Ferland Mendy, born on June 8, 1995, in Meulan-en-Yvelines, France, is a professional footballer who plays as a left-back for Real Madrid and the French national team. He is of Senegalese and Bissau-Guinean descent and acquired French nationality in 2007.
Career Highlights:
- Early Career: Mendy began his youth career at Paris Saint-Germain before moving to Le Havre, where he made his professional debut.
- Olympique Lyonnais: In June 2017, he signed with Lyon, making significant contributions over two seasons.
- Real Madrid: Mendy joined Real Madrid in June 2019. Since then, he has won multiple titles, including three La Liga championships (2020, 2022, 2024), three Supercopa de España titles (2020, 2022, 2024), two UEFA Champions League trophies (2022, 2024), and two UEFA Super Cups (2022, 2024).
International Career:
Mendy made his debut for the French national team in November 2018 against Uruguay. He was part of the squad for UEFA Euro 2024, where France reached the semifinals.
Recent Developments:
Mendy has faced competition for the left-back position at Real Madrid, notably from Fran García. Despite García’s increased playing time, coach Carlo Ancelotti often favors Mendy for crucial matches, especially in the Champions League.
However, Mendy’s recent performances have been under scrutiny. He has been dealing with injuries, including a recent muscular issue that led to his substitution in a match. This marks his third injury this season, raising concerns about his form and fitness.
Additionally, reports suggest that Real Madrid is considering changes to their left-back position, with potential departures of both Mendy and García. The club is exploring replacements, including Alphonso Davies and Miguel Gutiérrez.
Personal Life:
Mendy is the cousin of goalkeeper Édouard Mendy, who plays for Al-Ahli and the Senegal national team. At 15, Ferland Mendy faced a significant health challenge, spending time in a wheelchair and being told he might never play football again. His resilience led to a successful professional career.