AFCON 2025: Comparing Sadio Mane and Ademola Lookman Stats As Senegal Star Wins MVP
- Sadio Mane won the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations Player of the Tournament ahead of Ademola Lookman
- CAF explained that the Senegal captain’s leadership in crucial moments helped him scoop the award
- The Atalanta star has better stats than the Al-Nassr star and was widely considered the favourite to win
- A Nigerian journalist applauded the choice of Mane over Lookman, even though he had a different reason
Sadio Mane was named the Player of the Tournament at the recently concluded 2025 Africa Cup of Nations after the final on January 18, 2026, in Rabat, Morocco.
Mane edged competition primarily from Super Eagles winger Ademola Lookman, whom many consider the standout attacker at the tournament.
Source: Getty Images
Other worthy contenders include Alex Iwobi, Victor Osimhen, Mohamed Salah and Brahim Diaz, amongst others.
CAF explained that Mane won the award because of his leadership, particularly during the chaotic final against Morocco at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, even though Lookman stood out in stats.
Legit.ng examines how both players compare in stats.
Comparing Lookman and Mane’s stats
Ademola Lookman stats
Lookman featured in the Africa Cup of Nations for the second time in Morocco, having helped Nigeria reach the final in his first outing in Côte d'Ivoire.
As noted by Transfermarkt, Lookman scored three goals and provided four assists in six matches, the highest goal contribution at the tournament. He created five big chances and missed none.
He was instrumental in Nigeria’s run to win the bronze medal and scored the winning penalty against Egypt in the third-place match.
Sadio Mane’s stats
Mane won his second AFCON in what he said would be his final appearance at the tournament, featuring in all seven matches for the Teranga Lions.
As noted by CAF, the 33-year-old scored two goals, provided two assists and contributed five defensive actions to lead his nation to their third final in four editions and second trophy.
He scored the winning goal against Egypt in the semi-final and kick-started the attack that led to Pape Gueye's winning goal. He created three big chances and missed two.
Source: Getty Images
A statement released by CAF praised the Senegalese captain's leadership:
“AFCON 2025 will be remembered as the tournament where Sadio Mané no longer needed to be spectacular to be indispensable.
“Sadio Mané did not just win a trophy. He confirmed his status as a defining figure in the history of African football.”
A Nigerian football analyst, who asked not to be named to avoid backlash over his opinions, which Nigerians may differ from, admits that the choice of Mane over Lookman is valid.
“Victory means something, and it is pleasing to see that Mane won, even though CAF had a different reason to give him the award, citing his leadership,” he told Legit.ng.
“He had only two attacking contributions lesser than Lookman, and led his country to the trophy, which counts over whatever the Super Eagles star did.”
AFCON 2025 Team of the Tournament
Legit.ng previously reported the AFCON 2025 Team of the Tournament, which featured four Moroccans, four Senegalese and three Nigerian players.
AFCON MVP Sadio Mane led the team from his favourite left wing position, pushing Super Eagles forward Ademola Lookman into the number 10 role.
Source: Legit.ng
