Mendy’s absence from Ballon d’Or nomination baffles Sadiq Mane

Sadio Mane was livid at his compatriot Edouard Mendy’s exclusion from the 30-name shortlists for Ballon d’Or nominees.

Eyebrows were raised when Chelsea decided to sign Edouard Mendy to seemingly replace the world’s most expensive goalkeeper Kepa Arrizzabalaga in the summer of 2020. The Senegal international has, however, proved his doubters wrong with stellar performances in a Blue shirt.

Mendy kept nine clean sheets in 12 Champions League games last season, including in the final as Chelsea beat Manchester City for the grand trophy. While players like Mohamed Salah are nominated for the famed Ballon d’Or, Mendy’s name wasn’t included, which has come as a surprise.

The keeper has continued his fine form with Chelsea this season, barely conceding any goals in the process. The Blues sit on top of the Premier League going into the international break. He also starred in Senegal’s World Cup qualification campaign, playing a crucial role in their 4-1 win over Namibia.

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He played in the national side along with Liverpool star Sadio Mane, who was livid at his exclusion from the 30-man nominees list for the Ballon d’Or prize. Sport Witness posted Mane’s comment as relayed to Onze Mondial, as he expressed his disbelief over Mendy’s exclusion.

Mane said, “It’s inadmissible. I don’t understand it. It’s regrettable”.

Further, Mendy was directly asked about his name missing from the list. The keeper instead expressed his happiness at his nomination for the Lev Yashin trophy.

Mendy said, “As I’ve said, I’m honestly already very proud to represent my country among the 10 best goalkeepers in the world. In a year, it’s already a very good thing. I’m not resting on my laurels, I have a lot of ambitions, but it’s already a good step.

“Then, there will always be debates, whether it be about me or someone else. It’s simply the journalists’ freedom of vote and their freedom of expression, and you have to respect that”.

Mendy has proven himself at a big club such as Chelsea and showed his mettle on the big stage. He is Thomas Tuchel’s undisputed choice in goal, and with another good season this term, he might find himself on the nominees’ list next year.