Senegal talisman Mane overcame grief to become an African icon

Key Highlights

• He was a man with a big heart.
• His death had a major impact on me and the rest of my family," Mane said."I said to myself -- now I have to do my best to help my mother.
• That is a hard thing to deal with when you are so young."AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementBut he succeeded, going on to play for clubs in France, Austria, England, Germany and Saudi Arabia, and helping his country win the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) for the first time in 2002. After stints with Metz and Salzburg, Mane joined Southampton in 2014 and his 176-second hat-trick against Aston Villa remains the fastest in the Premier League.
• After two seasons with the Saints, Mane joined Liverpool, operated alongside Egyptian star Mohamed Salah, and the pair helped bring many trophies to Anfield. The silverware haul included the Champions League, UEFA Super Cup, Club World Cup, Premier League, FA Cup and League Cup. AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementAfter six seasons with the Reds, Mane spent one at Bayern Munich, then joined many other African stars in the lucrative Saudi Pro League.
• Happy memories -A goalless 2022 AFCON final against Egypt in Yaounde meant a penalty shootout, and Mane converted the spot kick that brought glory to Senegal. Victory was particularly joyful as the Teranga Lions had also reached the previous AFCON final, three years earlier in Cairo, but conceded after just two minutes and lost 1-0 to Algeria.