Édouard Mendy Reveals Why Winning the Africa Cup of Nations Was “10 Times Better” Than the Champions League

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Édouard Mendy Reflects on the Moment That Defined His Career

Édouard Mendy recently brought his time with the Senegal national team to an end after a career filled with major trophies. The 34-year-old goalkeeper has lifted titles with Chelsea, Al-Ahli and the Teranga Lions, but there is one achievement he remembers in a particularly special way.

His international career was defined by the historic 2022 AFCON title, when Senegal won the Africa Cup of Nations for the first time after defeating Egypt on penalties in the final in Yaoundé.

After also winning the 2021 Champions League with Chelsea and two editions of the Asian Champions League with Al-Ahli, Mendy spoke to The Guardian about the biggest moments of his career and explained why success with his national team carried a different meaning.

“Winning AFCON Was 10 Times Better Than the Champions League”

Mendy was direct when comparing his biggest achievements. “It was the best moment of my career: it was 10 times better than the Champions League,” the goalkeeper said, according to The Guardian.

The reason, as he explained, is what that championship represented for Senegal. Winning with a club is incredible, but doing it for your country carries a different dimension, especially when it is a nation that had never won that trophy before.

Mendy had been a key figure just months earlier in the Champions League final, where Chelsea defeated Manchester City 1-0. Despite the prestige of the European title, the goalkeeper believes being part of the team that made history with Senegal turned the AFCON into the most important memory of his career.

The AFCON Controversy Is Not Over Yet

Mendy’s comments also come amid the controversy surrounding the most recent AFCON final between Senegal and Morocco. The goalkeeper maintains that Senegal won that match after play resumed and that Pape Gueye later scored during extra time.

The final was marked by protests, a disallowed goal and an interruption during which the Senegal players temporarily left the pitch. CAF subsequently awarded Senegal a 3-0 administrative defeat, while the country’s federation took the case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).

Mendy holds a different position and believes the match was completed. “They gave us the trophy and we celebrated in our country,” he explained, making it clear that he considers that achievement part of Senegal’s history.

Mendy Leaves the National Team and Looks to the Future

At 34, Mendy confirmed his international retirement after making 59 appearances for Senegal. New head coach Patrick Vieira tried to convince him to continue, but the goalkeeper decided to stick with his decision after taking several days to reflect.

He now has confidence in Senegal’s new generation of players, including Lamine Camara of Monaco and Ibrahim Mbaye of Aston Villa. Mendy hopes they can continue the success of the generation that won the AFCON.

Key Takeaways

• Édouard Mendy said winning the AFCON with Senegal was “10 times better” than winning the Champions League with Chelsea.
• The goalkeeper explained that the African title carried special significance because Senegal had never won the Africa Cup of Nations before.
• Mendy also addressed the controversy surrounding the latest AFCON final between Senegal and Morocco, maintaining that Senegal won the match.

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