‘One of the greatest heroes’ - Former Barcelona star names African Footballer of the Year

Cameroonian Football Federation (FECAFOOT) president Samuel Eto’o has publicly expressed strong support for Senegalese forward Sadio Mané to win the African Footballer of the Year award.

The former Barcelona star revealed his endorsement following his standout performances at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

Speaking to FRANCE24, the African football legend highlighted Mané’s influence throughout the tournament, describing him as a complete leader whose impact went far beyond goals and assists.

Mané played a pivotal role in Senegal’s successful AFCON title defense, which concluded with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Morocco in Sunday’s final in Rabat.

The triumph marked Senegal’s second continental crown in four years, having previously won their maiden title in 2021, also inspired by Mané.

Eto’o singled out a critical incident late in the final that, in his view, epitomised Mané’s leadership.

Following a controversial penalty awarded to Morocco after a foul on Brahim Díaz, tensions flared among Senegalese players, with some reportedly considering walking off the pitch in protest.

“Sadio Mané not only contributed to winning the tournament but also to saving the image of the national team,” Eto’o said. “Leaving the pitch would have had very serious consequences for Senegal.”

According to Eto’o, Mané intervened to calm his teammates, ensuring the match continued and Senegal maintained focus during a decisive moment.

The former Barcelona and Inter Milan striker went on to lavish praise on Mané’s character, describing him as one of African football’s true role models.

“Sadio is one of the greatest heroes of our continent, and I send him special respect for his morals and leadership qualities,” Eto’o stated. “I am honoured to consider him a friend, and his role in leading his teammates to victory was exceptional.”

Mané previously won the African Footballer of the Year award in 2021 after guiding Senegal to their first AFCON title.

With another continental triumph and a defining leadership display in 2025, Eto’o believes the Senegalese star deserves to reclaim the honor.

“I hope he achieves another African Footballer of the Year because what he did, especially his behaviour yesterday, is the act of a great leader,” Eto’o concluded.