Mané Has Not Retired From International Football —French Sports Publication L’Équipe
Retold by Oddsrama · 10 July 2026
A false claim about Sadio Mané retiring from international football has been spreading across social media and picked up by some major outlets, but the Senegal star has not made any such announcement. French publication L'Équipe has confirmed that the retirement statement circulating online is fake, likely generated using artificial intelligence, rather than a genuine statement from the player himself.
The bogus letter gained traction after being republished by several media platforms, including beIN Sports, which reported that Mané had made his decision public through an emotional announcement. The fake message contained typical retirement rhetoric about sacrifice and dedication to the national cause. However, journalists tracking the story traced the statement back to AI generation tools, and sources close to Mané have denied any truth to the rumors. L'Équipe cited reporting from Sport News Africa, where journalist Malang Sané quoted those close to the player to definitively shut down the speculation.
This incident highlights how misinformation can spread rapidly in the digital age, even catching major sports networks off guard. For Senegal fans and punters tracking the Lions of Teranga's international squad stability, Mané's continued availability remains intact. The 34-year-old forward was part of Senegal's 2022 World Cup roster under coach Pape Thiaw, though that campaign ended prematurely in the Round of 32 amid various off-field controversies and reported internal team issues. With Mané's international future now clarified, Senegal can rely on his experience for upcoming qualifying campaigns and continental competitions.
Related stories
Oddsrama retells the day's football news in our own words, with full credit to the source. 18+. Play responsibly.