Finishing 2nd in the Ballon d'Or ranking behind Karim Benzema, Sadio Mané received congratulations from many of his Senegalese compatriots. Well-deserved praise because the Lion of Teranga is the second African footballer to be on the podium of the Trophy of the best player in the world. Only George Weah had managed such a feat, 27 years ago now (1995).
Sadio Mané becomes the 2nd African player in history to reach the podium of the Ballon d'Or
First African to reach the podium of the Ballon d'Or France Football after Georges Weah in 1995, Sadio Mané makes the Senegalese proud. The first winner of the Socrates Award has received many messages of support and encouragement from his people on social networks. The President of the Republic of Senegal, Macky Sall, was one of the first to congratulate him.
Félicitations à Sadio Mané pour sa 2eme place au #BallonDor. Une performance jamais réalisée par un africain depuis le sacre de @GeorgeWeahOff en 1995. Le Sénégal est fier et honoré d’avoir une légende du football qui réalise chaque jour des performances exceptionnelles🇸🇳 pic.twitter.com/jijWnstaAB
— Macky Sall (@Macky_Sall) October 17, 2022
This tweet of His Excellency is followed by that of his Prime Minister, Amadou Ba, who did not fail to emphasize the generosity of the former Liverpool player.
"Congratulations to our compatriot, Sadio Mané for his Socrates Award and his second place in the Ballon d'Or 2022. These awards honor his humility, his generosity as well as his talent. Good continuation gaïndé," he captioned.
Félicitations à notre compatriote Sadio Mané pour son prix #Socrates et sa 2ème place au ballon d’or 2022.
Ces récompenses honorent son humilité, sa générosité tout autant que son talent.
Bonne continuation Gaïndé#kebetu #senegal #SadioMane #BallondOr #nianthio pic.twitter.com/5n5ZlybxcV— Amadou BA (@amadou_ba_) October 17, 2022
The Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) also praised the merits of the native of Bambaly: "Author of an exceptional season, Sadio Mané climbed to the second place of the Ballon d'Or 2022. This is the highest ranking for an African player since George Weah. Congratulations Gaïndé".
Sadio Mané's teammates in the national team (Bamba Dieng, Abdou Diallo, cheikhou Kouyaté, Seny Dieng, Kalidou koulibaly,...) also put in Instagram story a photo of the Senegalese legend, as a token of support and recognition.
Notre fierté 🇸🇳 #Nianthio pic.twitter.com/qP0PgLEwqc
— FSF (@Fsfofficielle) October 17, 2022
