Sadio Mane Recounts His Journey From Underrated to Football Superstar

• Sadio Mane is a star for both Bayern Munich and the Senegalese national team
• However, the former Premier League star revealed he was underrated in the past
• Mane said he was laughed at by many people and that fuelled his determination

Former Liverpool forward, Sadio Mane has disclosed how he struggled years back in Senegal in his efforts to become a professional footballer, before rising up to the zenith of his career.

Mane, who is the reigning best African footballer, put on many star performances in his time at Anfield, winning the UEFA Champions League and the English Premier League titles, in addition to stellar displays for Bayern Munich and the Senegalese national team.

Fans in his country and in many parts of the world lamented his absence at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, which he missed due to an injury.

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Mane is one of the highest-paid footballers in Europe, taking home a reported £250,000-per-week salary at the Bundesliga giants.

According to the report by ESPN, the Senegalese star explained that he left his village without telling anyone - except his best friend - as he began a quest to play professional football.

Mane explains his football struggles

"I left without telling anyone, apart from my best friend. I walked for a long time to meet up with a friend who loaned me so money so I could take bus to Dakar. I was welcomed by a family who I did not know."

He recalled attending trials at recognised teams and the laughter from other players, who commented on his appearance and tattered clothing.

However, Mane went on to prove his naysayers wrong. After moving on from Liverpool, he has scored six goals for Bayern this season and continues to showcase his star power.

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Mane donates rice to hometown

Earlier, Sports Brief reported on Mane donating to his hometown of Bambali, gifting residents with bags of rice to commemorate the holy month of Ramadan.

The Senegalese international, who is a devout Muslim, joined many others believers around the globe to observe the Islamic month of fasting with generosity.

As part of his efforts to ensure the less-privileged took part in the activities of the month, the Bayern Munich star distributed bags of rice to each household.