Even after clinching the Champions League title for Chelsea and being named The Best FIFA Men’s Goalkeeper, many fans are still curious about Edouard Mendy’s rise to the top. Did you know that just a few seasons before his arrival at Chelsea, Mendy was an unemployed outcast in football? The reality is, there were no career opportunities for him to prove his talent, and he was seriously considering quitting the sport altogether. The big question remains: how did Mendy transform from a player facing consecutive relegations and months of unemployment to becoming the world’s best goalkeeper?
Unemployment to Glory: The Remarkable Rise of Edouard Mendy from Rejection to World’s Best
This biography uncovers the untold story of Edouard Mendy, a footballer born to a Senegalese mother and a Bissau-Guinean father, and who also happens to be the cousin of fellow footballer Ferland Mendy. It’s a complete journey of resilience, from his humble beginnings to his rise to fame. We’ll explore his early life, the challenges that almost pushed him out of the game, and how he managed to turn his career around in such a remarkable way.
This is the life journey of a man who went from facing rejection to lifting some of the most prestigious trophies in football. Get ready to dive deep into the heartfelt, inspiring story of Edouard Mendy, a goalkeeper whose persistence and dedication have brought him a long way from where he started.
From Rejection to Glory: The Inspiring Journey of Edouard Mendy to Football Stardom
Edouard Mendy Childhood Story:
For Biography Starters, the Goalkeeper has the nickname “Tall Doorkeeper”.
Edouard Mendy was born on the 1st day of March 1992 to his Mother (from Senegal) and Late Father (from Guinea-Bissau) in the French municipality of Montivilliers, Northern France.
Early Life and Growing-Up Years:
The towering 6-foot-6 goalkeeper spent his early years growing up in France with his siblings, including his sister. Not to mention, Edouard Mendy’s cousin is Ferland Mendy, with whom he also grew up.
To date, smiles radiate from his face whenever he recalls his fun-filled growing-up years- as a son of non-French native parents- one who became a passionate lover of the game as a child.
Edouard Mendy Family Background:
Even as a son of immigrant parents, abject poverty has no chapter in the Goalkeeper’s Bio. This implies he didn’t come from a poor home but rather a middle-class family.
In fact, Edouard Mendy’s parents did a magnificent job raising him without lack. More so, they were ever ready to help him tread whatever path he chose for himself.
Edouard Mendy Family Origin:
Although you know the Shot-Stopper as a French and Senegalese National. The truth is, he also has family origins rooted in Guinea-Bissau, where his dad hails from.
As such, he is one of the few African multi-ethnic personalities in top-flight football. The likes of Toti Gomes and Dayot Upamecano also have Guinea-Bissau roots.
How Career Football Began for Edouard Mendy:
As a little boy, he fell deeply in love with soccer above anything else. More so, he was with the dream of wanting to become a professional in the sport.
Early on, Edouard Mendy’s parents helped position him to achieve his dreams by enrolling him at Le Havre Caucriauville football club when he was seven years old.
While taking his first steps in the sport at the club, Edouard had several soccer idols, including Fabian Barthez, whom he looked up to.
He went on to join Le Havre Athletic Club, where he perfected his mastery of goalkeeping basics.
Despite becoming very good, Edouard was not Le Havre Athletic Club’s first-choice goalkeeper. He was stuck behind a more talented Zacharie Boucher, a development which made him drop levels to play with CS Municipaux.
Disappointment and Almost Quitting Football:
The Goalkeeping Prodigy eventually began his professional career with AS Cherbourg, where he didn’t get enough playtime.
When Edouard’s contract with AS Cherbourg expired in 2014, he had offers to join other clubs, but he had a desire to play in a league outside France.
Back then, his ex-agent had given him assurance that they would seal a deal. Sadly, it didn’t work out, and the then 22-year-old goalkeeper was left jobless.
I tried to contact him (ex-agent) but he never responded. I heard nothing from him except a text wishing me good luck for the future.
Edouard told LeParisen of the botched deal. The club-less Goalie saw himself joining the queue of job hunters in Northern France. Upon spending a full year away from soccer, poor Edouard decided to quit the sport.
For footballers or anyone else, being jobless is akin to receiving a slap in the face.
Strings of failures leave marks that make you doubt whether you should continue with football or not.
Edouard, again, told SoFoot magazine.
Road To Fame Story:
As Mo Salah‘s Liverpool anthem goes, the Senegalese Goalkeeper didn’t see himself walking alone.
As expected, Edouard Mendy’s parents and family members were there to console him, as they advised him to give the sport another chance- which he did.
Thankfully, the then less confident and insecure goalkeeper returned to Le Havre, where soccer started for him- without salary or wages.
Yes, you did get that right!… He consistently trained with the club for a year without pay.
One day, Edouard soon got wind of information that Marseille was seeking a goalkeeper to replace reserves- Brice Samba and Julien Fabri, who were out on loan.
Applying and passing the club’s trial, he became their fourth-choice Goalkeeper.
Although the Fast-Rising Senegalese was behind a more talented Florian Escales, who was first choice Shot-Stopper.
Nevertheless, he kept pushing beyond the limit- a feat that helped him attain great heights in no time.
Edouard Mendy Biography – Success Story:
I trained with professionals throughout my stay at Marseille. It is something that one can only dream of as a No: 4 gOALkeeper.
Training with stars like Abou Diaby, Lassana Diarra and winning duels against Michy Batshuayi or Steven Fletcher really brought out the best in me.
Says Edouard Mendy- on his experience.
Seeking regular playtime, the Fighter moved to Ligue 2 outfit Reims, where he worked his way to become the club’s first-choice goalkeeper during the 2017-2018 season.
He subsequently helped the club achieve promotion to Ligue 1 before leaving for Rennes.
The Rennes Success Story:
With the club, Edouard’s rise became super rapid, from helping the club finish third to qualify for the Champions League.
He earned lots of praise from many, including Rennes and Chelsea club legend Petr Cech, who advised the Blues’ Frank Lampard to sign him.
Fast forward to the time of writing his Life Story, Edouard Mendy- like Neal Maupay and Lucas Digne are among French middleweights plying their trade in the Premier League.
He prays to become the first-choice Goalkeeper with Chelsea FC. As expected, Mendy is to provide competition that will either push Kepa Arrizabalaga back to his best or unseat him as No 1 Stopper.
Whichever direction things go for him, the rest, as we always say, will be history.
Edouard Mendy Family Life:
The Shot-Stopper is one who values relations with his household. Simply put, he cherishes people who are very close to him.
Here, we bring you Facts about Edouard Mendy’s parents and siblings. Also, we’ll assist you with facts about his relatives so you can understand him better.
About Edouard Mendy’s Father:
In his loving memory, the French man’s dad (Pa Mendy) is no more. He died of a serious health problem. Thankfully, Edouard Mendy’s dad lived to see his son turn professional.
The sad part is the fact that he didn’t live long enough to witness Edouard’s later successful years in the game.
As a way to pay his dad, the Goalkeeper once agreed to play for his father’s lineage (Guinea Bissau)- just an international appearance.
About Edouard Mendy’s Mother:
First and foremost, she is one of his biggest fans. Edouard often celebrates his mother on social media in ways that leave no doubt about the existing chemistry between them. We have a cute photo of her below.
Among his parents, you’ll agree that Edouard Mendy would look more like his dad- both in height and complexion.
See Edouard Mendy with his supportive mother. Photo: Instagram.
About Edouard Mendy’s Siblings:
A close study of photos on the goalie’s Instagram page will convince you he is not the only child of his parents.
Edouard Mendy has several brothers and a sister who is fairly tall like him. Can you spot her in the photo below?
A rare photo of Edouard Mendy with his sisters and brothers. Image by Instagram.
About Edouard Mendy’s Relatives:
Away from the goalie’s immediate family, there are no records of his grandparents, aunts, uncles, nephews and nieces.
Again and interestingly, Edouard Mendy is a cousin to Ferland Mendy, who at the time of writing, plays for Real Madrid and the national team of France.
Personal Life:
Friends, fans and teammates can attest to some facts about the content of the goalie’s characters outside of soccer.
They include his down-to-earth nature, openness, optimism and incredible work rate. He loves hanging out with friends and has an interest in fashion.
In addition, watching movies and playing video games are also some activities he engages in whenever he is not on the field of play.
Lifestyle and Net Worth:
Let’s discuss how much the shot-stopper is worth in 2024 and the sources of his income. To start with, Edouard Mendy’s net worth in 2020 is approximately $25.5m.
Without a doubt, he has a fast-rising wealth thanks to huge Al-Ahli wages.
The “tall doorkeeper” does also rakes in significant income for endorsing brands. However, his conservative lifestyle makes it difficult to track his spending patterns.
Notwithstanding, it is certain that he has the capacity to drive posh cars and live in expensive houses.
Edouard Mendy Facts:
To wrap up this engaging article, here are lesser-known or Untold facts about the Stopper.
Edouard Mendy Religion:
Judging by his cousin- Ferland, it is fairly easy to determine the side of the believer’s divide that he falls into. Our odds are in great favour of him being a Muslim, as Islam is the religion of his dad.
Fifa Ranking:
The goalie’s overall FIFA 2020 rating is just 78 points, with a potential of 81 points. He deserves to be at par with Nick Pope and Andre Onana, who have better overall and potential ratings. Doesn’t he? Find below Mendy’s FIFA stats before he won the FIFA World Best Goalkeeper in 2021.
He certainly deserves more, right? Image: SoFIFA.
Business Acumen:
If professional goalkeeping never worked out for Edouard, he would settle for business. He is someone who has great interpersonal skills and would have definitely fared well in that aspect.
Conclusion:
Thanks for reading our summary of Edouard Mendy’s biography. We hope it has inspired you to believe that giving up never pays.
Without a doubt, his Bio tells a story- from disappointment to tracing back his steps where he positioned himself for a life-changing opportunity.
Edouard Mendy’s parents, especially his late Dad, should be very proud of his patience and perseverance. Consistency and fairness are our watchwords in delivering factual soccer stories.
Aside from Edouard Mendy’s Bio, we have other Senegalese childhood biography stories for your reading pleasure. The Life History of Bamba Dieng, Speedy Ismaila Sarr and football Leader Kalidou Koulibaly will interest you.
Do contact us or leave a comment if you see anything that doesn’t look right in this article. Or else, kindly tell us what you think about our memoir of the Goalkeeper.
