Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy has announced his retirement from international football, bringing an end to an eight-year career with the Teranga Lions.
The 34-year-old Al-Ahli shot-stopper confirmed his decision on Saturday, September 13, 2026, through an emotional video posted on his official Instagram account, highlighting some of the defining moments of his journey with Senegal.
Mendy concluded the video with a heartfelt message to the national team: “Thank you, Senegal.”
The goalkeeper made his Senegal debut in 2018 under former head coach Aliou Cissé and went on to become a key figure during one of the most successful periods in the country’s football history.
He made 59 appearances for Senegal across all competitions, conceding 34 goals and recording 31 clean sheets.
Mendy’s greatest international achievement came at the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon, where Senegal won their first-ever continental title.
He played a pivotal role throughout the tournament and was named the competition’s best goalkeeper after helping the Teranga Lions defeat Egypt on penalties in the final.
The former Chelsea goalkeeper was also part of Senegal’s squad that reached the 2019 AFCON final, before returning to the final four years later in 2025.
Senegal faced hosts Morocco in the 2025 AFCON final, although the outcome was subsequently overturned by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) following the controversial events surrounding the match.
Mendy also represented Senegal at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar and remained part of the national team setup during their qualification campaign for the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
His retirement brings an end to an international career that coincided with Senegal’s emergence as one of Africa’s leading football nations.
From his debut in 2018 to the country’s continental triumph and two World Cup campaigns, Mendy played an important role in several of Senegal’s most memorable moments.
After eight years between the posts, 59 international appearances and a historic AFCON triumph, Mendy has now closed the chapter on his Senegal career.
Source: Ghana Soccer Net
