“I Am So Proud of Him” – Everton Star Heaps Praise on Liverpool Legend | OneFootball

Idrissa Gana Gueye Praises Liverpool Icon Sadio Mane Despite Derby Divide

When rivalries run as deep as those in the Merseyside derby, even the faintest praise for the other side can spark headlines. Yet Idrissa Gana Gueye, a battle-hardened veteran of Goodison Park, set tribal tensions aside to give glowing praise to former Liverpool forward Sadio Mane.

In an interview quoted by Galsenfoot from Showmax in Senegal, Gueye described Mane as “the best Senegalese ever to play in the Premier League”—an accolade made all the more remarkable considering the player’s Everton allegiance. “It may be hard for me to say, but Sadio is the best Senegalese ever to play in the Premier League, he just played with the wrong colour,” he said.

Respect Beyond Rivalry

This public tribute comes in the wake of a fiery Merseyside season. Across two fixtures, 52 fouls and 10 yellow cards were recorded, with both matches marred by ugly scenes. February’s clash at Goodison Park ended in a mass confrontation after James Tarkowski’s late equaliser, resulting in four red cards post-match, including dismissals for Curtis Jones, Abdoulaye Doucouré, and Liverpool boss Arne Slot.

Photo: IMAGO

In April at Anfield, the tensions only escalated when Tarkowski’s 11th-minute high tackle on Alexis Mac Allister went unpunished with only a yellow, sparking backlash that forced PGMOL to concede it was a red card offence. Amidst all this acrimony, Gueye’s comments provide a rare moment of reflection and admiration.

“He Is the King of Senegal”

Mane’s legacy at Liverpool is etched in both silverware and sentiment. During his time at Anfield, he won the Premier League, Champions League, UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup, while also forming a legendary front three with Mohamed Salah and Roberto Firmino.

“He is the king of Senegal, and I am so proud of him. He represents the country in the best possible way,” said Gueye. “He scored many goals, won many assists, and won numerous trophies. I am therefore very pleased to have him in Senegal and his career. He showed young Africans that anything is possible.”

Friendship That Transcended the Derby

The Everton midfielder also shared insights into their ongoing friendship, forged on the international stage but never severed by club loyalties. “He’s a great guy, a very good example for everyone. He is an excellent player, a great person and a very good friend,” Gueye said.

“Even when he played for rival clubs, we were always talking to each other. He would send me text messages when we were playing against each other, and we’ve been in touch until now.”

Mane’s impact continues outside of Europe. At Al Nassr this season, the 32-year-old has recorded 7 goals and 8 assists in 25 league appearances—a reminder that while he may have left Liverpool, he hasn’t faded from relevance.

Senegal’s Pride in Premier League Excellence

Gueye’s tribute isn’t just a personal salute—it speaks to a broader sentiment in Senegal and beyond. Mane is seen as a symbol of what African players can achieve in the modern game. From his humility off the pitch to his relentless energy on it, he remains a beacon for young talents across the continent.

Photo: IMAGO

His time in England may have ended, but his influence on and off the pitch lives on, immortalised not just in medals, but in the words of peers and opponents alike.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

As Liverpool fans, it’s heartening—but hardly surprising—to hear such praise from an Everton player. Sadio Mane wasn’t just a match-winner, he was a mindset. He embodied Klopp’s Liverpool at its peak: fearless, fast, ferocious, and full of heart.

While the wounds of this season’s brutal derbies are still fresh, Gueye’s tribute reminds us that true greatness transcends the tribal. That he can look beyond the rivalry and call Mane “the king of Senegal” tells you everything about the respect Mane commands.

Slot’s Liverpool is carving a new identity now, but Mane’s legacy remains in the stands, the streets, and the soul of the club. He gave everything. And though he’s now finding space in Saudi Arabia rather than sprinting down the left at Anfield, he’ll forever be a red in the minds of those who watched him light up the Kop.

And let’s be honest—“he just played with the wrong colour”? That’s probably the bluest compliment we’ll ever accept.