Clean-sheet king Edouard Mendy anchors Al-Ahli’s ambitions

Al-Ahli Saudi FC are mounting a serious challenge for the Saudi Pro League title, and much of their defensive strength this season has been built around the form of goalkeeper Edouard Mendy.

The club are aiming to end a ten-year wait for the championship, a trophy they have not lifted since the 2015-16 campaign.

Under the guidance of German coach Matthias Jaissle, Al-Ahli have combined attacking intent with defensive resilience in their pursuit of domestic success.

After 24 matchdays, Al-Ahli boast the league’s strongest defensive record, having conceded just 15 goals. That tally places them ahead of Al-Nassr FC, who have allowed 19, and Al-Hilal SFC, who have conceded 23.

Mendy has been central to that achievement. The 34-year-old Senegal international has featured in 17 league matches this season, keeping 11 clean sheets — the highest total currently recorded in the competition.

His consistency has underpinned Al-Ahli’s defensive solidity, even though he missed seven fixtures while representing his country at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

Since joining the Saudi club, Mendy has established himself as one of the division’s most reliable performers.

Across 78 appearances in all competitions, he has registered 40 clean sheets — more than any other goalkeeper in the league during that period.

His record places him comfortably ahead of Yassine Bounou, who has 31, and Mailson, who has 26.

A former player for Stade Rennais F.C. and Chelsea F.C., Mendy continues to demonstrate the qualities that made him a continental champion at both club and international level.

As the season enters its decisive phase, Al-Ahli’s hopes of ending their title drought appear closely tied to the commanding presence of their goalkeeper, whose clean-sheet record has made him a defining figure in the Saudi Pro League campaign.