Sadio Mane: Liverpool star has stadium named after him in Senegal
- Published
Sadio Mane with the Africa Cup of Nations trophy
Sadio Mane is to have a stadium named after him in the south-western city of Sedhiou after helping Senegal to their maiden continental success.
The Liverpool forward scored the winning penalty as the Teranga Lions beat Egypt 4-2 on penalties after the game ended goalless following extra time.
His three goals and two assists for the West African nation earned him the Most Valuable Player (MVP) award and now the mayor of Sedhiou, Adboulaye Diop, says the region's football stadium will be named after its favourite son.
"I would like, through this decision to give the name of Sadio Man茅 to the Stade de S茅dhiou, to express the recognition of all the daughters and sons of the region, towards a man who makes known to the humanity as a whole, Bambali and its regional capital, namely S茅dhiou," Diop, who doubles as Senegal's minister of culture and communication, was quoted as saying by the local media.
"Sadio Man茅 really deserves this honour."
Mane won the heart of millions following charitable acts in his home town by pledging money to building a hospital and school, contributing to constructing mosques and providing funds to aid the fight against Covid-19.
Before the Champions League final back in May 2018, he gifted Liverpool shirts to locals in his hometown of Bambali so they could wear them during the game.
"There are 2,000 in the village. I bought 300 Liverpool jerseys to send to the people in the village, so the fans can wear to watch the final," said Mane.
Bambali is where Mane watched Liverpool's famous comeback against AC Milan to win the 2005 Champions League final - at the age of 13. And
From French club Metz to Liverpool via Austria's RB Salzburg and Southampton, Mane has come a long way to being recognised as one of the finest players in the world.
Winner of the English Premier League and the Champions League with Liverpool, the reigning African footballer of the year
And after his team's success in Cameroon, of his career.