Sadio Mane withdraws from Senegal squad as Liverpool icon targeted - 'A personal decision'

Sadio Mane withdraws from Senegal squad as Liverpool icon targeted - 'A personal decision'

Sadio Mane asked to be left out of Senegal's two upcoming friendlies against Republic of Ireland and England after being targeted by critics over his recent displays for his national team

Mane will not play against England (Photo by Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images) (Image: Liverpool FC via Getty Images )

Former Liverpool star Sadio Mane has opted out of Senegal's high-profile friendly against England. That's following a barrage of criticism and online abuse over his recent national team performances.

The 33-year-old winger, who dazzled at Anfield for six seasons alongside Mohammed Salah, was left disheartened after being the focus of harsh criticism following World Cup qualifiers against Sudan and Togo in March.

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Mane's decision to skip the upcoming fixtures against the Republic of Ireland on Friday night and England at Nottingham's City Ground on Tuesday was granted by Senegal coach Pape Thiaw, albeit with some reluctance.

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Currently playing with Cristiano Ronaldo at Al-Nassr, Mane's club future is also in doubt as he's been informed by the Saudi Pro League side that he can look for new clubs this summer.

Senegal's coach Thiaw commented: "It is a personal decision that belongs to Mane - and I respect it as a coach. Sadio is a very important player for us.", reports the Mirror.

He added, "But I don't coach one player, I coach 26 players, and so the most important thing is the collective. I have put together a squad of players who are available and ready to fight with pride for the national jersey."

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Mane boasts an impressive record for Senegal, netting 45 goals in 113 caps since his debut in 2012, including scoring the decisive penalty against Egypt in the African Cup of Nations final in 2021, overcoming an earlier miss in the match.

Mane, having been crowned player of the tournament with three goals and two assists, feels he's now the first to receive criticism despite his national hero status for his performances on the field and charitable acts off it. With Premier League talents like Chelsea's Nicolas Jackson and Ismaila Sarr from Crystal Palace in the squad, all eyes remain fixed on Mane's illustrious career across clubs like Metz, Red Bull Salzburg, Southampton, Liverpool, and Bayern Munich.

Senegal sits second in their 2026 World Cup qualifying group, trailing a point behind DR Congo after draws and wins against Sudan and Togo respectively. Mane expressed his thoughts on the public perception: "A lot is said about me and I think I'm the most criticised player in Senegal.

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"I don't have a problem with it. Everyone is free to give their opinion. But there must be better things to do than criticise Sadio Mane. What does it even get you?".

Augustin Senghor, president of the Senegalese Football Federation, conveyed shared disappointment but looked for a silver lining: "Of course, it's a heartbreak because everyone knows what Sadio means to our team. Perhaps it's a blessing in disguise, both for him and for us.

"We hope to have him back in top form for future matches, but this is a great opportunity for others to show themselves. The most important thing is that Sadio is there and ready for the big events to come."

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