Sweet reception: FC Bayern Munich surprised their superstar Sadio Mané with a huge cake before training on Tuesday.
Cheered by his teammates, CEO Oliver Kahn and sports director Hasan Salihamidzic congratulated the 30-year-old Senegalese on being named Africa’s footballer of the year.
“Winning this title once is really outstanding. But winning it twice is historic and great. You can be proud of it and we are proud of you,” said Kahn to Mané in front of the assembled team.
The offensive player, who had switched from Liverpool to the German record champions, had led Senegal to the title for the first time as captain at the 2022 Africa Cup of Nations. Mané had already been named Africa’s best footballer in 2019. In 2020 and 2021 there had been no election.