Why is Sadio Mane not playing for Senegal vs England?

Scottish Sun

2 days ago

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SADIO Mane is not playing for Senegal in the friendly against England at the City TONIGHT!
Here we take a look at why the forward, who plays domestically for Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League, is missing out on international duty.
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Sadio Mane is not in the Senegal squad for the friendly against England
Credit: Getty
Why is Sadio Mane not playing?
Mane is not playing for Senegal primarily because he requested to be excused from the squad for "personal reasons".
Despite appearing fully fit and having had a productive season, the former Liverpool player was notably absent from the 26-player roster announced by Senegal's head coach, Pape Thiaw, for the friendlies against England and Ireland.
The official explanation from the coach revealed that Mane's absence was a personal choice related to private matters.
He told a press conference: "It is a personal decision that belongs to Mane — and I respect it as a coach. Sadio is a very important player for us.
'But I don't coach one player, I coach 26 players, and so the most important thing is the collective.
"I have put together a squad of players who are available and ready to fight with pride for the national jersey.'
It's not something he makes a habit out of — Mane has been a consistent presence in the national team for over a decade and is Senegal's all-time leading scorer, with 45 goals in 133 appearances.
Many believe the winger's withdrawal was influenced by a wave of criticism following Senegal's recent World Cup qualifying matches in March 2025, when they drew with Sudan and beat Togo.
Despite his long-standing status as a national hero, Mane faced scrutiny from some fans over his performances.
Speaking candidly after the games, Mane said: 'A lot is said about me and I think I'm the most criticised player in Senegal.
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"I don't have a problem with it. Everyone is free to give their opinion.
"But there must be better things to do than criticise Sadio Mane. What does it even get you?"
Another significant factor behind Mane's absence could be his religious commitment.
While no official reason for his absence was provided, reports confirmed that he was visiting Mina, Saudi Arabia, to perform the Hajj pilgrimage — one of the five fundamental pillars of Islam.
The spiritual journey is a deeply personal and important religious duty.
This might explain why Mane would choose to prioritise it over participating in the June international fixtures, if that were the case.
So Mane's absence from the Senegal squad against England seems to be down to a combination of personal reasons.
These include a possible need to step back from international duties amid public criticism, while also potentially taking time to fulfil a major religious obligation.
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