Saido Mane
After an exceptional season, the writing was on the wall that Sadio Mané was going to win the African Player of the Year award, his second in history. And on Thursday he did.
Sadio Mané is more of a national symbol for the Senegalese whom he led to their first African Cup of Nations crown in February.
"It is really deserved and there's lots more to come because he is a very nice kid, modest and great footballer," said one man in Dakar, the Senegalese capital.
"He often faced a lot of criticism, but he always kept hope. He's worked hard and we've seen how important he's been in the Liverpool system. He's a guy that you can throw to the left, to the right, in the middle, you have to have qualities to be able to do all that work," said another man.
Mane was a key figure in the Senegal team that defeated Salah-captained Egypt in the 2021/2022 Africa Cup of Nations final and in a 2022 World Cup play-off.
He becomes the first Bayern Munich player to be voted African Player of the Year.
Senegal tactician Aliou Cisse was crowned Coach of the Year.
01:34
Morocco says joining Spain-Portugal 2030 World Cup bid
Go to video
U-20 AFCON: Young Teranga Lions acclaimed on return home
01:10
Coton Sport train ahead of their CAF CL game against Al-AhlyCameroon club Coton Sport will be aiming
02:11
Stadiums and corporate governance: How Morocco became a football force
Go to video
CHAN: Cameroon and Mali make shock exits in Algeria
02:00
CHAN defenders Morocco may be out of tournament after row with Algeria