Mendy's penalty save in chaos

In the Afcon final against Morocco, Mendy read Brahim Díaz's Panenka kick and caught it, keeping Senegal alive in stoppage time. The match was marred by controversy including a disallowed goal and players briefly leaving the pitch.

“I noticed he did it early. I just stood up and managed to catch the ball.”

Senegal crowned African champions

Pape Gueye scored in extra time to give Senegal the Afcon title, their second in four years. However, the Confederation of African Football later stripped them of it, ruling they forfeited by leaving the pitch.

Mendy defends the victory

Mendy insists Senegal won the title because the final was completed and they were given the trophy. A preliminary hearing for their appeal is set for next month at the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

“The game went to the end. We went off the pitch but the game restarted.”

International retirement at 34

Mendy announced his retirement from international football after 59 caps. Even a call from new Senegal manager Patrick Vieira could not change his mind.

Afcon beats Champions League

Mendy says winning Afcon with Senegal was ten times better than winning the Champions League with Chelsea in 2021. Winning for your country, especially when they've never won before, is incomparable to club success.

“It was 10 times better than the Champions League. You cannot compare with winning for your country.”

Making history with Senegal

Senegal won their first Afcon title in 2022, about eight months after Mendy's Champions League triumph. Being part of the team that made history for his country was the best moment of his career.

Yashin trophy nomination again

Mendy was nominated for the Yashin Trophy for goalkeeper of the year after winning multiple major honours this season. He previously won the award in 2021 but lost out to Gianluigi Donnarumma.

From unemployment to inspiration

Mendy was born in Normandy and faced a year of unemployment after relegations early in his career. Now goalkeepers in Senegal wear his number 16 jersey, inspiring the next generation.

“When I see goalkeepers in Senegal wearing the No 16 jersey it makes me so proud.”

Funding school in Senegal

Mendy is funding a school in his parents' hometown of Keur Massar that has expanded to 200 students. He also supports budding entrepreneurs in the country.

“When my mum sees the school she is so proud and that is the biggest gift anyone can have.”