Georginio Wijnaldum pays glowing tribute to Sadio Mane

Senegal star Sadio Mané has received glowing tribute from former Liverpool teammate, Georginio Wijnaldum who describes the AFCON champion as a source of inspiration.

The 33-year-old had a stellar 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, leading Teranga Lions to their second continental trophy.

Mané who previously played for Liverpool and Bayern Munich continues to shine in Saudi Arabia for Al Nassr has been held in high esteem by the former Dutch international.

Sadio Mane has 124 caps for Senegal

“I’m still in touch with him,” revealed the current Al-Ettifaq captain. “Sadio is one of my teammates, or rather, the one I talk to the most. We call each other very often and chat for hours on the phone.”

Wijnaldum appreciated Sadio Mane’s effort and contribution in the AFCON final where Pape Gueye’s late extra time goal won the tournament at the expense of hosts Morocco.

“It was great for him. But that’s just his nature,” explained the 2014 World Cup bronze medalist.

“Sadio is truly a good person, a wonderful individual.” I think that’s also why he’s so well-liked: what he does outside of football is what inspires people, what inspired me too, with his charitable work and his commitment to his country.

“After matches, I often went to Sadio’s house to spend some quiet time with him. Yes, Sadio is truly an exceptional person,” he concluded.

Sadio Mané has 124 caps with 52 goals for the Teranga Lions who have won two Africa Cup of Nations in the last five years.

He played seven matches, scoring two goals as Senegal romped to the 2025 AFCON glory.

His contribution to Al Nassr this season includes 18 appearances, seven goals and five assists.

Senegal have lined up three warm up friendlies against Peru, the Gambia and the USA in preparation for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Canada, USA and Mexico.

They are paired in Group I with France, Norway with the third opponent to be determined by the inter-confederation playoffs pathway.