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Edouard Mendy has announced his retirement from international football after eight years representing Senegal, bringing an end to his career with the Lions of Teranga.
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The Al-Ahli goalkeeper made 59 appearances for Senegal, recording 31 clean sheets and conceding 34 goals during his time with the national team.
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Mendy was part of the Senegal side that won the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations, the country’s first AFCON title, and later featured in another final in 2025.
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He also represented Senegal at two FIFA World Cups, including the 2022 tournament and the 2026 edition in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
September 13, (THEWILL) – Edouard Mendy has officially called time on his Senegal career, announcing his retirement from international football after eight years between the posts for the Lions of Teranga.
The Al-Ahli goalkeeper confirmed his decision in a video posted on his official Instagram account, featuring memorable moments from his time with the national team before ending with a simple message: “Thank you, Senegal.”
Mendy’s decision brings an end to a significant chapter in his career, one that coincided with one of the most successful periods in Senegalese football history.
The goalkeeper made his international debut in 2018 under then-Senegal coach Aliou Cisse and gradually established himself as one of the country’s key players.
Over eight years, Mendy accumulated 59 appearances for Senegal, conceding 34 goals while keeping 31 clean sheets.
Édouard Mendy vient de publier cette vidéo sur Instagram pour annoncer officiellement sa retraite internationale. 💔🇸🇳
La fin d’une histoire avec les Lions… 🦁 pic.twitter.com/uyhL4hehPE
— Joueurs SN 🇸🇳 (@JoueursSN) September 13, 2026
Mendy’s AFCON Glory With Senegal
The defining achievement of Mendy’s international career came at the Africa Cup of Nations.
After Senegal had suffered disappointment in previous editions of the competition, Mendy helped the Lions of Teranga finally end their wait for the continental crown at the 2021 AFCON.
Senegal defeated Egypt in the final to lift the trophy for the first time in the country’s history.
Mendy was an important part of that squad as Senegal established themselves as one of Africa’s leading footballing nations.
Four years later, he was involved again as Senegal reached another AFCON final, this time facing Morocco.
However, the 2025 final became one of the most controversial episodes in Senegalese football.
The match ended amid an extraordinary dispute after Senegal’s players walked off the pitch before the conclusion of normal time. The subsequent ruling resulted in Senegal being stripped of the title.
Despite the controversy surrounding the final, Mendy’s international record remained marked by the historic success achieved in 2021.
World Cup Regular With the Lions
Mendy’s contribution to Senegal extended beyond the Africa Cup of Nations.
During his international career, the goalkeeper was part of teams that secured qualification for two FIFA World Cups.
He featured at the 2022 World Cup before returning to the global stage for the 2026 tournament, hosted jointly by the United States, Canada and Mexico.
His involvement across those major tournaments reflected his longevity within the Senegal setup and his importance to the national team’s golden period.
Senegal’s rise during the period also saw the country become a regular presence at major international competitions, with Mendy serving as one of the experienced figures within the squad.
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A Career That Ends on His Own Terms
Mendy’s retirement brings an end to a national-team career that produced 59 appearances, an AFCON title and two World Cup campaigns.
His decision also marks the departure of a goalkeeper who was closely associated with Senegal’s emergence as one of Africa’s most competitive footballing nations.
The 34-year-old’s international journey began in 2018 and took him from his first appearance under Cisse to the biggest stages in world football.
While his club career continues with Al-Ahli, his time with the Lions of Teranga is now over.
Mendy leaves behind a record that includes 31 clean sheets, 34 goals conceded and an Africa Cup of Nations winners’ medal, having played a significant role in one of Senegal’s most memorable football eras.
Olumide Atiba is a sports journalist with THEWILL, known for his keen news sense and compelling storytelling. He has built a reputation for turning leads into clear, well-structured reports that resonate with readers, with a strong focus on football coverage
