In a remarkable journey from the lower tiers of French football to the pinnacle of the global stage, Édouard Mendy has achieved a feat unmatched in football history. The Senegalese goalkeeper stands alone as the first to be named the best goalkeeper in major tournaments across three different continents.
Mendy’s rise began with Chelsea FC where he played a an important role in their 2020–21 UEFA Champions League victory. His exceptional performance including a record equalling nine clean sheets earned him the UEFA Champions League Goalkeeper of the Season award. Notably, he became the first African goalkeeper to play in a Champions League final since Bruce Grobbelaar in 1985.
On the African continent, Mendy was instrumental in Senegal’s historic win at the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). His resilience shone through as he returned from a COVID-19 setback to deliver four clean sheets which included a crucial penalty save in the final against Egypt. His stellar performance earned him the Best Goalkeeper award for the tournament.
Crowning his achievements, Mendy was honored with The Best FIFA Men’s Goalkeeper award in 2021 as he became the first African to receive this prestigious award. This recognition emphasized his global impact and the breaking of barriers for African goalkeepers on the world stage. Mendy’s journey from near uncertainty to global icon serves as an inspiration and also challenging longstanding perceptions about African goalkeepers. His success story is not just a personal triumph but a beacon of hope and an evidence to the potential that lies within African football. As Mendy continues to guard the posts, his legacy is already cemented, inspiring a new generation of goalkeepers across the globe.
Stay with for more sports update
Keep sharing
