Cup — and made it all the way to the Round of 16 — it did so without Mané, who missed the last tournament due to injury. Mané was long one of the sport’s top players, however, particularly during his tenure with Liverpool from 2016 to 2022. In that time, he won a Premier League Golden Boot and helped the club end its 30-year title drought in 2020. Mane may have limited World Cup experience, but he has shined on the World Stage. He’s been a major factor in Senegal’s recent success at the Africa Cup of Nations, which the country won in 2021 while finishing as runner-up in 2019 and (quite controversially) in 2025. The Lions are hoping their recent showings at international tournaments plus Mané’s experience and leadership, can power the country to its best finish since 2002, when Senegal made its memorable run to the quarterfinals.