Senegalese international goalkeeper Edouard Mendy, the guardian of Al-Ahli Saudi FC's net, continued to make history in the Kingdom, cementing his status as the team's "safety valve." The Senegalese lion topped the list of goalkeepers with the most clean sheets in the Saudi Professional League, following his heroic performance in his team's 1-0 victory over Al-Riyadh FC. The match was held at Prince Faisal bin Fahd Sports City in Riyadh as part of the 24th round of the competition.
Record numbers reflect defensive solidity
Al-Ahli's victory was more than just a fleeting three points; it was a testament to the defensive strength Mendy has instilled in the team. With Al-Ahli temporarily topping the Saudi Professional League table with 59 points, Mendy's remarkable record stood out: he kept a clean sheet in 11 out of just 17 appearances. This statistic reflects not only crucial saves but also exceptional consistency and a direct impact on Al-Ahli's results, making him a cornerstone of the coach's defensive system and an indispensable element in the team's quest for titles.
Global context and historical background of the hero
To understand the significance of Mendy's current achievements, one must consider the broader context of his career. The goalkeeper, who won FIFA's "The Best" award for best goalkeeper in the world in 2021, secured the UEFA Champions League title with Chelsea, and won the Africa Cup of Nations with his national team, did not come to the Saudi League for a mere stroll. Mendy's move to the Saudi Professional League was part of a massive sporting project that attracted elite international stars, and the Senegalese player has proven that passion and competitiveness remain at their peak. He has brought his extensive European experience to solidify Al-Ahli's defense, which had suffered from instability in previous seasons.
Clash of the Titans: Mendy vs. Elite Goalkeepers
Mendy's statistics take on added significance when considering the fierce competition in the Saudi League, which now boasts some of the world's best goalkeepers. According to current statistics, Mendy is followed on the list by Al-Nassr's Brazilian goalkeeper, Pinto Matheus, with 8 clean sheets in 10 matches, then Slovakian Marek Rodak with 7 clean sheets in 23 matches. The list also includes Moroccan giant Yassine Bounou, Al-Hilal's goalkeeper, with 7 clean sheets in 15 matches, and finally Belgian Koen Casteels with 7 clean sheets in 22 matches.
Expected impact locally and regionally
Mendy's brilliance is not only reflected in Al-Ahli's domestic results, but also raises the market and technical value of the Saudi Professional League globally, confirming that the league has become a fertile ground for top goalkeepers. This fierce competition between the African school (Mendy and Bono) and the Latin and European schools strengthens the league and makes scoring goals a difficult task even for the most formidable strikers, promising exceptional seasons that will place Saudi football among the top leagues.
