Edouard Mendy ends Senegal career after two Africa Cup of Nations triumphs

Edouard Mendy has ended his international career with Senegal at the age of 34, announcing the decision on his Instagram account. The goalkeeper’s departure closes a significant chapter for the Lions of Teranga, with Mendy having become one of the leading figures in the team’s recent history.

Mendy joined the Senegal squad in November 2018 and went on to represent his country at two World Cups. He was also part of the side that established Senegal as one of Africa’s leading football nations, winning the Africa Cup of Nations twice.

His defining international achievement came at the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations. Mendy became Senegal’s first-choice goalkeeper from the last 16 onwards and played a key role as the team secured the first continental title in its history.

In the final against Egypt, he saved an Egyptian effort during the penalty shootout as Senegal claimed victory. His performances throughout the tournament were recognised with the award for best goalkeeper of the competition.

Mendy later added a second Africa Cup of Nations winner’s medal when Senegal lifted the trophy again at the 2025 tournament. The two titles place him among the players most closely associated with the most successful period in Senegal’s history.

A consistent presence for Senegal

Across his international career, Mendy also built a record of reliability in goal. Available figures credit him with 27 clean sheets for Senegal, including several during major tournaments.

He appeared at the 2022 World Cup and the 2026 World Cup. At Qatar 2022, he was involved as Senegal reached the last 16, another notable milestone during the team’s strongest era.

Mendy leaves the national side having played an important role in two Africa Cup of Nations victories and in a period that produced some of Senegal’s greatest results. His international legacy will be linked to the country’s first two continental triumphs, while his performances and experience helped strengthen Senegal’s standing among Africa’s major football nations.