Samuel Eto’o sees Sadio Mané winning the African Ballon d’Or

Former Cameroonian striker Samuel Eto’o said Sadio Mané deserved to claim the African Footballer of the Year trophy, given his decisive influence at the Africa Cup of Nations. Having already won the award in 2021 after guiding Senegal to their first continental title, the Al-Nassr forward once again left his mark on CAN 2025. An offensive leader and a central figure in the dressing room, Mané played a major role in the Lions of Teranga’s triumph, who beat Morocco 1-0 in the final.

In an interview with France 24, Samuel Eto’o praised the Senegalese star’s impact, both on and off the pitch. The former Indomitable Lions captain highlighted in particular Mané’s composure in tense moments, notably after the penalty awarded to Morocco late in the match.

« It’s an honour for me to count him among my friends, and his role in his team’s victory was exceptional », Eto’o said. He added: « I hope he wins the African Player of the Year title again, because what he has achieved, and in particular his actions in the final, show the qualities of a true leader. »