Benjamin Mendy

Benjamin Mendy was born on July 17, 1994, in Longjumeau, France. He grew up in the suburbs of Paris and began playing football at a young age. Mendy showed early promise and joined the youth academy of Le Havre AC, a club known for developing young talents. His journey through the ranks of French football would eventually lead him to prominence as a professional footballer and member of the French national team.

At the age of 17, Benjamin Mendy made his professional debut for Le Havre AC, joining the senior team. Mendy spent three seasons with Le Havre, making 57 Ligue 2 appearances for the club, and caught the attention of scouts from top-tier French clubs. His performances as a left-back at Le Havre set the stage for the next step in his career as he prepared to move to a higher level of competition.

In July 2013, Benjamin Mendy transferred to Olympique de Marseille, a top French club, on a reported €3 million deal. This deal marked the beginning of Mendy's exposure to high-level European football as part of Marseille's effort to revitalize their squad. At Marseille, Mendy developed further as a player, gaining crucial experience in Ligue 1 as he continued to hone his skills as a dependable left-back.

Benjamin Mendy signed with AS Monaco in June 2016. During the 2016-17 season, Mendy became a key player for Monaco under coach Leonardo Jardim. The club won the 2016-17 Ligue 1 title and reached the semi-finals of the UEFA Champions League. Mendy's dynamic style of play, speed, and ability to provide assists made him one of the standout players of the season, further elevating his status in European football.

In July 2017, Benjamin Mendy completed a transfer to Manchester City for a fee reported to be around £52 million, which at the time made him the most expensive defender in history. Under the management of Pep Guardiola, Mendy joined a squad brimming with talent. Unfortunately, his time at City would be marred by injuries, limiting his appearances, but he remained part of the squad that secured multiple Premier League titles.

Benjamin Mendy was part of the French national team that won the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. Although he played a limited role during the tournament, making one appearance against Denmark in the group stage, Mendy's presence in the squad underscored his status as a top-level player. The victory marked a major milestone in his career, with France lifting the trophy after defeating Croatia in the final.

Benjamin Mendy's career at Manchester City has been plagued by a series of injuries that have significantly limited his playing time. Over the course of multiple seasons, Mendy underwent surgeries and extensive rehabilitation periods. Despite these challenges, he remained part of the team, contributing to their successes from the sidelines as City secured several league titles and other domestic trophies.

On August 26, 2021, Benjamin Mendy was arrested and charged with four counts of rape and one count of sexual assault. The charges relate to alleged incidents involving multiple women between October 2020 and August 2021. These serious allegations have overshadowed his football career, and Mendy was suspended by Manchester City pending legal proceedings. The case has drawn significant media attention and legal scrutiny.

On January 13, 2023, Benjamin Mendy was found not guilty on several charges but faced a retrial for two counts of alleged sexual assault. The initial trial saw Mendy vehemently deny all allegations against him, arguing that all interactions were consensual. The legal proceedings have had a significant impact on his professional and personal life, and this aspect of his life continues to receive public and media attention as the legal system works through the retrial.

On July 14, 2023, Benjamin Mendy was acquitted of the remaining charges of attempted rape and sexual assault after a retrial. Following his acquittal, Mendy returned to professional football, signing with French club FC Lorient. The conclusion of his legal battles allows him to focus on rebuilding his career on the pitch. The return marks a new chapter for Mendy, who seeks to regain his place in the sport after years of turmoil.