Edouard Mendy returned for Senegal against Malawi on Monday following a bout of COVID-19
Chelsea and Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy feels “immense pride” to be named as Best Fifa men’s keeper for 2021.
The 26-year-old, who is on international duty at the Africa Cup of Nations, beat the likes of Italy’s Gianluigi Donnarumma to the award on Monday.
Mendy helped Chelsea win the Champions League last year, keeping a joint-competition record of nine clean sheets en route to lifting Europe’s most prestigious trophy.
“It’s a really special moment for me, for my family,” Mendy told Senegalese media. “It’s a part of history because it’s the first time that an African goalkeeper received this distinction. So today, I feel immense pride, pride in the name of Senegal but also Africa.
“I hope that over time in the years to come, other goalkeepers like myself will continue to ink the pages of global football. Honestly, I’m so happy to receive this trophy with my team-mates.”
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It is the latest accolade for Mendy, who was also named UEFA’s goalkeeper of 2020-21 last August.
Mendy missed the start of the Nations Cup in Cameroon after testing positive for coronavirus, but returned for Senegal in their 0-0 draw with Malawi on Tuesday, which confirmed their progress to the last 16.
And the keeper received his Fifa trophy in front of the rest of the Teranga Lions squad.
“I lived it the best way possible,” he said. “Really proud, with my brothers, with all the people working around this national team. It was a great thing to receive it in the (lions’) den.
“Now there isn’t much time to celebrate. We have other things to think about. And the most important is to stay focused in the tournament.”