This archive report was first published on 5 December 2019.
Senegalese football sensation Sadio Mane has set his sights on the Ballon d'Or award, vowing to beat Lionel Messi to the top prize next year.
Mane, who finished fourth behind Messi, Virgil van Dijk, and Cristiano Ronaldo in the 2019 Ballon d'Or voting, apologized to fans for missing the Paris ceremony on December 2, 2019.
Although he was tipped to win the award after guiding Liverpool to European glory last season, Messi took home the honor for a record sixth time, breaking the tie with Ronaldo.
Mane, who has been in scintillating form for Liverpool this season, scoring nine goals and registering eight assists in his first 15 league appearances, has promised to be back better next year.
In a video shared by France Football, Mane congratulated Messi on his win, jokingly saying he would present the award to him next year.
Mane's comments come after Liverpool's 5-2 demolition of Everton at Anfield on December 4, 2019.
