Sadio Mane isn’t just an exceptional footballer but also makes an impact far beyond the pitch. As recognition for his extraordinary social commitment, the Senegal international was named the inaugural winner of the Socrates Award at the Ballon d’Or ceremony in Paris. The new trophy honours footballers who campaign for integration, climate protection, disadvantaged people or those threatened by conflict.
Mane the inaugural winner
“I’m just pleased to be here. I don’t like talking about what I do, but I do what I can for my people and try to improve things in my country,” Mane said upon receiving the prize in the French capital, accompanied by board member for sport Hasan Salihamidzic.
Commitment to his homeland
Fame and fortune are not important to Mane, so he prefers to pass this on – as presenter Sandy Heribert described in her introduction. The Bayern forward has been helping for years to improve conditions in his home region of Casamance in Senegal, supporting with donations to help build schools, a hospital and infrastructure. The reigning African Men’s Player of the Year is a global ambassador for children’s aid organisation Right To Play.
The Socrates Award is named after the former Brazil international, who passed away in 2011. Socrates was politically active and fought in the 1980s for social change, calling for fans to fans and players to rebel against the military dictatorship in his country at the time.
Mane and Bayern are back in action on Wednesday in the DFB Cup:
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