Sadio Mane – The “True” Superstar
Apart from being a football superstar, Sadio Mane has perhaps donated more than any other to develop the remote parts of Senegal
What first drew my attention to Mané was a viral post that included a photo of him with a broken iPhone and a remark in which he explained his perspective on material success. ( The question regarding the broken iPhone has nothing to do with the quotation, but it does provide the finest explanation of his philosophy)
Mané said in an interview with a Ghanaian newspaper:
“Why would I want ten Ferraris, 20 diamond watches, or two planes? What will these objects do for me and for the world? I was hungry, and I had to work in the field; I survived hard times, played football barefooted, I did not have an education and many other things, but today with what I earn thanks to football, I can help my people. I built schools, a stadium, we provide clothes, shoes, food for people who are in extreme poverty. In addition, I give 70 euros per month to all people in a very poor region of Senegal which contributes to their family economy. I do not need to display luxury cars, luxury homes, trips and even planes. I prefer that my people receive a little of what life has given me”
After a successful run at Liverpool, where he won several trophies, the player is currently is a member of the German club Bayern Munich.
He’s one of Senegal’s all-time greats and has provided his country not just medals but also a tremendous amount of money to put toward crucial initiatives,
Sadio Mané was born in the little town of Bambali, Sédhiou, Senegal, a westernmost outpost of Northern Africa with a population of about 2,000.
Sadio Mané’s childhood was marred by extreme poverty. Located on the banks of the Casamance River, the fishing community is more than a day’s journey from the nation’s capital. There is a lack of paved roadways. Because there is no hospital in the hamlet, many women give birth in their own homes.
Sadio Mané left his home in the town of Bambali when he was 15 and travelled seven hours to the capital city on foot and bus, an extraordinary trek by itself.
And since becoming pro, Sadio Mané has accomplished much more.
- Since there is no hospital in our community, Mané gave about $700,000 to construct one. His father passed away because he was unable to get the care he needed without one, and his sister was also delivered at home.
- Mané gave £250,000 to build a school in Bambali.
- A new gas station and a post office were built thanks to his funds
- He gave sports equipment to all the children in the village;
- A monthly support package of £60 to every family in the village
- The top students at Bambali High School get £350
- He offers sports equipment to all the children.
- Mane has also donated computers to the school and installed 4G internet for all the kids in the hamlet at no cost.
- He funded the national committee combatting COVID in Senegal £41,000 at the beginning of the epidemic in March 2020.
Sadio Mané has given several millions to help his hometown recover.
He is a true superstar
