Sadio Mane became the joint top scorer for his country Senegal after scoring a wonderful goal against Burkina Faso. This 3-1 win over Burkina Faso sent Senegal to the finals of the AFCON 2021-22.
The Liverpool winger's goal took his tally to 29 goals meaning he now joined former Southampton and Wolves striker Henri Camara.
The Lions of Teranga are already a star-studded team by having players like Sadio Mane, Eduardo Mendy, and Kalidou Koulibaly.
The match started with Senegal being on the front foot from the beginning of the match. But as a matter of fact, Senegal was awarded 2 penalties around 32' and 45+8' Minutes respectively; which were later disallowed with the usage of VAR. Even with all this Burkina Faso still managed to drag the game to the halfway point.
The Goal Galore Second Half
However, in the second half, fierce Senegal finally got their breakthrough goals. Paris Saint-Germain duo Abdou Diallo and Idrissa Gueye as they both scored 2 quick goals around 70' and 76' Minutes respectively. The first goal was beautifully set up by Koulibaly and the second one was from Mane.
Burkina Faso on the other hand manages to reply one back around the 82nd minute after Ibrahim Blati Toure's brilliant pass to Issa Kabore.
But it was Senegal and Liverpool's star winger Sadio Mane who sealed the match with just 3 minutes remaining on the clock. A poor touch from Burkina Faso in their midfield gave Ismaila Sarr the opportunity to break a counterattack. It was Sadio Mane on the receiving end who made a thunderous run to bolt past the lone defender and chip it over the goalkeeper to seal the match and take his team to the finals.
Watch The Goal here:
Senegal now awaits to face either his teammate Mohamed Salah's Egypt or Cameroon; who are going head-to-head on 4th February at 12:30 IST.
Cristiano Ronaldo, who topped the highest-paid footballers list in 2021 is on the top in the year 2023 as well while Messi and Neymar are right behind him.
Football is not just a sport but an emotion, a passion, and for some, a religion. The game has evolved but the love and the passion for the sport is still the same. However, another evolution is evident, the exponential growth in player valuations and salaries. In the recent season, the fans witnessed their favourite players transfer from one club to another club for record transfer fees and record wages. It's time, we give a look at the list of the Top 10 Highest-Paid footballers in 2023.
Cristiano Ronaldo is the highest-paid footballer of 2023 Image - Getty
Ronaldo's move to Al Nassr was historic. Earning â¬200 million, he's not just any sportsman but also a brand in itself. He is continuing to plug his own partnerships, with spots for Clear, Herbalife and Binance, among others, appearing on his Instagram account over the past two months. So it's $260 million in total if everything can be included alongside his salary.
AGE: 38 | NATIONALITY: PORTUGAL | ON-FIELD: $200 MILLION ⢠OFF-FIELD: $60 MILLION
2. $135 Million | Lionel Messi | Inter Miami
Lionel Messi is the second highest-paid footballer of 2023 Image - Getty
The Messi Effect is real in MLS. Chicago Fire drew a club record 62,124 fans at Soldier Field and generated a reported $7 million to $10 million in revenue in a match against Inter Miami, more than all their home games combined this season. Messi's arrival on U.S. soil was also registered in a recently released Apple TV+ documentary titled "Messi Meets America."
AGE: 36 | NATIONALITY: ARGENTINA | ON-FIELD: $65 MILLION ⢠OFF-FIELD: $70 MILLION
3. $112 Million | Neymar Jr. | Al-Hilal
Neymar Jr. is the third highest-paid footballer of 2023 Image - Getty
Neymar Jr. has been always been the talking points in the footballing world since his departure from Barcelona. Because when he was in Barcelona, he was derived by only and only football but somehow he became the talking person for being a money driven football player. He signed a record contract with Al-Hilal recently. Away from the pitch, he remains as active as ever, with a list of sponsors that includes Puma, Konami and Red Bull. He also announced a partnership with Portuguese horse breeding farm Team Campline.
AGE: 31 | NATIONALITY: BRAZIL | ON-FIELD: $80 MILLION ⢠OFF-FIELD: $32 MILLION
AGE: 24 | NATIONALITY: FRANCE | ON-FIELD: $90 MILLION ⢠OFF-FIELD: $20 MILLION
5. $106 Million | Karim Benzema | Al-Ittihad
Karim Benzema is the fifth highest-paid footballer of 2023 Image - Getty
Benzema followed his former Real Madrid teammate Ronaldo to Saudi Arabia. He brought to Al Ittihad a blend of skill, experience, and goal-scoring prowess. He's more than just a player. He's an investment for the future and a statement of intent.
AGE: 35 | NATIONALITY: FRANCE | ON-FIELD: $100 MILLION ⢠OFF-FIELD: $6 MILLION
Saudi Pro-League club Al Hilal take out €90 million (£77.6m) to sign Brazilian forward Neymar from Paris Saint-Germain (PSG). Neymar will join the Saudi side on a two-year deal. He has signed the contract for a huge amount of £2.5 million-a-week in wages including other expenses. Neymar became the world's most expensive footballer after completing his move to PSG from Barcelona back in 2017. After 173 appearances for the Paris Giants, Neymar has scored 118 goals. After spending six seasons at PSG, he is now all set for a new mission in Saudi.
A report claims that Neymar has asked Al-Hilal management for three luxury cars for himself, four Mercedes G Wagons for his entourage, and a Mercedes van with a driver. Neymar has requested the Saudi Pro-League outfit one particular driver to be available round the clock every day for himself, his friends, and family members. The list of luxury cars reportedly comprises a Bentley Continental GT, an Aston Martin DBX, and a Lamborghini Huracan. Neymar also wants a refrigerator at his home to be always filled with Acai juice and Guarana drinks.
The Brazil sensation's demand doesn't just restrict there. He has also asked for three saunas to be installed in his house and a sous chef to help his personal Brazilian chef. The former Barcelona talisman has demanded all the costs of his stays at hotels, restaurants, and travel be covered by Al Hilal.
According to some trustable reports, Neymar's Saudi property will have 25 rooms and a swimming pool. The 31-year-old will earn £173.8 million per year during his stay at Al Hilal. The Al Hilal contract makes Neymar Saudi Pro League's third best-paid footballer, behind Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema.
Cristiano Ronaldo joined Al Nassr in December last year. His former Real Madrid teammate Benzema followed him and signed for the Saudi Arabian champions Al Ittihad on a free transfer this summer.
"It is exciting, meeting top-quality players on the other teams thrills you and motivates you to play even better. And it is a given when you face Ronaldo, Benzema, (Roberto) Firmino, that the excitement is even greater. I think it is very important to have quality in the squad. Obviously, it helps in some decisions you take throughout your career. It was certainly for me. I am very excited to write a new story chasing all the objectives with the club and my teammates – winning more and more titles and fulfilling the club's ambition," Neymar said.
Sadio Mane has revealed that leaving Bayern Munich "hurts" him as the former Liverpool forward closes in on a lucrative move to Saudi Arabia.
Mane, 31, is set to join Al-Nassr after one year at Bayern following his switch from Liverpool last summer. The Senegal international has arrived in Dubai to undergo the first part of his medical ahead of completing a deal worth around £34million - more than what the German side paid Jurgen Klopp's Reds 12 months ago.
He is set to sign a four-year contract with the Saudi Arabian side and will team up with Cristiano Ronaldo and Marcelo Brozovic at Al-Nassr. However, Mane has regrets about his time at Bayern and admitted he was hoping to have a bigger impact at the Allianz Arena.
Sadio Mané ahead of Al Nassr medical: “Leaving Bayern hurts me. I would have wished for a different ending”. 🔴👋🏻
“I know that I could have helped the team this season. Nevertheless, I only wish the club and the fans the best for the future”, told @Plettigoal. pic.twitter.com/ZYTvRPEEVU
Mane told Sky Sports: "Leaving FC Bayern hurts me. I would have wished for a different ending. I know that I could have helped the team this season. I wanted to prove it to everyone this season. Nevertheless, I only wish the club and the fans the best for the future."
The ex-Southampton star scored 12 goals in his first Bayern Munich season as they struggled in Europe and only clinched the Bundesliga title on the final day of the campaign. The forward's season was marred by a clash with team-mate Leroy Sane which earned him a fine and an internal ban, though he insists he has put the matter behind him.
"This kind of things can happen. It happened," Mane said of the Sane clash. "We were able to solve this small problem. Sometimes it's good to solve problems, but maybe not in this way. It's behind us now. We'll try to fight together to help the club achieve its goals next season."
Sadio Mané, on his way to medical tests as new Al Nassr player. It will take place this evening, as expected. 🟡🔵👌🏻 https://t.co/p9KvJyQaXN
As for Bayern, they hope to replace Mane and sign Harry Kane from Tottenham before the end of the window. Bayern have undergone more talks with Spurs over a deal for the 30-year-old frontman, although it is understood the two clubs are £25m apart in valuation.
Tottenham want £100m for their record scorer after he netted 30 Premier League goals last season. While Bayern Munich are aiming to seal a deal for Kane, it is also revealed that they face considerable competition. It is suggested that PSG are edging towards an agreement for the striker and would be willing to outbid any club in Europe for him.
Jude Bellingham has checked into Borussia Dortmund's team hotel ahead of the title-deciding match against Mainz. It's looking like Jude Bellingham will be involved in Borussia Dortmund's title decider against Mainz. The England international has probably returned to training after a knee problem and should be available to BVB coach Edin Terzic. Dortmund need to win the game to clinch the title after a long wait of 11 seasons.
Bellingham has been a key player for Dortmund this season. He has scored eight goals and provided five assists in 31 Bundesliga appearances. Dortmund can secure their first Bundesliga title since 2012 if they beat Mainz in the last match week.
Bellingham didn't play the last game against Augsburg due to a knee injury. A thumping 3-0 victory over Augsburg put Dortmund one win away from their first league trophy in 11 years. Borussia Dortmund are two points clear of Bayern Munich going into the last game. Bayern lost their last game against Leipzig which opened a path for Dortmund and there's no way they are gonna spoil their chances from here.
Bellingham is linked with a move from the Bundesliga side in the summer transfer window. Spanish heavyweight Real Madrid is in talks to sign the England international.
It seems Sadio Mane's move from Liverpool to Bayern Munich has not paid off for any party involved.
The Reds lost one of the cornerstones of their attack, while Bayern did not acquire a player who could at least partly fill the void left by Robert Lewandowski's departure to Barcelona.
BREAKING: Bayern Munich forward Sadio Mane punched teammate Leroy Sane in the face after yesterday’s Champions League defeat at Manchester City. pic.twitter.com/diUYAnBiDF
Mane has not performed to the level we saw during his days at Anfield by any means.
So far, the 31-year-old has scored 11 goals in 32 games. What might be shocking is that Mane has come off the bench in eight of these appearances this season. He serves as a bit-part player instead of a key man.
To make matters worse, Sadio Mane and Leroy Sane got into a physical altercation in the dressing room at the Etihad Stadium following Bayern's 3-0 loss to Manchester City in the first leg of the Champions League quarter-finals.
Sadio Mane and Leroy Sane got into a fight after the loss against Manchester City (Image- Getty Images)
The two already started arguing on the field when, during one of Bayern's few attacks, Sane intended to play a short pass to Mane who instead made a deep run.
Moments later, Sane confronted Mane over what he considered to have been a mistake by the substitute, who had been on the pitch for only 14 minutes.
Once the pair returned to the dressing room after the game, Sadio Mane complained to Sane about the way he was spoken to on the pitch, which led to the altercation and left Sane with a swollen lip.
As a result, Bayern's executives decided to suspend Mane from the Bundesliga game against Hoffenheim on Saturday and fine him. While Bayern do not intend to terminate the forward's contract, they were convinced serious punishment was needed.
Bayern manager Thomas Tuchel stated that, in his eyes, Sadio Mane has received enough punishment, yet the clash has disturbed the team.
"I haven't seen the incident myself, as I was in the coaches' room," Tuchel said at a press conference on Friday.
🚨 Bayern have suspended Sadio Mané for the next game — he won’t be in the squad vs Hoffenheim and will also be fined.
This happens due to his fight with Leroy Sané after City game when he punched Sané in his face in dressing room after having an argument during the match. pic.twitter.com/HUTkr3rwQV
"It was important to me that we resolve that matter before the next training session. We did that yesterday morning. We cleared the air. We are not the first team where something like that happens, and we won't be the last.
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