Sadio Mane, the ex-Liverpool star, has stepped into the limelight following his recent marriage to 19-year-old Aisha Tamba, breaking his silence on the occasion.

The 31-year-old tied the knot with his teen bride in a discreet ceremony just before leading Senegal in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Ivory Coast. Mane, beaming with happiness, spoke to local media after the Sunday wedding, expressing his delight in receiving numerous congratulations.

“It’s truly heartening to receive such warm wishes, not just from my teammates but from everyone, including the president,” Mane shared in an interview late Tuesday.

Addressing playful banter around his marriage during Senegal’s president Macky Sall’s reception of the national squad for AFCON, Mane took the remarks in good humour. “Firstly, I want to extend my congratulations to our national pride, Sadio Mane, on his marriage,” President Sall remarked.

Amid laughter from Mane and his teammates, the president humorously added, “From now on, you’ve got another task aside from scoring goals – may your home be blessed!”

Mane’s journey to matrimony with his young bride reportedly started when he noticed her at 16 but chose not to approach her directly. Instead, he confided in his uncle, who was a friend of her father, eventually leading to their union.

Reports varied regarding Aisha’s age, with some social media claims suggesting she might be 26, contrary to earlier reports of her being 18. It was also noted that Mane had supported her financially during her schooling.

The wedding, held in Dakar, was attended by close friends, family, and former teammates, although the couple had aimed to keep their relationship private until their recent ceremony.

Amidst the wedding buzz, Mane and Senegal landed in Ivory Coast for AFCON preparations. Mane, focusing on the tournament, acknowledged the challenges ahead, particularly matches against neighbouring teams Gambia and Guinea, along with powerhouse Cameroon.

The Al-Nassr star emphasised the importance of their initial match and expressed confidence in representing Senegal to the fullest. Videos surfaced showing Aisha radiating joy before the wedding, while the couple’s private affair garnered attention on social media.

Unlike her footballer husband, Aisha remains out of the public eye, with no social media presence. The wedding, held in a mosque in Keur Massar, received significant attention online, with snaps and videos shared on Instagram, amassing thousands of likes within hours.

Prior to this private affair, Mane had kept details of his relationships under wraps during his time at Liverpool. In a 2022 interview, he had expressed his desire for a partner with strong religious values, someone not engaged in social media.

The wedding marks a personal milestone for Mane, following his recent philanthropic efforts in inaugurating a stadium in his hometown of Bambali.