Senegal's renowned goalkeeper, Edouard Mendy, has firmly addressed the criticism surrounding his transfer to the Saudi Pro League, stating that his primary motivation was to win trophies, not financial rewards. Mendy, who moved from Chelsea to Al-Ahli in a £16 million deal in 2023, has already made a significant impact by helping his new club secure the Asian Champions League title in May 2024.

A Career Defined by Success

Mendy, 33, has had an illustrious career, including winning the Africa Cup of Nations with Senegal and the UEFA Champions League with Chelsea. His recent triumph in the Asian Champions League makes him one of the few players to have won both the Asian and European equivalents of the prestigious tournament.

Defending His Decision

In a joint interview with BBC Sport and BBC Africa, Mendy explained, "Al-Ahli's project came along, and they made me feel I had a big role to play. Two years later, we won the Champions League for the first time in the club's history. So yes, that validates my choice. And I hope the coming years will validate it even more."

He further added, "Some people will quickly jump to conclusions and say the only reason is money. From the start, I always said that when I left Chelsea, I knew I was joining another team where I could win everything—which was no longer the case at Chelsea."

The Responsibility of Being an African Goalkeeper

Mendy also reflected on the unique pressures faced by African goalkeepers in top-tier football. "When I was in England, there weren't many African goalkeepers in top clubs," he admitted. "Whether nationally or internationally, I had that responsibility. It's the same for other African goalkeepers like Andre Onana [Manchester United] or Yassine Bounou (Al-Hilal)."

Giving Back to the Community

Beyond his on-field achievements, Mendy is deeply committed to giving back to his community. He sponsors Yakaar, a school in Keur Massar, Senegal, which aims to improve funding and access to digital learning tools for underprivileged children. The word "Yakaar" means "hope," a sentiment that has guided Mendy throughout his career.

"Hope is what kept me going," Mendy shared. "When I was without a club, it was the hope of getting that first professional contract. Then the hope of playing for the national team. The hope of making my family proud by doing the job I had always dreamed of. Indeed, hope is the best word to describe my career."

Looking Ahead

As Mendy continues his journey with Al-Ahli, he remains focused on achieving more success and proving that his move to Saudi Arabia was driven by ambition, not financial gain. His story is a testament to the power of perseverance and the importance of staying true to one's goals.