Liverpool icon Mohamed Salah has finally addressed the long-standing speculation surrounding his relationship with former teammate Sadio Mane, confirming there was indeed tension between the two during their time at Anfield.
For years, fans debated whether friction existed behind the scenes between Salah and Mane—two of Africa’s biggest football stars and key figures in Liverpool’s golden era. Now, in a candid interview with France Football, Salah has set the record straight.
“Yes, there was tension with Sadio,” Salah admitted. “But we were always professional. I don’t think it ever affected the team. Off the pitch, we weren’t very close, but we always respected each other.”
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The Egyptian forward and Senegalese star formed part of a fearsome front three alongside Roberto Firmino, helping Liverpool to Premier League and Champions League glory. But their on-field chemistry was sometimes shadowed by whispers of rivalry—particularly after a heated moment in 2019 against Burnley, when Mane appeared furious after being subbed off, reportedly due to Salah not passing.
Salah acknowledged the competitiveness between them but framed it as a natural part of elite sports. “It’s human to want more—I understand that. He’s a competitor.”
Addressing criticism that he played selfishly compared to Mane, Salah shrugged off the claims. “I don’t care. People can think what they want,” he said, before adding a pointed fact: “I was the one who gave Mane the most assists.”
Since leaving Liverpool, Mane has played for Bayern Munich and currently stars for Saudi club Al Nassr. Salah, meanwhile, has remained at Anfield, securing another Premier League title and signing a contract extension to stay with the Reds.
Thanks to Salah’s honesty, fans now have a clearer view of the real dynamic between two of the Premier League’s most iconic forwards—a relationship marked by rivalry, respect, and shared success.
