Sadio Mane has joined Al Nassr’s pre-season camp in Portugal, just days after ending his international career with Senegal and turning his full attention to the Saudi club’s preparations for the 2026-27 season.
The Senegal forward arrived at the team’s training base as Al Nassr continued assembling its squad ahead of the new campaign. His arrival was confirmed by the club’s official account on X, which published photographs of Mane and welcomed him under the slogan “Abu Aminah” – the nickname that has become closely associated with him among Al Nassr supporters.
Mane’s return to club duty comes less than a week after he announced his decision to retire from international football. The 2026 World Cup brought his Senegal career to an end when the African side were eliminated by Belgium in the round of 32.
At the time, Mane made clear that his decision did not represent a departure from football. Instead, he said he wanted to devote his efforts entirely to his career with Al Nassr, and his arrival in Portugal marks the beginning of that next phase.
The 34-year-old’s inclusion gives Al Nassr another established foreign player in camp as the club builds towards the opening of the new Roshn Saudi League season. The Portugal training camp is continuing to receive the team’s overseas players one by one, with the squad preparing for a series of friendly matches before competitive action begins.
Al Nassr are scheduled to open their Roshn Saudi League campaign against Al Fateh in mid-August. The fixture will be the first opportunity for Mane to begin his latest domestic campaign after stepping away from Senegal duty.
His arrival also provides a clear change of focus following an emotional international conclusion. Mane had remained active with Senegal until their World Cup defeat by Belgium, but he has now chosen to concentrate on Al Nassr and the club’s objectives for the season ahead.
The announcement from Al Nassr was accompanied by images of Mane arriving at the camp, signalling his return to the squad after the international tournament. The club’s use of “Abu Aminah” reflected the strong connection between the player and the supporters of “The Global”, as Al Nassr are known.
With the Portuguese camp still being strengthened and friendly matches to come, Mane will now work towards reaching full readiness for the opening league fixture. The immediate priority for Al Nassr is to complete its preparations before the meeting with Al Fateh, while Mane begins what the club and its supporters hope will be a successful new chapter following his decision to retire from international football.