Edouard Mendy: From Senegal’s Triumph to Chelsea’s Glory
Fresh off his triumphant victory at the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) with Senegal, Edouard Mendy graces the cover of the latest issue of Onze Mondial, available now. In an exclusive interview, the Chelsea goalkeeper delves into a range of topics, from his CAN triumph and time at Olympique de Marseille (OM) to his experiences with racism and the controversy surrounding the misspelling of his name.
The Unforgettable CAN Victory
When asked about the significance of winning the CAN compared to the Champions League, Mendy asserts that the former holds a deeper emotional resonance for him. While acknowledging the prestige of both titles,he emphasizes the unique intensity and communal festivity surrounding Senegal’s victory.
“Winning the CAN was an experience unlike any other,” Mendy explains. “The outpouring of joy and national pride in dakar was truly overwhelming.it’s a feeling that transcends the sport itself.”
He contrasts this with the Champions League victory, which took place during the COVID-19 pandemic, limiting the possibility for large-scale celebrations and fan interaction.
A Journey Through Marseille
Reflecting on his time at OM, Mendy recounts his unexpected rise from the CFA (fourth division) to the professional squad. He vividly remembers the surprise and disbelief of his teammates upon learning he was without a club at the time.
“It was surreal,” Mendy recalls. “Players like Abdelaziz Barrada, Lassana Diarra, and even Steve Mandanda were astonished that I wasn’t already signed to a team. It was a testament to the opportunities that can arise when you seize them.”
While he harbored aspirations of becoming OM’s number one goalkeeper, Mendy acknowledges the fierce competition he faced from established players like Mandanda and Pelé.”Realistically, it was a crowded position,” he admits. “But I learned a great deal during my time at OM, and I’m grateful for the experience.”
Confronting Racism in Football
Mendy addresses the pervasive issue of racism in football, advocating for education as a key solution.He believes instilling a sense of respect for diversity from a young age is crucial in combating prejudice.
“We need to teach children that our differences are strengths, not weaknesses,” Mendy emphasizes. “We all share the same fundamental humanity, nonetheless of our skin color. Racism is a learned behavior, and it can be unlearned through education and empathy.”
He acknowledges the emotional toll racism takes on players and supports those who choose to take a stand against it, even if it means leaving the field.
“We are footballers, but we are also human beings with feelings,” Mendy states. “If the authorities fail to address racism effectively, players have the right to take strong action to protect themselves and send a message.”
Read the Full Interview
For a deeper dive into Edouard Mendy’s journey, insights, and perspectives, be sure to check out the full interview in the latest issue of Onze Mondial, available now on newsstands and online.
From Dakar to Stamford Bridge: An exclusive Interview with Edouard Mendy
Welcome back, football fans, to another insightful edition of Inside the Locker Room. Today, we have the absolute privilege of hosting one of Africa’s brightest stars, Chelsea’s formidable goalkeeper, Edouard Mendy. Edouard,thanks for joining us.
Edouard: It’s a pleasure to be here.
We want to dig right into your incredible journey.You’ve experienced phenomenal highs, from achieving Champions League glory to lifting the Africa Cup of Nations with Senegal.
You recently mentioned in an interview with Onze Mondial that your CAN triumph carried a deeper emotional weight compared to the Champions League victory. Can you elaborate on what made the CAN victory so unique?
Edouard: Both trophies hold immense value, but the CAN win resonated differently. It was about more than football; it was about national pride, about uniting a nation. Seeing the joy and celebration in Dakar, the outpouring of emotion from my fellow Senegalese, was truly overwhelming. It felt like the entire country was lifted by that victory. With the Champions League, the pandemic restrictions unfortunately dampened the celebrations somewhat.
Intriguing point, Edouard.
There’s a certain magic that comes with representing your country on that grand stage. It transcends club rivalries and affiliations. Now, you had a fascinating experience with Olympique de Marseille before Chelsea.
You rose from the CFA (fourth division) to the professional squad. Imagine the surprise on the faces of your teammates, players like Abdelaziz Barrada and Lassana Diarra, learning you were without a club at the time!
Edouard: [Chuckles] It was surreal indeed. They were astonished, and it reaffirmed my belief in seizing opportunities. Marseille was a proving ground for me, a place where I learned invaluable lessons alongside incredible goalkeepers like Steve Mandanda and Pelé.
It wasn’t easy, was it, competing with those established names for the number one spot?
Edouard: Not at all, it was insanely competitive.
Realistically, it was a crowded position. However, I wouldn’t trade the experience for anything. It instilled a resilience in me, a hunger to prove myself, that continues to drive me to this day.
You haven’t shied away from discussing the pervasive issue of racism in football. You advocate for education as a key solution, emphasizing the importance of instilling respect for diversity from a young age.
How do you see this battle against racism playing out,not just in football but in society as a whole?
Edouard: We need to dismantle the foundations of prejudice,and that starts with education.It’s about teaching children, from an early age, that our differences are what make us unique; they are our strength, not our weakness.
We need to foster empathy, to help people understand that regardless of skin color, we share the same essential humanity. Racism isn’t inherent; it’s a learned behavior that can be unlearned.
We see players increasingly taking a stand against racism. Do you believe that’s a positive step, even if it means leaving the field in protest?
Edouard: Absolutely. We are footballers,yes,but we are also human beings with feelings. racist abuse has a profound impact, psychologically and emotionally.
If football authorities fail to effectively address this issue,players have every right to take strong action to protect themselves and send a powerful message against this abhorrent behavior.
Edouard, thank you for sharing your candid perspectives and insights with us. It’s been a true honour to have you on Inside the Locker Room.
Edouard:
The pleasure was all mine.
Now, we want to hear from you, our viewers!**
What are your thoughts on Edouard’s inspiring journey? Do you agree with his stand against racism in football? Share your opinions in the comments below, let’s keep this conversation going.
