Latest news with #Mendy
Yahoo
28-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Xabi Alonso appointment has put 29-year-old Real Madrid star's future at risk
A recent update from SPORT suggests that Ferland Mendy's future at Real Madrid could be uncertain following the expected arrival of Xabi Alonso as the club's new manager. Mendy, once backed strongly by Carlo Ancelotti, no longer enjoys the same level of support under the new tactical vision. In fact, under Ancelotti, Mendy was often described as 'the best defensive left-back in the world.' Advertisement The Italian coach considered him vital to his defensive structure, which is why the Frenchman was handed a contract extension last season until 2028, along with a significant salary increase. But things are changing quickly at the Bernabéu. Alonso's system does not favour Mendy Alonso has a clear tactical identity. He prefers playing with three centre-backs and two wing-backs, players who are not just strong in defence, but also capable of contributing regularly in attack and building up play. This system demands high mobility, creativity, and versatility from full-backs, something that doesn't quite align with Mendy's skill set. Ferland Mendy might have to consider his options. (Photo by) Mendy is an excellent defender, solid, disciplined, and hard to beat. But injuries have often slowed him down, and his attacking output is limited. In Alonso's system, he may be seen more as a backup option than a key player. Advertisement Which is why Fran Garcia seems to be a better fit tactically due to his greater flexibility and attacking instinct. Real Madrid looking for reinforcements For that reason, Real Madrid are not wasting time and are already in talks with Benfica for Alvaro Carreras. The 22-year-old Spanish left-back fits the profile that Alonso wants, and the club aims to secure his arrival before the Club World Cup. If Carreras joins, it is likely that either Mendy or Garcia will be shown the exit door, despite both having active contracts. The coming weeks will be crucial for the French defender, who may need to consider his options if he wants regular minutes, especially with a system that may no longer favour his natural style of play.
Saudi Gazette
03-05-2025
- Sport
- Saudi Gazette
Mahrez, Firmino and Mendy complete rare continental double with Al Ahli triumph
Saudi Gazette report JEDDAH — Al Ahli FC etched their name into Asian football history with golden letters after being crowned champions of the AFC Champions League Elite 2025, marking a monumental moment not just for the club, but for three of its star players. The club's triumphant run was capped off with a 2-0 win over Kawasaki Frontale in Jeddah — a night that will be remembered by their fans for generations to come. But beyond the title, it was the extraordinary achievement of Riyad Mahrez, Roberto Firmino, and Edouard Mendy that made headlines across the globe. The trio became the first players in football history to win both the UEFA Champions League and the AFC Champions League Elite, a unique feat that bridges Europe and Asia. Mahrez had lifted the European crown with Manchester City in 2023. Firmino earned his title with Liverpool in 2019. Mendy was part of Chelsea's victorious squad in 2021. Mendy, however, added another layer of distinction to his legacy. With Senegal, he had already claimed the Africa Cup of Nations title in 2021, making him one of the very few players to win major continental titles on three different continents — Africa, Europe, and now golden chapter underscores Al Ahli's rising stature of Saudi football on the international stage, powered by elite talent and ambitious investment.
Saudi Gazette
03-05-2025
- Sport
- Saudi Gazette
Al Ahli's Mendy named Best Goalkeeper of AFC Champions League Elite 2024/25
Saudi Gazette report JEDDAH — Eduoard Mendy capped off a stellar campaign by winning the Best Goalkeeper award of the AFC Champions League Elite 2024/25, following Al Ahli Saudi FC's historic 2-0 win over Kawasaki Frontale in Saturday's final. The Senegalese international was a rock at the back for Al Ahli, playing a pivotal role in their maiden continental triumph during the Finals held in Jeddah. Mendy, 33, was commanding throughout the tournament, particularly in the knockout rounds, where he kept clean sheets in the 3-0 quarter-final win over Buriram United and the final against Frontale. Against Al Hilal in the semi-finals, his presence and positioning helped blunt one of Asia's most potent attacks. His calm under pressure and ability to organize the backline were critical as Al Ahli completed their campaign unbeaten, with 12 wins and a draw. The title adds to Mendy's impressive collection of silverware, having already lifted the UEFA Champions League during his time at Chelsea.
Daily Tribune
01-05-2025
- Sport
- Daily Tribune
Real Madrid's Rudiger, Mendy and Alaba out injured until end of season
Real Madrid defender Antonio Rudiger is set to miss up to eight weeks after undergoing surgery on a knee injury on Tuesday. Spanish and European champions Madrid also lost Ferland Mendy to a quadriceps injury, with the left-back likely out for at least two months. Fellow defender David Alaba joined his team-mates on the long-term injury list after it was announced by the club he had been 'diagnosed with an internal meniscus tear in his left knee'. Rudiger was also banned on Tuesday for six matches after hurling an object at the referee during the Copa del Rey final defeat by Barcelona last weekend. 'Rudiger underwent surgery today (Tuesday) for a tear in the outer meniscus of his left knee,' said Real Madrid in a statement, without specifying the expected length of his absence. Spanish media reported Rudiger will miss between six and eight weeks during his recovery process. Madrid have five La Liga matches remaining. He will serve the final game of the ban at the start of next season. The 32-year-old German centre-back may still be able to participate in Real Madrid's Club World Cup campaign this summer in the United States, with the tournament beginning June 14. Rudiger was substituted in extra-time of Madrid's 3-2 defeat by their arch-rivals, and was sent off after his aggressive protests from the sideline. Mendy was taken off hurt in the early stages of the final and he is set to miss the Club World Cup. Madrid said Mendy was diagnosed Tuesday 'with a rupture' in his right quadriceps. The defender was brought straight back into the starting XI to face Barca for his first match in six weeks before hobbling off. Madrid, second, trail La Liga leaders Barcelona by four points, with the teams set to meet on May 11 at the Olympic Stadium. With Dani Carvajal and Eder Militao also sidelined with longterm injuries, Madrid's defence is in poor shape for the run-in.
CNA
29-04-2025
- Sport
- CNA
Real defenders Mendy and Alaba sidelined with injuries
Real Madrid have been hit by a wave of injury setbacks, with defenders Ferland Mendy and David Alaba both facing potential season-ending injuries, the Spanish club confirmed on Tuesday. Mendy suffered a rupture in his right thigh during the Copa del Rey final loss to Barcelona, the Spanish club said on Tuesday. Local media reports said Mendy could face up to a month on the sidelines in the latest setback for the France left back, who has already missed several weeks due to multiple injuries this season. "Following tests carried out on our player Ferland Mendy... he has been diagnosed with a rupture of the proximal tendon of the anterior rectus in the right quadriceps," Real said in a statement. A hamstring injury suffered in March kept Mendy out for more than a month, while a muscle injury had sidelined him for almost two weeks in December. Austria international Alaba was forced off with an injury during Real Madrid's 1–0 win over Getafe last week. The setback comes shortly after his return from a muscle injury sustained in February, following more than a year of recovery from a torn anterior cruciate ligament. After appearing as a substitute in Saturday's final, the 32-year-old centre back "has been diagnosed with a ruptured internal meniscus in his left knee," Real said. According to reports, Alaba will undergo surgery before beginning a rehabilitation period for six to eight weeks. Mendy and Alaba's injuries add to a growing list of absences in Real's defence, with Antonio Ruediger undergoing knee surgery earlier on Tuesday.
