Lev Yachine Trophy: Édouard Mendy among the contenders for the title of best goalkeeper in the world

Édouard Mendy is among the ten goalkeepers nominated for the 2026 Yachine Trophy, which rewards the best goalkeeper of the season as part of the Ballon d’Or awards. The list was revealed this Tuesday, September 8, 2026 by France Football.

New recognition for Édouard Mendy at the end of a particularly rich season. African champion with the Lions, the Senegalese goalkeeper also won the Asian Champions League for the second time with Al Ahly. He also distinguished himself individually by winning the Golden Glove of the Saudi Pro League, after recording 14 clean sheets and saving three penalties. The Senegalese goalkeeper will, however, have to deal with strong competition. He is notably in the running alongside the Argentinian Emiliano Martínez, the Belgian Thibaut Courtois, the Spaniard David Raya, the Moroccan Yassine Bounou and the Cape Verdean Vozinha. In total, three African goalkeepers appear in this selection of ten contenders.

He finished in second place in the rankings in 2021 behind Italian Gianluigi Donnarumma. Édouard Mendy thus rediscovers a distinction that he knows well. The winner will be chosen on October 26 in London.

By Yaya SOW