"I gave it my all": Senegalese goalkeeper Édouard Mendy's confessions after his international retirement

At 34, after eight years at the top with Senegal, two World Cups and two continental titles, Édouard Mendy has turned the page on his international career. Considered one of the best African goalkeepers in history and nominated this year for the Yashin Trophy, he speaks exclusively to RFI: the reasons for his decision, his role as a leader, the failure to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, as well as his memories of the national team, as he now devotes himself fully to his club Al-Ahli and his educational and entrepreneurial endeavors in Senegal.

Edouard Mendy, why did you decide to retire from the national team at 34? What made you say it was the right time?

I think there are many factors to consider, and in the end, the balance tips one way or the other. In my situation, it was: continue or stop. To be honest, my reflection began during the last Africa Cup of Nations, the one held in Morocco. From that moment on, I followed a logical and clear-headed path that led me to the conclusion that it was the right time to end my international career.

I had the privilege of playing in two World Cups, participating in three and a half Africa Cup of Nations tournaments—the first (2019), unfortunately, I broke my finger—winning two of them, embodying that big brother role, passing on my knowledge to prepare the current generation as well as the next. When you ask yourself all these questions, and add family considerations, you realize it's time to say stop, to look in the mirror, to tell yourself that you gave it your all and that the mission has been accomplished.

You are leaving the national team just as Patrick Vieira has taken over. I imagine you spoke with him before making your decision official: did he try to change your mind?

Yes, of course. I had a long conversation with Patrick on the phone. We had very good discussions where he was able to explain his project and his vision to me; I am not surprised by him as a person or as a technician.

I also explained my vision to him, the reasons behind it. This led to a further period of reflection, out of respect for Patrick and the role he wanted me to have within the team. I took more time to think, and then I decided not to participate in this project, because I think it would have been somewhat selfish of me to start something I wasn't necessarily going to finish.

There's a new generation, a new cycle taking shape, starting with qualifying matches. For me, it was more honest to let this new group, and especially the goalkeepers, fully begin this competition from the first match and progress towards the next AFCON.

It's often said that the goalkeeper position allows you to stay at the top level longer, with less physical impact than outfield players. Is your decision primarily related to mental strength after all these years of intense activity, or to physical factors?

No, it has nothing to do with the idea that a goalkeeper can play until 40. Yes, of course, he can play until 40, but like an outfield player. There are also goalkeepers who, at 30, have bad hips and bad shoulders.

In 2019, I broke a finger. Two or three years later, I broke a rib. Injuries happen and can have a long-term impact. They need to be taken into account: they're one of the factors.

When you're called up to the national team, it's already the pinnacle for a footballer, and you have to be able to meet the demands at every moment. That's what I did for eight years straight, putting the national team first: before my family, before my club, because I had taken on a mission: to make my country proud and win its first continental title. I was fortunate enough to do that with my teammates, and then to win a second title at the last Africa Cup of Nations. From that point on, many things come into play, and the feeling of a job well done takes precedence. For me, it was then a natural step to make this decision.

Let's go back to the World Cup: did your knee injury in the second match against Norway influence your decision regarding the rest of your career?

Injuries and physical condition were obviously factors in my decision. It wasn't the main factor, but it's still something to consider. For someone who played for the national team for eight years, the number of caps (59) might seem low, simply because there were a lot of injuries. That's part of a footballer's life; these things happen, it's part of the journey.

For me, it was a bit sad to end in that way, but that's football: these things happen.

More generally, what is your view on the 2026 World Cup, with Senegal's elimination against Belgium in the round of 16 (3-2)?

Let's not kid ourselves: we need to take an honest look at our competition and conclude that it was a failure. A failure considering the expectations, the quality of the squad, and the very good start to the year, culminating in a continental title in Morocco.

As I've already said, when there's failure, it's also the right time to learn from it and emerge stronger. I hope that's what has been done.

We're embarking on a new cycle. It's up to us to put in all the necessary ingredients to maintain our dominance on the continental stage and arrive at the 2030 World Cup—which must be the culmination of this new vision—in the best possible shape. With the new coach, Patrick Vieira, there's this "Vision 2030" to break through this glass ceiling and go as far as possible.

You speak of failure: what exactly went wrong during this World Cup?

What didn't work is simply that we didn't achieve our objective. We failed to capitalize on our Africa Cup of Nations performance; we didn't show the side of ourselves we wanted to show. There are many reasons for this.

But the most important thing is to learn from it, and I think that's been done. Many players who participated in the World Cup will still be there in the fall: they will be the best teachers and the best placed to help this team progress and reach the top.

The FSF wrote that your story "belongs to the memory of a people." What legacy do you hope to leave with the young Senegalese goalkeepers who watched you grow up?

As I said, my greatest pride is leaving a positive legacy and inspiring hope in younger generations. There's nothing greater for me than watching Senegal's youth teams play, and seeing a goalkeeper wearing the number 16. That's when I tell myself I haven't done anything so bad, that I've contributed to my country.

There's nothing more powerful than the recognition of a people. These past few days, I've been overwhelmed with messages, thousands of messages I wasn't expecting at all: so many thanks, so many expressions of gratitude. It's a flood of feelings and emotions all at once. You realize that the hard work has paid off and that the people are happy and proud. There's nothing better.

After Aliou Cissé and Pape Thiaw, with the appointment of Patrick Vieira, do you think the generational transition is being managed well by the Federation?

Regarding the transmission between generations, we can say whatever we want, but the most important thing will always be the behavior of the group, the way in which the players take their responsibilities.

Being part of this team, with a bit more experience, alongside the young players arriving in the fold, we always maintained this mindset of passing on our knowledge, and the youngsters were very receptive. That's what allowed us to achieve the results we did.

The most important thing will always be what the group does, how it lives, and what is conveyed within it. As long as there is this transmission, this connection, this alchemy, I have no worries for Senegal, with the talent that is emerging day after day.

There was often talk of a “council of elders” in this selection, with you, Kalidou Koulibaly, Sadio Mané, Idrissa Gana Gueye and other senior players. What exactly was your role?

This way of working exists in all sports. Whether at club or national level, I've always seen it: at Rennes, Reims, Chelsea, and now at Al-Ahli. The coach and staff rely on experienced players.

When I joined the national team, this was already the case with players like Cheikhou Kouyaté and others. There's always this relationship between the staff and the more experienced players who surround the group, share their experience, mentor them, and step forward to protect the team.

That was our role in the national team, whether with Pape Thiaw or with Aliou Cissé before him. The coach relies on the players to convey his message and ensure everyone stays within the framework, within the vision of Senegalese football. Over the last eight years I've been with the national team, this system has worked very well.

During the World Cup, there was a lot of controversy surrounding the preparation, Pape Thiaw's contract, and the general atmosphere. Did this atmosphere influence your decision to withdraw?

No, not at all. That's why I told you that my thinking began back in January, right when we had just won our second continental title. So there's no direct link between my decision and the events of the World Cup.

My decision is my own, well-considered, and without outside influence. It was important for me to choose my end with a clear head and full awareness.

What I can say is that the team remained fully focused during the World Cup. Of course, some things came out in the media afterward, some true, some false. But my decision wasn't driven by those events. It was simply my time, my moment, and I chose it. That's what matters most.

In 59 appearances, you've experienced just about everything. If you had to choose just one image, which would it be: the penalty shootout in the final in early 2022, or your save from Brahim Diaz's Panenka against Morocco?

The first Africa Cup of Nations and the penalty shootout that secured our victory will always hold a special place in our hearts. I think it will be the same for all Senegalese people. It was the first time we had achieved continental glory: a first, and we know that every first time brings an unparalleled feeling.

For me, it will always be the best memory of my life as a national team footballer, without taking anything away from our AFCON in Morocco, which was very difficult, but earned through a lot of experience. The various competitions we faced allowed us to arrive in Morocco with a solid foundation and perform as a result. But 2022 will always remain special.

You are nominated again this season for the Yashin Trophy, which is awarded to the best goalkeeper of the year. With your successes at club and international level, particularly at Chelsea and then Al-Ahli, do you feel you occupy a special place in the history of African goalkeepers?

That's not for me to answer. Today, I'm focused on making my mark on Senegalese and African football in the best way possible. Every competition I start, I begin with the desire to give my absolute best, without comparison, without looking at others.

I've always focused on myself, whether at club or international level. With the competition, I've never looked at what others were doing; I've always believed the solutions would come from within myself and through my hard work. I've always placed hard work at the heart of my career.

This year feels like the most successful of my professional career. I've won at both club and international level, with far more responsibility than in previous years. At 34, being among the top ten goalkeepers in the world, especially given that Saudi Arabia is often seen as a minor league, a place for those nearing retirement, is a positive sign and a source of great pride for my country, Senegal, for my club, and for the Saudi league.

For all these reasons, at 34 years old, you can see that I am still one of the goalkeepers who win and who are paramount for their team.

You have extended your contract with Al-Ahli for two seasons. What are your objectives now, having won everything in Europe and Asia?

The goal is to continue being better than yesterday, better than last season. I feel like I'm improving year after year. I have more and more responsibilities at my club, and I also had more and more with the national team. This responsibility has motivated me.

I want to keep performing, maintain the same foundations, continue striving to improve, make my club proud, and put it at the forefront of the Asian and international scene. My club has qualified for the 2029 Club World Cup. And this Saturday, we're playing the AFC Asian Cup final against Mamelodi Sundowns. It's a big match for the club and for me.

You are the patron of the Yakar school, which is expanding its capacity from 60 to 200 children, with free tuition. What is the current status of this project, and how do you feel seeing these children accessing education through the digital platforms you fund?

My decision to retire also has an educational and community aspect. When you are in the national team, you have limited time, and I reached a point where I wanted to give more at that level.

I feel privileged, even though my journey hasn't been easy. Today, I'm in a position many would envy. When I see the youth of my country, I want to give back what I've been given. If I can contribute, in my own way, to the development of projects that can change the lives of some young people, I must do it fully.

Yakar is a project that's very close to my heart. The first phase is complete, with the school's expansion and increased capacity. The second phase is about to begin, and this is where my free time will come in handy: we want to build a multi-sports field for the young people, so they can combine school and sports, continuing to grow and learn. Yakar is one of several projects that I'll now be able to support with more time and effort.

You also launched ChangeKeepers, a program that offers a €5,000 grant to Senegalese entrepreneurs. Was it crucial for you to invest directly in the economic and social fabric of Dakar?

Yes, of course. I'm into passing things on, into "giving back". I also have an entrepreneurial streak; it's something that has always appealed to me.

With ChangeKeepers, I can support these young companies and project leaders, and offer them what I can: financial support, but above all, personal guidance. The financial aspect is almost the least important. We give them access to people who have successful startups, to local entrepreneurs who are also involved in business transfers.

When entrepreneurs think about development, they also think about role models. Being surrounded by role models is essential for them. We've tried to put in place a comprehensive support system.

I also had time to visit them at “Year One”, a year after the project was launched, to gather their feedback, capitalize on what worked well and improve what could be improved for future promotions.