Sadio Mané Opts Out of Senegal’s Friendly Against England Due to Personal Reasons
Despite being in peak physical condition, Sadio Mané has made the difficult decision to sit out of Senegal’s upcoming international friendly against England. This surprising move is not due to injury or tactical considerations, but rather stems from a deeply personal place.
Sources close to the Al Nassr forward have revealed that Mané has requested to be excused from the match following a challenging period marked by intense online abuse and criticism directed at his recent performances for the national team.
Following Senegal’s World Cup qualifiers in March, where expectations were high, the 32-year-old found himself at the receiving end of a social media backlash. Despite his reputation as one of Senegal’s most accomplished footballers, some fans criticized him for what they perceived as underperformance.
The relentless trolling and harsh personal attacks reportedly took a toll on Mané, leaving him disheartened and mentally drained. In response to the mounting negativity, the usually reserved player spoke out, acknowledging the criticism but questioning its value.
Mané stated, “A lot is said about me and I think I’m the most criticized player in Senegal. I don’t have a problem with it. Everyone is free to give their opinion. But there must be better things to do than criticize Sadio Mané. What does it even get you?”
This rare glimpse into Mané’s vulnerability shed light on the emotional toll that constant scrutiny can take, even on a player of his caliber known for his humility, resilience, and unwavering dedication to both club and country.
Senegal’s coaching staff has fully supported Mané’s decision, prioritizing his well-being above all else. While he will miss the upcoming friendly, the door remains open for his return in future fixtures.
