French sports newspaper L'Équipe has debunked claims that Sadio Mané has retired from international football, confirming the story originated from an AI-generated fake letter that spread rapidly across social media.

The publication traced the rumor to a fabricated statement attributed to Mané, which was mistakenly picked up and republished by several media outlets — including beIN Sports. The broadcaster cited the fake document as an "emotional letter" allegedly published by the Senegalese newspaper Le Quotidien, in which Mané purportedly announced his decision to step away from the Teranga Lions.

The bogus letter contained dramatic language: "Know that I sacrificed everything for this flag. I gave everything and always fought fiercely for our country. Your unwavering support has been the driving force behind my success."

Sources close to Mané deny the story

L'Équipe cited journalist Malang Sané of the specialist outlet Sport News Africa, who contacted sources directly connected to the player. Those sources firmly denied the retirement claim and indicated the letter was almost certainly produced using artificial intelligence before being passed off as genuine.

"According to those sources, the fake statement attributed to Mané and republished by Le Quotidien appears to have been generated using artificial intelligence," L'Équipe said.

Mané featured in Senegal's World Cup squad

Far from stepping away from international duty, Mané was included in the Senegal squad selected by coach Pape Thiaw for the FIFA World Cup. Senegal's tournament ended at the Round of 32, a run marked by persistent off-field turbulence.

Among the controversies were reports that the squad traveled to the United States without their team chef, and separate claims that Thiaw and several members of his technical staff were working without formal contracts or salaries. Neither claim has been officially confirmed.

The spread of the retirement story underlines the growing challenge posed by AI-generated misinformation in sports media, where fabricated content can move quickly from niche platforms to mainstream broadcasters before fact-checking can intervene.