Sadio Mane was in the headlines yet again after his performance for Liverpool against Aston Villa on Saturday.


The Senegalese flyer was booked for diving in the first half, before inspiring a dramatic come-from-behind win in the dying minutes of the game.

Mane floated a lovely ball to the back post for Andy Robertson to head home before glancing a lovely header of his own inside the far post in stoppage time.


While Barcelona's Lionel Messi remains favourite, Mane's performances this year have certainly warranted his nomination as one of the favourites for the prestigious award.

Mané admits he is far behind 'monsters Messi and Ronaldo

However, the man himself doesn't seem to think he stands a chance against the likes of Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, who have won ten Ballon d'Or's between them.

“These players [Messi and Ronaldo] are monsters. I think that I am still far away from them,” Mane told L’Equipe du Soir per Goal.

“As I have said, I am going to do everything I can to come a little closer to them.”

He does acknowledge though, that his current circumstances are nothing short of a dream.

“Honestly, as I’ve said, it has always been a childhood dream of mine,” said Mane, speaking on his recent inclusion in the Ballon d'Or shortlist.

“The fact that I am listed as one of the nominees is due to the fruits of the work that I’ve been putting in for a long time.

"This is more of a dream than an obsession, I am at the service of the collective first and foremost.

“And if I am able to distinguish myself amongst this collective then, of course, the Ballon d’Or, has always been my dream,” added Mane.

Mane has been truly brilliant but even he knows he can't quite match up to the GOAT's just yet.

Ronaldo and Messi have been making football look easy for many a year now, but, if Mane can maintain this incredible level for a few seasons to come, he might just have a shout at challenging them.

For now, his focus will be firmly on the Reds titanic top-of-the-table clash against Manchester City.

Win that, and Liverpool go nine points clear at the top - what greater motivation can there be?