Sadio Mané raised his arms skyward, perched triumphantly on the shoulders of his teammates. In one hand gleamed the golden trophy, while the other was clenched in sheer jubilation. That expansive grin stretching across his face seemed to announce to the world: “Africa’s true king reigns now—me!” Last night, the Senegalese legend celebrated in regal fashion, claiming the continental crown for the second time in his illustrious career.
One cannot help but wonder if Mohamed Salah witnessed this majestic celebration. Even if he did not, news of his former attacking partner’s achievement surely reached his ears. What must be running through Salah’s mind? Is he applauding a friend’s success, or silently lamenting a void in his own international honours?
Memories of their golden days at Liverpool inevitably come flooding back. Salah joined the Reds from Roma in 2017, a year after Mané had already settled in. Under Jürgen Klopp’s spellbinding guidance, the duo became architects of Liverpool’s renaissance—Champions League glory in the 2018–19 season, followed by the Premier League title in the subsequent campaign. Yet in club football, the spotlight often gravitated more towards Salah. Popularity soared for the Egyptian prince, whose name is now etched among the Premier League’s all-time greats.
By 2022, seeking his own path beyond Salah’s shadow, Mané departed Liverpool. After a stint at Bayern Munich, he now plies his trade at Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia, alongside Cristiano Ronaldo, often appearing overshadowed on the global stage. Meanwhile, Salah continues to shatter records at Anfield—winning Player of the Month thrice in a single season, scoring a staggering 32 goals in a single tournament as an African, and amassing 190 league goals—the highest for any African player in Premier League history.
However, alongside these club records stands a monumental achievement that Salah has yet to claim: the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Here, Mané has firmly planted himself as an immovable figure. Remarkably, both of his AFCON triumphs came at Salah’s expense:
2021: Senegal defeated Salah’s Egypt in a penalty shootout to claim their first title.
2025: Senegal eliminated Egypt in the semi-final and overcame Morocco in the final.
On both occasions, Mané also earned the Player of the Tournament award.
| Player | AFCON Titles | Player of Tournament | Notable Achievements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sadio Mané | 2 (2021, 2025) | 2 | Beat Salah twice, led Senegal to glory |
| Mohamed Salah | 0 | 0 | Record-breaking club performances, still chasing AFCON glory |
Salah, now 33, will be 35 by the next AFCON in 2027. While mathematically possible for him to compete, fitness, form, and fortune will determine his chances. Even if he triumphs, Mané will remain ahead in terms of continental accolades. Fortunately, Mané, also 33, has a similar window to widen that gap further.
For now, the duel is set aside. Mané is absorbed in celebration, basking in the glory of being Africa’s finest. Amid continental football, one truth remains undeniable: Sadio Mané is the king of African football.
