Senegal goalkeeper Édouard Mendy has announced his retirement from international football at the age of 34, bringing an end to an impressive career with the Teranga Lions.
The player said in a post that he was stepping away, so he will not be in Patrick Vieira’s first squad.
He accompanied the announcement with a Wolof message thanking Senegal and a video.
The Al-Ahli goalkeeper wrote his name into national history by winning the 2022 Africa Cup of Nations. He also stood out at the most recent edition by saving Brahim Diaz’s panenka in the final against Morocco. Mendy won 58 caps for the Lions of Teranga.
Mendy’s performances during the tournament were crucial to Senegal’s success, particularly as the Teranga Lions defeated Egypt on penalties in the final to secure the historic trophy.
His international career also included appearances at major tournaments, including the FIFA World Cup and subsequent Africa Cup of Nations campaigns.
Beyond his achievements with Senegal, Mendy enjoyed a distinguished club career in Europe.
He rose to prominence at Rennes before moving to Chelsea in 2020, where he quickly became the club’s first-choice goalkeeper.
At Chelsea, Mendy produced a remarkable debut season and helped the English giants win the UEFA Champions League in 2021.
His outstanding performances throughout the campaign earned him the UEFA Champions League Goalkeeper of the Season award.
He later continued his career in Saudi Arabia with Al-Ahli, adding another chapter to an already decorated football journey.
For Senegal, however, his greatest legacy will be his contribution to the national team’s rise to the top of African football.
Mendy’s retirement means Senegal will now look towards a new generation of goalkeepers as the team prepares for its upcoming international assignments.
At 34, Mendy walks away from international football with a reputation as one of the most successful goalkeepers ever to represent Senegal.
His departure marks the end of an important era for the Teranga Lions and closes a memorable chapter in the career of a goalkeeper who helped deliver Senegal’s first AFCON crown.
Vieira’s first test comes against Mozambique on 25 September, in qualifying for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.
