Former Liverpool striker Sadio Mane, 31, marries his '18-year-old girlfriend' in a ceremony in his native Senegal, after 'years of paying her bills while she was at school'

Sadio Mane has married his '18-year-old girlfriend' Aisha Tamba in a private ceremony in his home country of Senegal.

According to Business dayThe wedding took place on January 7 in Keur Massar, an area in the capital Dakar, just six days before the start of the Africa Cup of Nations on January 13.

The Al-Nassr forward has been included in Senegal's squad for the upcoming tournament and is currently in camp with his teammates. On Monday, Senegal defeated Niger 1-0 in a friendly, with Mane an unused substitute for the match.

Reports from Pulse sports claiming that Aisha had 'been destined for the 31-year-old footballer since she was a teenager', with the outlet also claiming that the ex-Liverpool star had 'settled her bills while she was at school'.

Photos from the wedding were published on Instagram by photography company @Magvision_Evens_Officiel, showing Mane and his wife, who grew up in the Casamance district of Senegal, holding hands and posing after the ceremony.

The wedding took place on January 7 in a private ceremony in his home country of Senegal

Reports claim Aisha 'had been meant for the 31-year-old footballer since her teenage years'

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The pair both sat under a display of roses, above which the words 'Mrs Mane' were printed on the wall.

Another video posted to X (formerly Twitter) by @abdullahayofel showed the two smiling and laughing as they sat together on a couch after their wedding.

The caption read: “A very simple and humble man, congratulations Sadio Mane. May Allah bless your union.'

The legal age of consent in Senegal is 16 years.

Mane joined Cristiano Ronaldo at Al-Nassr in August last year, completing a £34million transfer from Bayern Munich after a difficult spell with the Bundesliga champions. His deal with the Pro League sees him earn £650,000 a week.

He had moved to Bayern for £35 million the year before but struggled to establish himself at the Bavarian club, while also reportedly feuding with teammate Leroy Sane.

Since joining the Saudi Arabian squad, Mane has scored 12 times in 26 appearances for the club and reportedly returned to Senegal in early January to prepare for AFCON.

Mane joined Cristiano Ronaldo at Al-Nasser in 2023 in a deal that would see him earn £650,000 per week

According to Pulse sportshe also opened a new stadium in his hometown of Bambali earlier this month.

Mane has also spoken out about the type of woman he would marry in 2022.

“I've seen a lot of girls asking why I'm not married, but I'm sorry you might be wasting your time. The woman I marry will not be on social networks,” Mane said Stand.

'I want to marry a woman who respects God and prays well. Everyone has their own way of making their choice of love,” Mane added.

Senegal will start its AFCON campaign against Gambia on Monday, January 15, before taking on Cameroon and Guinea.