Mane expresses appreciation for Socrates Award

Senegal legend Sadio Mane gave a heartwarming celebratory speech after winning the Socrates Award at the Ballon d'Or ceremony.

The Bayern Munich forward finished in second place in the 2022 Ballon d'Or ranking, only behind Real Madrid superstar Karim Benzema.

But he took home a prestigious prize that acknowledged his efforts away from football, which includes his charity work in his native Senegal.

The brand new Socrates Award is given in recognition of the 'best social initiatives carried out by committed champions' per France Football.

The former Liverpool man has built a public hospital and funded schools and families in his home village. He's also donated to the Senegalese National Committee to fund Covid-19 support.

His admirable work was regonised at the Ballon d'Or ceremony in Paris on Monday, but Mane, modest as ever, wasn't one to brag about his charitable donations.

Speaking in front of his peers on stage, he said: "First of all, I want to say good evening, everybody.

"Myself, I am really happy to be part of you guys tonight," he added. "Of course, like you said, sometimes I am a little shy to talk about it, but I'm really happy to do what I can for my people and to make things better."

Mane, who swapped Liverpool for Bayern last summer, has had an extraordinary year, with his efforts on the pitch earning him his highest placed Ballon d'Or finish in his legendary career.

He beat the likes of Kevin De Bruyne and former teammate Mohamed Salah as he finished runner up to Benzema.

Mane scored 23 goals in all competitions for Liverpool last season and helped Senegal win the Africa Cup of Nations.

And he's enjoying a fine start to his Bayern career, having scored nine goals in 16 appearances this season.