Kalidou Koulibaly says he tried to keep Édouard Mendy

Kalidou Koulibaly has revealed that he made every effort to persuade Édouard Mendy to remain with Senegal, even after the goalkeeper had decided to end his international career. Mendy’s departure has left the captain without one of his closest teammates in the national set-up.

Koulibaly described Mendy as a major figure in Senegalese and world football, underlining the goalkeeper’s importance to the Lions. He also said he hoped Senegal would give Mendy a fitting tribute for his contribution to the national team.

The defender linked Mendy’s legacy to Senegal’s two-star achievement, saying the former goalkeeper had played a role in bringing both honours to the country. His comments reflect the significance of Mendy’s decision beyond the loss of a squad member: the team is saying farewell to a player regarded as part of its recent history.

Koulibaly’s attempt to change Mendy’s mind ultimately failed because the goalkeeper’s decision had already been taken. The captain’s remarks nevertheless show how strongly the retirement is felt within Senegal’s squad, particularly by a teammate who shared the national journey with him.