Only one of Man’s 53 goals for Senegal has come at a World Cup. He scored the solitary strike in his haul in a group stage game against Japan inEkaterinburg duringthe 2018 tournament in Russia.

Man, then playing for Liverpool, featured in all three pool games. But though Aliou Ciss’s squad finished with the same record as Japan, they were eliminated on Fifa’s fair play rule, having picked up more yellow cards than the Japanese during the group stages.

These are things we unfortunately couldnt control, said Senegal defender Lamine Gassama. We did our best for the team. As a result, we sometimes made mistakes and received cards.

“Unfortunately, thats also part of the game. Its cruel to miss out on the last 16 because of more yellow cards.

Crueller was to come for Man four years later. Now with the German Bundesliga giantsBayern Munich, he was forced to sit out the 2022 World Cup by a knee injury.

Without him, Senegal reached the last 16, where Englandoutclassed them 3-0.

Talisman in Senegal squad

In his last World Cup, Man, who moved to the Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr in 2023, goes into the football fest as one of his team’s leaders, along with defender Kalidou Koulibaly, goalkeeper Edouard Mendy and midfielder Idrissa Gana Gueye.

Man cemented his status during theAfrica Cup of Nationsfinal in January against Morocco.

Several of his Senegal teammates, prompted by coach Pape Thiaw, walked off the pitch in protest over the decision of referee Jean-Jacques Ndala to award a penalty to Morocco after consulting the video assistant referees. Just a few minutes earlier, Ndala had refused to review footage when he ruled out a Senegal goal.

Images beamed around the planet showed Man urging Senegal’s players to return to the pitch no matter the perceived injustice.

Man crowned Africa’s top footballer of 2019

Once play resumed after a 15-minute delay, Brahim Diaz missed the penalty with the last kick of the regulation 90 minutes and Senegal eventuallywon the game1-0 after extra time.

After the triumph, Man told broadcasterbeIN Sportsthat he had just played in his last game at the Africa Cup of Nations.

“I will try to play in the 2026 World Cup,” he said. “And then I will retire from international football.”

Sadio Man during an African Cup of Nations match against Cote d’Ivoire in Yamoussoukro on 29 January 2024.

The appeals committee of theConfederation of African Football,which organises the Cup of Nations, later accepted Morocco’s appeal against the Senegal walk-off and awarded the final to Morocco.

Senegal’s football federation haslodged an appealwith theCourt of Arbitration for Sportagainst that ruling.

African giant

As lawyers decide whether Morocco or Senegal won the 2025 Cup of Nations title, Senegal and Morocco will be among 10 African sides at the 2026 World Cup, which has been expanded to 48 teams.Manwill be the doyen of the continent’s strikers.

“AlthoughSadiois no longer as nimble as he was at 25, he still helps us a lot,” former Senegal international El Hadji Diouf toldFifa’s website.

“With him on the pitch, our chances of winning a match rise to 60 percent, because the opponents are worried when hes there.”

Record breaker Oshoala and Senegal’s Man claim Caf player of the year awards

Man will have his first chance to extend his goal-scoring record on 16 June when Senegal face France at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.

A week later, Senegal take on Norway at the same venue. They finish theirGroup Icampaign against Iraq on 26 June in Toronto.

Senegal has three opponents. Why focus on France? said Thiaw after unveiling a provisional 28-man squad.

Norway and Iraq are also in the mix. For sure, we share a historical connection with France. But for me, this isnt a special match.

A 54th international goal from Man to clinch the tie might just change his mind.

Originally published on RFI