Mane wins AFCON Golden Ball, confirms tournament retirement

Sadio Mane Wins AFCON 2025 Golden Ball Award

Sadio Mane was crowned the Golden Ball winner at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations on Sunday, capping a memorable final tournament for the 33-year-old forward who confirmed his retirement from the competition while leading Senegal to their second continental title.

The Al-Nassr striker received the tournament’s top individual honor after orchestrating Senegal’s dramatic 1-0 extra-time victory over hosts Morocco in Rabat, a match that descended into chaos before his leadership restored order on what he called “one of football’s wildest nights.”indianexpress

A Night of Chaos and Calm

The final at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium erupted into pandemonium in the 98th minute when referee Jean-Jacques Ndala awarded Morocco a controversial penalty following a VAR review, moments after Senegal had a goal disallowed for a foul on Achraf Hakimi. Senegalese coach Pape Thiaw instructed his players to leave the pitch in protest, creating a 14-minute delay as most of the squad headed toward the dressing room.cnn

Mane, however, remained on the field. According to teammate Pape Gueye, the captain sprinted to the stands to speak with former Senegal coach Claude Le Roy and ex-player El Hadji Diouf before rushing to the locker room to rally his teammates.mykhel

“Sadio told us to come back on the pitch to remobilise us,” Gueye recalled after the match. “Édouard made the save, we maintained our focus, scored the goal, and secured the victory.”indianexpress

When play resumed, Real Madrid midfielder Brahim Diaz attempted a panenka penalty that goalkeeper Edouard Mendy easily saved. Gueye then unleashed a stunning left-footed strike from the edge of the box in the 94th minute of extra time to clinch Senegal’s second AFCON title.beinsports

Legacy Sealed

Mane finished the tournament with 20 career AFCON goal contributions—11 goals and nine assists—the most by any player in the competition’s history since comprehensive records began in 2010. His semifinal goal against Egypt, a 1-0 win, sent Senegal to the final and brought his AFCON tally to double figures, placing him ninth on the tournament’s all-time scoring list.beinsports

This marks Mane’s second Golden Ball award, having previously won the honor during Senegal’s maiden title run in 2021.von

“The world was watching, and I think football is a pleasure, so we have to give a good image for football,” Mane said afterward. “I think Africa today does not deserve that.”indianexpress

Final Farewell

The forward confirmed this would be his final AFCON appearance, stating he plans to retire from international football entirely after the 2026 World Cup in North America.liverpoolecho

“Is this my last AFCON? Yes, I believe I’ve mentioned it before,” Mane said. “I am confident that the younger players will perform admirably; I will be their 12th man.”mykhel

Despite coach Thiaw’s public appeal for Mane to reconsider, the forward remains resolute about his decision. Morocco’s Diaz claimed the Golden Boot with five goals, while goalkeeper Yassine Bounou won the Golden Glove.liverpool