Sadio Mane takes full advantage of chance after post-Liverpool heartbreak
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Liverpool FC NewsFeaturesSadio ManéSadio Mane scored twice for Senegal against the United States national team in one of his final World Cup tune-ups after missing the 2022 tournament due to an injurySadio Mane celebrates scoring for Senegal(Image: Getty Images)Former Liverpool winger Sadio Mane transferred away from the Reds in the 2022 summer transfer window just months before the FIFA World Cup in Qatar.A knee injury suffered early in his Bayern Munich career kept him out of the winter tournament, and his nation, Senegal, fell in the Round of 16 without him.Mane is back as captain of Les Lions for the 2026 World Cup in North America after teasing a potential retirement, and the 34-year-old marked his first friendly on United States soil with a goal against the United States national team in the dying embers of the first half, drawing a cheer from the Charlotte crowd at Bank of America Stadium.With his side trailing 2-0, Mane made a darting run from the right side of the U.S. defense and in between two American central defenders.Senegalese fullback Kreppin Diatta slipped a lovely through ball for Mane, who slotted past American goalkeeper Matt Turner at the far post to bring the deficit to 2-1 in the 44th minute.The goal was his 54th (Senegal record) in his 127th appearance (second most to Idrissa Gana Gueye) for his nation. Mane got another goal just after half-time to complete his brace, but it wasn't enough to stop the USMNT winning 3-2.Sadio Mane will captain Senegal at the 2022 World Cup(Image: Getty Images)Mane figures to start each game at the World Cup for Senegal.Les Lions missed the 2014 World Cup and qualified in 2018, going out in the group stage during Mane's only previous World Cup appearance.
He was a member of Liverpool at the time.He suffered a knee injury for Bayern against Werder Bremen on November 8, 2022, just a few weeks before the start of the Qatar World Cup."During the operation, a tendon was reattached to the head of his right fibula," Bayern Munich said of his diagnosis.Sadio Mane appeared at the 2018 World Cup(Image: Getty Images)The two-time African Cup of Nations winner (the second win being still disputed) made a heartfelt post on social media congratulating his team after they lost 2-0 to England in the Round of 16."Dear brothers, you have fallen into arms," Mane posted on his Instagram. "The people are very proud of your journey, and you have put the balm in the hearts of the Senegalese and all supporters by defending the national flag with dignity.
We will go in search of more trophies Inshallah."Mane transferred to Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr in 2023, joining up with Cristiano Ronaldo. He scored 10 league goals during the 2025/26 season as the Saudi side narrowly won the league title.Choose Liverpool.com as a 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the news you value.Sadio ManéFIFA World CupLiverpool FC