Koulibaly slams FIFA over Edouard Mendy’s Ballon d’Or Nominee snub

Edouard Mendy’s stellar season

Edouard Mendy was viewed largely as a backup when he was signed from Lille 18 months ago in a 21 million pound move (as per transfermarkt). However, he quickly became the undisputed no.1 at Stamford Bridge, helping his side to a famous Champions League win with some crucial saves in both the semi-final and the final.

He has continued in this vein again this season, and has again been crucial in Chelsea’s current good form, with the highest prevented goals in the Premier League so far. Unlike his predecessor, Mendy has seemingly inspired confidence in his Blues backline, which has conceded just three goals in seven Premier League games.

Should he have been a Ballon D’or candidate?

Despite his stellar campaign, Mendy’s name was nowhere to be seen when the nominations for the Ballon D’or were announced last week. While 5 of his club-mates were on the list, the Goalkeeper was conspicuously absent.

Speaking during the international break, after the clash between Senegal and Namibia, Mendy’s national team-mate Kalidou Koulibaly was quick to point this out, slamming FIFA for their decision by saying:

“We have to do double the work to be well evaluated. It is a shame that Edouard is not one of the nominees. He is the first African goalkeeper to win the Champions League. We have to keep working. He is a very personable person. positive. I’ve already talked to him about this and he will continue to fight to be there. For me, he deserved to have a place in the 30”

Does Koulibaly have a point, or was Mendy rightfully overlooked for the award?