Jurgen Klopp reveals how Sadio Mane could win the Ballon d’Or

Sadio Mane has made an early claim for the prestigious award after helping Senegal win the Africa Cup of Nations.

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp thinks Sadio Mane may need more success at club level first before he can think about the Ballon d’Or.

The 29-year-old won AFCON’s Most Valuable Player award after leading Senegal to a first title in the competition, even scoring the decisive penalty in the West African side’s shootout victory over Egypt in the final.

Mane finished the tournament with a solid haul of three goals and two assists in seven matches.

Can he win the Ballon d’Or?

Asked about Mane’s chances of a maiden Ballon d’Or in a press conference on Saturday, Klopp replied: “I have no idea.”

“I think it depends a lot about the season – and usually you have to win the Champions League,” the Liverpool manager continued. “I can’t remember who votes for what, but that’s how it seems to work.

“But I couldn’t have more respect for what Sadio did. He is, for sure, now one of the biggest Senegal legends of all time – and rightly so. The pressure on his shoulders was absolutely incredible.

“I usually have no problem with facing pressure but, when he walked to the penalty, I thought that was a really difficult moment in life! He faced it, he mastered it, and rightly got all the praise.

“He was the best player in the tournament. An incredible achievement for him, an incredible achievement for Senegal.”

Mane could return for Liverpool’s trip to Burnley in the Premier League on Sunday.