Sadio Mane

From the African village to the Champion’s League final and World Cup.

A village in Senegal

A small village in southern Senegal, Bambali, between the Gambia and Guinea Bissau. The life of all local kids is dictated by the street. Little Sadio is playing in the regional tournament. He is fast and very skilled for his age. He is even an inspiration for older kids. The way he handles the ball and passes is exceptional. Everyone is impressed. „Sadio is going to be that big” giggles little kid stretching his arms wide open. No one believes it, though. There were many before him consumed by the street. Why would he be different? And yet…

Mane came from the family with many kids. He never hid that it was very poor at times and the neighbourhood was tough. He loved sports and especially football. From the early age, he seemed to be very skilled in handling the ball. As in his case, that would normally be not enough. Without proper training and field education, he wouldn’t stand a chance to advance in his career.

The nearest football pitch — 4 km away, no bike

He trained at the field 4 km away from his home. To keep himself in shape he used to run 3 times a week to the pitch. That wasn’t enough for him, so before each training, he used to run a couple of laps around the field, full speed. This way he built his physics and traits that will shape his most lethal weapon in the future — speed and stamina.

„I always loved to run. I never carried any backpack. What I had with me were football boots and I ran and ran, and ran. I didn’t have any bike. It was hard to get one. But, to be honest, I didn’t need any — I could run instead”.

Family and neighbours financing the travel to a football academy

At some point, people in the village started recognizing both his skills and determination. People believed that his potential was very high. His uncle and family decided they need to do something about it. They took all the family savings and with extra support from their neighbours they bought him a ticket. They didn’t make it for a football kit but the most important was there — a ticket to an academy in Dakar. It was a great gift and well used. Mane impressed local coaches from the very beginning.

On the way up

Mane signed a contract with Generation Foot — local academy cooperating with FC Metz and after 5 years at school, he successfully paved his way to League 1 in France.

„He is shy and very modest. His character is not a stereotypical football player — he is too shy and too boring for tabloids” laughs Cheiks Diaho from TFM Channel. And he adds: „I don’t know anyone who saw him at the party or even showing off with girls. When he’s back to Senegal he never stays in Dakar, he always comes back to his local village”

When Mane’s name is mentioned, nowadays, all Senegalese react the same way — there is a smile, tons of compliments, and pride on their face.

Final of the Champions League

13-year old Sadio is watching Liverpool playing in the Champions League. In 2005, their goalkeeper was Jerzy Dudek with his magnificent Dudek’s dance when Liverpool won after penalty shootout despite trailing 0:3 at the halftime.

„That is a magnificent memory. I was Barcelona fan at that time, but of course, I was watching the final. If someone told me that I’d play in the final on my own I wouldn’t believe” — said, Mane.

Few days before Liverpool played against Real Madrid, Mane sent 300 jerseys to Bambali. „There are 2000 people living in the village, I hope some will be able to wear it that night” Mane said.

Real is next?

What is next for Sadio Mane? He started with FC Metz, then Red Bull Salzburg, Southampton and from 2016 Liverpool. Experts start linking him with Real Madrid. Who knows…

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