Former Liverpool ace Sadio Mane has become a father for the first time with his young wife. The 32 year old footballer married 19 year old Aisha Tamba in an Islamic arranged ceremony in January 2024.
The Senegalese couple had kept their relationship under wraps until they tied the knot.
Tamba was still studying when she met the ex-Southampton forward, who reportedly pledged to marry her as soon as they began dating. The pair have now welcomed their first child, a baby girl, as confirmed by Mane’s current club, Al-Nassr.
In a touching tribute to his newborn, Mane celebrated his goal in Al-Nassr’s 3-1 victory over Al-Kholood on Friday by cradling his arms. The 32 year old, who transferred to Saudi Arabia from Bayern Munich in the summer of 2023, was visibly elated after doubling Al-Nassr’s lead, with Cristiano Ronaldo scoring the opening goal.
Ex-Aston Villa striker Jhon Duran made it 3-0 just before half-time, effectively sealing the game. Al-Kholood managed to score a consolation goal in the second half after Al-Nassr were reduced to 10 men.
Despite the win, third-placed Al-Nassr are still 10 points behind Saudi Pro League leaders Al-Ittihad with just nine games remaining. It was Mane’s club that publicly announced the joyous news of his new fatherhood, reports the Mirror.
Al-Nassr caused a stir among the fans after posting a video of Mane reciting a profound verse from the Quran, Al khaf ayat 46: “Wealth and children are the adornment of this worldly life, but the everlasting good deeds are far better with your Lord in reward and in hope.”
The football club accompanied the footage with heartening words: “A new blessing for Sadio Mane! Wishing him and his family endless joy…Allah provided them with its righteousness, and made her one of His righteous servants.”
Mane also opened up about his desire to expand his family, sharing with Senepeopleplus his thoughts on the ideal number of children: “Funny question. If it is just a choice, I would say three or four. Except that it is god who decides and I will thank him no matter what. Whatever the number is, I will accept it. I am leaning more towards three or four and we will see about the rest.”
Tamba discussed her life after marrying Mane in an interview with the Mail, expressing excitement for their future together but remaining grounded despite his fame and wealth: “I am looking forward to my new life and I know that it will be very different.”
She added, “But I do not feel any pressure because Sadio’s fame and money will not change me. This is not what I’m interested in. I will remain a humble person committed to my faith.
“I’m not used to having so much attention on me because we are a very private family. We don’t like to show off and speak about our personal lives. I am a very down to earth person, this is how I was raised, and nothing will be different just because of this marriage. But I’m very honoured to now be Mrs Mane.”