Senegalese Edouard Mendy was in Le Havre, northern France, desperate to find a professional club back in 2015. Six years later, he is the first African goalkeeper to play in a Champions League final and a winner of this prestigious trophy. Edouard Mendy’s record and genius in goalkeeping soon became the talking point in England and now the story of his success in European competition far exceeds him.
Edouard Mendy made history this week as the first Senegalese goalkeeper to win the Champions League. The 29-year-old helped lead Chelsea to a 1-0 victory over Manchester City in the final, making several key saves to preserve the clean sheet. It was a fitting end to an amazing season for Mendy, who has been one of the best keepers in Europe since joining Chelsea from Rennes last year. His heroic performance in the final is sure to inspire a new generation of goalkeepers in Senegal and beyond. With any luck, Mendy’s success will help pave the way for more African players to compete at the highest levels of European football.
See also: Nigerian forward Paul Onuachu Wins best player in Belgium
It is the crowning achievement of a journey entangled with difficulties for the 29-year-old goalkeeper, who had a promising start at Chelsea. In an interview with ESPN.com Christophe Lollichon, the head of Chelsea goalkeeping said, “He is mature and for me, he was the best goalkeeper in France. He is a very proactive keeper, very influential during the games; he doesn’t suffer. With his height (6-foot-6) but also his excellent passing game, positioning and initiative, he is a great talent with great potential. He is a really good guy, too.”
