Former Senegal goalkeeper Édouard Mendy has expressed his gratitude to supporters after receiving an emotional reception during the national team’s 4-1 victory over Sudan in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
The Al Ahli goalkeeper, who recently announced his retirement from international football, was honoured by fans at Léopold Sédar Senghor Stadium on Thursday as Senegal returned to the venue for the first time in six years.
Supporters chanted Mendy’s name before kick-off, recognising his contribution to the national team and his role in the country’s success in African football.
The 34-year-old, a two-time Africa Cup of Nations winner with Senegal, later took to social media to acknowledge the gesture, describing the tribute as a special moment that would remain with him.
The occasion came as Senegal marked their return to the stadium with an emphatic victory over Sudan in their third Group J qualifying fixture. The result moved the Lions to the top of the group, giving them sole possession of first place.
However, much of the attention before the match centred on Mendy, whose achievements with the national team earned him a warm reception from the home crowd.
The former Chelsea goalkeeper has been an important figure in Senegal’s recent football history. His performances and contribution to the national side helped establish him as one of the country’s most celebrated players.
His international career also brought individual recognition, having been named the world’s best goalkeeper in 2021.
The Senegalese supporters took the opportunity to recognise those achievements, with the stadium atmosphere reflecting the appreciation they have for his service to the national team.
The Senegalese Football Federation also acknowledged the goalkeeper’s contribution, highlighting his two Africa Cup of Nations triumphs and the recognition he received during his career.
In a message shared on social media, the federation celebrated the reception he received from supporters and thanked him for his contribution to the country.
Mendy was clearly touched by the response, later sharing a personal message on Instagram in which he reflected on the significance of representing Senegal and the emotions brought back by the occasion.
“There are dreams you carry with you your whole life. The dream of wearing Senegal’s shirt, defending its colours, winning trophies and making an entire nation proud. Last night, as I relived all those moments, a lot of emotions came flooding back. I realise how far I have come and how lucky I was to experience this adventure. Thank you to everyone who was part of this story, and thank you for this tribute, which will remain etched in my memory,” he wrote on Instagram.
His message reflected the importance of representing his country and the lasting memories created during his time with the national team.
Mendy also acknowledged the people who had been part of his international journey, expressing appreciation for the opportunity to wear Senegal’s colours, compete for major honours and bring happiness to supporters.
The tribute was particularly significant because it came shortly after his decision to end his international career, allowing Senegalese fans to publicly recognise his achievements while celebrating the team’s return to Léopold Sédar Senghor Stadium.
For Mendy, the reception offered an emotional reminder of the connection he built with the supporters throughout his years representing the Lions.
While Senegal’s victory over Sudan provided another positive moment in their pursuit of qualification for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, the evening also served as an opportunity for the country to celebrate one of its most successful recent international football figures.
The goalkeeper’s response underlined how much the occasion meant to him, with the former Chelsea player making clear that the supporters’ gesture would remain a lasting memory of his time with Senegal.
