Liverpool star Mane pays tribute to Senegal legend

Liverpool star Sadio Mane paid tribute to late Senegal legend Papa Bouba Diop following his side’s UEFA Champions League victory over Ajax Amsterdam on Tuesday night.

Diop passed away on Sunday evening at the age of 42 in Paris, France, after losing his battle with motor neuron disease.

The Dakar-born midfielder is regarded as an icon of Senegalese football following his performances at the 2002 FIFA World Cup, during which he scored three goals as the Lions of Teranga reached the quarter-finals of the competition.

Diop’s tally included the goal that famously knocked France out of the competition, and he ultimately went on to make 63 appearances for the national team, scoring 11 times in total.

Following the former Portsmouth, West Ham United and Fulham star’s untimely death, tributes have poured in from around the footballing world, including a heartfelt gesture from countryman Mane on Tuesday night.

Photo: #LFC star Sadio Mane's simple and classy tribute to Papa Bouba Diop https://t.co/tMoiyKvehA

— CaughtOffside (@caughtoffside) December 2, 2020

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The 2019 African Footballer of the Year helped the Reds secure a 1-0 win over Ajax in the Champions League before revealing a tribute to Diop under his jersey after the final whistle.

Mane’s tribute follows a host of other Senegalese stars who have also paid their respects to the 2007/08 FA Cup winner in recent days, including Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Idrissa Gueye and former Chelsea striker Demba Ba.