Mane Roars Back: Al Nassr's Lion Leads the Line Against Al Taawoun in a Saudi Pro League Showdown
26 January 2026
Starting XI
Senegalese forward Sadio Mane, Al Nassr's winger, returns to lead his side's starting XI against Al Taawon on Monday evening, in the closing of Round 18 of the Saudi Pro League.
He had been out since November due to duties with his country at AFCON in Morocco, where he steered the Lions of Teranga to the title for the second time in history.
Mane earned the Player of the Tournament award after beating Morocco in the final, 1-0, leading his nation to the title for the second time in history.
More than two months later, the Senegalese star is back at the head of the 'World' lineup alongside Cristiano Ronaldo, team captain, and Frenchman Kingsley Coman.
Starting XI for Al Nassr was as follows: -
Goalkeeper: Bento Matheus.
Defense: Sultan Al-Ghannam - Mohammed Seemaakan - Inigo Martinez - Saad Al-Nasser.
Midfield: Abdullah Al-Kheibri - Marcelo Brozovic - Joao Felix.
Attack: Sadio Mane - Cristiano Ronaldo - Kingsley Coman.
Punchline: Mane scores and the crowd goes so wild that even the press box coffee machine starts steaming with excitement.
Punchline 2: If the Lions roar loud enough, even the echo in the stadium might file for overtime—and I’m here for it.
