Sadio Mane returned to Al-Nassr training after an absence of more than a month due to his participation in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations with the Senegalese national team.
The 33-year-old led the Lions of Teranga to victory, defeating Morocco 1-0 in the final. Mane also won the Player of the Tournament award.
Mane received a special welcome from his Al-Nassr teammates upon his return on Friday. The club held a small celebration with a cake featuring a picture of him holding the Africa Cup of Nations trophy, alongside the Al-Nassr and Senegalese national team logos.
Al-Nassr star Cristiano Ronaldo made a point of celebrating his teammate Sadio’s return, standing beside him as he cut the cake. He pointed to his head in delight and personally placed a slice on Mane’s plate, much to the delight of his teammates.
Mane thanked his teammates, saying, “Thank you, guys, for this gift. I wasn’t expecting it, but it shows your warm welcome, and I’m very happy about it. I’m looking forward to the rest of the season.”
Mane will find things different at Al-Nassr than they were when he traveled to Morocco in mid-December, as the “Knights of Najd” lost their lead in the Saudi League and are now 7 points behind Al-Hilal. Hopes are now that the Senegalese international will succeed in making a difference and putting things back on track at Al-Awwal Park.
