In an unexpected move, Sadio Mane, the renowned Senegalese forward who recently played for Saudi club Al-Nassr, is set to become the majority stakeholder of French fourth-tier football team Bourg Foot 18, starting from January 2024. This acquisition marks an intriguing development in the world of football.
Sadio Mane in Al-Nasr shirt-Source: X
Bourg Foot 18, competing in the fourth division of French football, released an official statement declaring that Mane’s involvement will usher in a new era of professionalism within local football. According to the club’s press release, Mane’s vision for this venture is to elevate and reshape the team’s structure, making it a professional entity.
🇸🇳🔴 𝐎𝐅𝐅𝐈𝐂𝐈𝐀𝐋 | Sadio Mané is now the owner of lower league French club, Bourges Foot!
He acquired a majority stake today and was announced by the local council.
Good luck on your project, Sadio! ❤️ pic.twitter.com/ACFTjpx0cS
— EuroFoot (@eurofootcom) October 25, 2023
Speaking during a video conference held at the Bourg municipal hall, Mane, who boasts 99 international caps for Senegal, emphasized his commitment to improving and professionalizing the club. He stated, “We will work together to develop and restructure the club, infusing it with a professional ethos.”
OFFICIEL : Sadio Mané est devenu le propriétaire de Bourges Foot 18, un club de National 2 !
L’annonce officielle a été faite lors d’une conférence de presse ce matin. pic.twitter.com/qn5aR9Jcen
— 𝗝𝗼𝘂𝗲𝘂𝗿𝘀 𝗦𝗲́𝗻𝗲́𝗴𝗮𝗹𝗮𝗶𝘀 🇸🇳 (@JoueursSN) October 25, 2023
Sadio Mane, aged 31, is no stranger to the football world. He has had an illustrious career, previously playing for Liverpool in the English Premier League from 2016 to 2022 before moving to Bayern Munich in Germany and subsequently to Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia this season.
Club President Sheikh Silla expressed his ambitions for Bourg Foot 18, aiming to secure a place in the second division within the next few years. Additionally, the club intends to bolster its ranks by signing Senegalese international Musa Konate, who has previously played for French clubs Amiens and Dijon.
As of now, specific details regarding the financial investment and Mane’s role in the future of the club remain undisclosed. This acquisition adds an interesting twist to Sadio Mane’s illustrious career, as he now ventures into club ownership while continuing to make his mark on the field.
Sadio Mane’s journey takes a unique turn as he combines his on-field prowess with off-field ownership in the world of football.
