Chelsea Goalkeeper Explains Why ‘Being African Did Him Disservice’ in Ballon d’Or Vote

• Chelsea goalkeeper Edouard Mendy says he failed to make the Ballon d'Or shortlist last year because he did not feature in any international tournament
• The Senegalese safest pair of hands was excellent for Thomas Tuchel's side last season, helping them to win the UEFA Champions League
• FIFA announced that Mendy was the best goalkeeper last year, beating Ballon d'Or winner Gianluigi Donnarumma to the title

Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy says he was surprised he did not make the top 30 in the 2021 Ballon d'Or ranking.

The 29-year-old was one of the best performing goalkeepers in the world last year, helping Chelsea win the UEFA Champions League - the first time in nine years - where he kept a clean in the final against Manchester City at the Estadio do Dragao in Porto.

The shot-stopper was also exceptional for the Blues in the Premier League last year, becoming the second keeper with the most clean sheets in the 2020/21 season.

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And after being adjudged the Best FIFA Men's Goalkeeper for 2021 earlier this year, Mendy has admitted that he did not make the final shortlist because he is African.

Mendy told the French football show Telefoot:

"The best response was to stay the course on the pitch to show that my name deserved to be in the top 30."

"I think being African did me a disservice because I didn't play in any international competitions last year."

Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah and Manchester City winger Riyad Mahrez were the only Africans to be included in the 30-man Ballon d'Or final ranking in 2021.

2021 Ballon d'Or Gala

The Ballon d'Or is an award organised by France Football to recognise the best footballers in the world.

Last year, PSG goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma was named the best goalkeeper, also known as Yashin Trophy, following Italy's win at the 2021 European Cup.

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Spanish and Barcelona youngster Pedri was awarded the best young player of the year gong, whiles Alexia Putellas was adjudged the best female footballer of the year.

Lionel Messi walked away with the Ballon d'Or, his seventh Golden Ball, after beating off competition from Robert Lewandowski and Chelsea's Jorginho.

Last year's ceremony was the 65th edition, and it was held on 8th October 2021 in Paris, France.

Chelsea goalkeeper Edouard Mendy opens up on AFCON victory

Earlier, Sports Brief reported that Senegal goalkeeper, Edouard Mendy has no words to describe the Teranga Lions' triumph at the Africa Cup of Nations a week ago.

Mendy rejoined his Chelsea teammates a few hours after Senegal's AFCON winning team were given a heroes welcome in Dakar, to help the Blues to another title.

Speaking to Chelsea's media after making history with Senegal, the 29-year-old could not believe what he saw on their return to Dakar.