For Nobel Mendy, the journey from watching Senegal on television to earning a place in the national team has finally come full circle.
The 21-year-old Rayo Vallecano defender has received his first senior call-up to the Senegal national team, marking a defining moment in a career shaped by patience, setbacks, and steady progress in Spanish football.
“It’s an immense joy. It’s been a dream of mine since I was little, ever since I started playing football.
“Honestly, I’m very happy. It feels good to make my family proud. It’s a dream come true. I used to watch them on TV and now I’ll be with them. That’s it.”
Earlier in his career at Real Betis, injuries disrupted his rhythm and delayed his development, but the defender remained focused on his long-term goal of representing Senegal at senior level.
The defender revealed that contact with the national team setup did not come suddenly.
Instead, it had been building behind the scenes as Senegal coach Pape Thiaw had been in touch, encouraging him to stay ready and maintain his focus, with the assurance that his chance would come at the right time.
Now at Rayo Vallecano, Mendy has begun to establish himself in La Liga, making 18 appearances and scoring twice this season.
His performances have been underpinned by a strong relationship with coach Iñigo Pérez, whom he credits for playing a key role in his development.
Through detailed analysis sessions and constant guidance, Mendy has been able to adapt to the demands of top-flight football.
Off the pitch, his growth has also been influenced by fellow Senegalese professionals.
At Rayo, midfielder Pathé Ciss has helped him settle into a new environment, acting as a mentor figure.
Before that, Youssouf Sabaly played a similar role during Mendy’s time at Real Betis, helping to shape his mentality and approach to the game.
Now stepping into the national team environment, Mendy will find himself alongside players he once looked up to.
Chief among them is Senegal captain Kalidou Koulibaly, whom he describes as a lifelong idol.
The opportunity to share a dressing room with such figures represents another step forward in his development.
At club level, Rayo Vallecano are also preparing for a Conference League quarter-final, offering Mendy further exposure to elite competition.
