Sadio Mané

Senegalese footballer (born 1992)

The Premier League record for the fastest hat-trick belongs to Sadio Mané, who scored three times in just 176 seconds during a 6–1 victory over Aston Villa in 2015. Since his professional beginnings in Senegal, he has evolved into a central figure in international football, representing his nation across multiple editions of the Africa Cup of Nations and the FIFA World Cup.

Early Development and Professional Transition

Born in 1992 in Bambali, Senegal, Mané moved to Dakar at age 15 to pursue football despite early family reservations. By 2009, he was playing in M'Bour before joining the academy at Génération Foot. His performance helped the side reach the second division, eventually leading to a partnership with the French club Metz. Mané made his professional debut for Metz on 14 January 2012. Following the club's relegation that year, he transferred to Red Bull Salzburg on 31 August 2012 for a reported €4 million fee, eventually securing both a league and cup double in the 2013–14 season.

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Premier League Tenure

Mané moved to Southampton on 1 September 2014 for £11.8 million. His tenure included a notable 10-goal performance across 32 appearances during his first season. In 2016, he signed with Liverpool for £34 million, becoming the most expensive African player at that time. In October 2021, he reached his 100th Premier League goal, and he currently plays for the Saudi Pro League club Al-Nassr.

International Recognition

As Senegal’s all-time leading goalscorer, Mané has recorded 55 goals in 132 caps since his 2012 debut. He represented his country at the 2012 Olympics and multiple Africa Cup of Nations tournaments. He was named the tournament's best player during the 2021 competition, where he scored the decisive penalty to win Senegal’s first title. He also received the African Player of the Year honor in 2019 and 2022. On the global stage, he participated in the 2018 and 2026 FIFA World Cup competitions.

Fast facts

Questions readers ask

What is his role in the Senegal national team?

He is the nation's all-time top goalscorer and has earned over 130 caps since 2012.

Did he win the Africa Cup of Nations?

Yes, he was named Player of the Tournament in 2021 after leading Senegal to their first title.

Achievements

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