Liverpool Muslim forward Sadio Mané has made a generous donation of $693,000 (£500,000) to help fund the construction of a hospital in his hometown of Bambali in Senegal.
The village, about 400 kilometers outside the capital city Dakar, did not previously have a hospital, CNN reported.
Mané met earlier this month with Senegalese President Macky Sall to discuss the project, which will include departments for maternity care, dental facilities and consulting rooms.
📚 Read Also: Why Is Sadio Mane Probably One of the World’s Most Humble Muslim Footballers?
“The Liverpool striker has presented the Head of State with an ambitious plan to build a hospital in Bambali and is counting on state support for medical personnel,” the official account for the presidency tweeted in June.
Mané also shared his enthusiasm for the project, tweeting: “Very honored by the audience that the Head of State, His Excellency @Macky_Sall granted me. A good time to discuss football but also our social projects.”
📚 Read Also: Muslim Forward Supports 150 Black Families, Laments Racism
Generous Mané
The Liverpool FC striker has never been one who seems to seek the limelight, especially off the field. Yet, he is one of the biggest stars in his native Senegal, beloved both for his play on the field as well as for his philanthropy off of it.
In 2020, the world-class footballer made a donation worth 30 million CFA francs (£41,000) to aid the battle against coronavirus in Senegal.
In 2019, Mané donated close to $350,000 (£250,000) to build a school in Bambali. Mané has also delivered a hospital and a mosque to his people as a give-back initiative.
Though Mané is well-known for his charity work, he is one on the list of Muslim players known and loved for such charitable works.
Nigeria’s captain Ahmed Musa announced plans to sponsor 100 students at a university in the Nigerian city of Kano in November 2019.
Mali Muslim football legend Frederic Kanoute also raised funds to help build Seville first purpose-built mosque in 700 years.