Transfer: Étienne Mendy, the Diambars prodigy, signs with AS Saint-Étienne

At just 18 years old, Étienne Mendy is taking another step in his young career. The Senegalese striker, who came through the ranks at Diambars FC, has signed with AS Saint-Étienne until 2030. He will start with the reserve team, with the ambition of quickly joining the first team squad.

The Dakar native discovered football at Diambars at the age of 11. Initially trained as a centre-forward, he gradually evolved into a winger. His versatility now allows him to play equally well on the right or left flank.

A rapid ascent to Diambars

Étienne Mendy joined Diambars' professional squad before he was even of legal age. Last summer, he took another step forward by signing his first professional contract in Senegal.   Highly anticipated in the Senegalese Ligue 2 during the 2025-2026 season, the young player lived up to expectations. His performances contributed to Diambars' successful season, which saw them promoted to Ligue 1.

His journey with Senegal's youth national teams has also contributed to increasing his visibility. Mendy notably participated in the U17 Africa Cup of Nations and the U17 World Cup in 2025.

A contract until 2030

Seduced by his attacking potential, AS Saint-Étienne decided to invest in the young Senegalese player who signed with the Forez club until 2030.

Étienne will begin his adventure with the reserve team, a first step intended to allow him to adapt to his new environment and to French football before, eventually, aspiring to a place in the first team.

“It is a great source of pride to join ASSE, a true honor for me. I am a lively winger. I come here with the desire to be decisive and to work hard to one day join the professional squad of this great club,” said the Lionceau.

For his part, Saint-Étienne's sporting director, Loïc Perrin, highlighted the Senegalese player's potential: "Étienne is a player we've been following for a long time. He's an attacking player with great potential, possessing speed and attacking prowess. He'll initially join the reserve team to take this first step before he's ready to aim higher."

Étienne Mendy is thus opening a new chapter in his career. In the Forez region, he will try to translate his potential into performances and secure a place among the future prospects of AS Saint-Étienne.

Babacar SENE