Édouard Mendy has etched his name into the record books by becoming the first goalkeeper in football history to lift both the UEFA Champions League and the AFC Champions League, following Al Ahli Saudi FC’s 2-0 triumph over Kawasaki Frontale in the Asian final.
The Senegal international, whose commanding presence between the posts helped guide Chelsea to European glory in 2021, added another prestigious medal to his growing collection on Asian soil.
Al Ahli’s win not only marked a major milestone for the Saudi Arabian club but also for Mendy personally, as he reached an unparalleled goal in his career.
The 32-year-old joins a select group of players to have achieved continental success in both Europe and Asia. Among those few elite names are former Premier League stars Roberto Firmino and Riyad Mahrez, who like Mendy, have now conquered two continents at club level.
Mendy’s latest accolade crowns a journey that has already seen him rise from relative obscurity to the very summit of the sport. Named the Best Goalkeeper at the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations, the 2021 UEFA Champions League, and FIFA’s The Best awards the same year, the Senegalese shot-stopper has consistently delivered on the game’s biggest stages.
Reflecting on the occasion, Mendy expressed his pride and gratitude in a message shared on social media. “A historic night… This achievement is much more than a trophy. It is the culmination of years of hard work,” he wrote, accompanied by photos from the final.
His words echoed the sentiment of a player whose resilience and dedication have defined his rise through the ranks—from his early days in France’s lower divisions to becoming a Champions League winner with Chelsea, and now a history-maker in Asia.
Mendy’s performance throughout the AFC Champions League campaign was instrumental in Al Ahli’s success. His leadership, shot-stopping, and calmness under pressure offered a solid foundation for the Saudi club, whose ambitions have grown significantly with the arrival of high-profile signings in recent seasons.
While the final saw the team’s attacking stars shine on the scoresheet, it was Mendy’s steady presence at the back that helped secure the clean sheet against Kawasaki Frontale.
The victory ensured Al Ahli’s name was added to the list of Asia’s continental champions—and Mendy’s name was written in the sport’s global annals.
His unique achievement strengthens his legacy not only in African football, where he remains a national hero, but across the wider footballing world. It also sends a strong message about the increasing competitiveness of football in Asia, where marquee signings from Europe are beginning to leave a significant mark.
As Al Ahli celebrate their continental title, Édouard Mendy stands out not just as a key contributor, but as a symbol of perseverance, excellence, and trailblazing achievement—cementing his place as one of the game’s most remarkable goalkeepers.
