Senegalese goalkeeper Edouard Mendy has spoken warmly about his admiration for Egyptian legend Essam El Hadary, revealing he sees him as a major inspiration in his career.
In an interview with Al Ahli Jeddah’s official account on X, Mendy said: “There are many goalkeepers I consider role models, such as (Cameroon’s) Thomas N’Kono and El Hadary,” highlighting how much he studied their careers and mentality.
Mendy reflected on his best moment with Al Ahli so far, pointing straight to last season’s historic AFC Champions League Elite triumph. He recalled the 2-0 win over Japan’s Kawasaki Frontale in the final, where he helped “Al Raqi” lift the continental title for the first time in the club’s history.
The former Chelsea keeper then picked out his hardest game with Al Ahli, naming the Saudi Super Cup clash in Hong Kong against Al Nassr, which went all the way to penalties after a 2-2 draw in normal time and ended with his second trophy at the club.
Mendy closed by sending a heartfelt message to the fans, saying no words are enough to describe them and insisting they have been “the best without rival” since his arrival in Jeddah.
