Édouard Mendy announces his retirement from International football

Senegal goalkeeper Édouard Mendy has announced his retirement from international football, bringing an end to his career with the Teranga Lions.

The 34-year-old goalkeeper announced his retirement on Sunday, September 13, 2026. He leaves the national team after several memorable years in which he established himself as one of Senegal’s most important players.

Edouard Mendy’s Senegal Career

Mendy was part of the generation that delivered Senegal’s first-ever Africa Cup of Nations title in 2022. He made his Senegal debut in November 2018 and quickly became the country's first-choice goalkeeper.

His performances earned him a place in Senegal’s squad for the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations, although an injury forced him to miss the latter stages of the tournament. Mendy's biggest international achievement came at the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations, played in Cameroon in early 2022.

He played a key role as Senegal reached the final against Egypt after a goalless draw following extra time. Senegal won the final on penalties, with Mendy making a crucial save during the shootout.

Mendy's performances throughout the tournament earned him the AFCON Goalkeeper of the Tournament award. He also represented Senegal at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, starting all four of the team's matches as the Lions of Teranga reached the Round of 16. He later remained part of Senegal's plans for the 2026 World Cup.

Mendy started Senegal's opening two matches of the tournament but suffered a knee injury during the defeat to Norway, ruling him out of the team's final group game against Iraq.