BHM: Mané the Man

Sadio Mané is a football (soccer) player who plays as a forward for the club Liverpool FC. Born in Sedhiou, Senegal in the small village of Bambali, Mané comes from humble beginnings and has established himself as one of the finest players in world football. In the 2018-19 season he led the Liverpool forward line by scoring 26 goals in 50 games and helped bring his club to their first Champions League Trophy (the most coveted trophy in club football) in 14 years. He also played a pivotal role in helping his national team reach the African Cup of Nations final last summer but fell short by one goal to Algeria. His stellar performances earned him 4th place in the Ballon D’or ranking which is given to the best player of the year. He was the first African to reach the top five in over 10 years. 

Mané’s excellence does not stop on the pitch. In addition to being a wonderful athlete, he is an even better person and a role model for all. Even though he makes millions playing the beautiful game, Mané does not forget his roots. In 2019 alone, he donated more than $250,000 to Senegalase communities to build mosques, schools, and hospitals. Mané says, “I do not need to display luxury cars, luxury homes, trips and even planes. Why would I want 10 Ferraris, 20 diamond watches, or two planes? What will these objects do for me and for the world? I prefer that my people receive a little of what life has given me. I was hungry, and I had to work in the field. I survived hard times, played football barefooted. I did not have an education and many other things, but today with what I earn thanks to football, I can help my people.” Mané’s overwhelming talent on the football field and tremendous generosity off it, is more than enough for him to be an inspiration for all.