Get the FREE Mirror Football newsletter by email with the day's key headlines and transfer news Sign up Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email

Didier Drogba has backed Liverpool winger Sadio Mane to win the Ballon d'Or.

Mane helped the Reds win the Champions League and assisted Senegal to the African Cup of Nations final - where they lost to Algeria.

Mane is one of seven Reds stars to be short listed for the prestigious award - with Trent Alexander-Arnold, Alisson, Roberto Firmino, Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk and Gini Wijnaldum.

The continent of Africa is also represented by Arsenal striker Pierre Emerick-Aubameyang, Manchester City's Riyad Mahrez and Salah.

And Chelsea and Ivory Coast legend Drogba is hoping that Mane can become the first African since George Weah to win the gong.

(Image: Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

"For the CAN, the Champions League, and the championship. What he does in the Premier League, very few players are able to do it," Drogba told Paris Match.

"It is possible [he could emulate George Weah], but it would have been possible before.

"There are many players who have well represented the African continent, like Samuel Eto'o.

(Image: AFP/Getty Images)

"What is a pity is that when we talk about African player, we talk about the continent, we do not speak of a country. We will never say Kylian Mbappe represents the European continent. It is a small shift that is present.

"But to return to the question, it would be really nice (if) Sadio or even Mohamed Salah continue to raise their level of play to hope to win this trophy."

Meanwhile, Mane has declared he wants to stay at Liverpool for the rest of his career.

"I am very happy to be part of this great club and I enjoy it," Mane, who is contracted until 2023, told Norwegian broadcaster TV2.

"Hopefully I stay here forever.

"I've been to some clubs around the world, but Liverpool is unique. It's like a family. The mood is always incredible. But it's normal that we've been together for four years and know each other. We are also together off the field and that is important for morale."