It took only five days for Benjamin Mendy, who was acquitted by the Chester Crown Court of sexual assault allegations on July 14, 2023, to return to professional football. On July 19, Lorient – a team competing in Ligue 1 – unveiled images of Mendy’s introduction to the club.
“Welcoming Benjamin!” exclaimed the Lorient Football Club. Mendy became a free agent after his contract with Manchester City expired on June 30 last year, subsequently signing a two-year deal with Lorient. At 29 years old and considering his extensive playing experience, he is a remarkable addition to Lorient: a triple champion of the World Cup, Ligue 1, and the Premier League.
However, Mendy has not played professional football for nearly two years, since Manchester City’s 0-1 defeat to Tottenham on August 15, 2021. On August 26, 2021, Mendy was arrested on four counts of sexual assault and one count of sexual activity without consent. On December 23, 2021, Mendy faced three new charges of sexual assault.
By June 1, 2022, Mendy was confronted with new allegations of sexual assault, totaling eight charges, alongside suspicions of rape conspiracy and sexual activity assault. Ultimately, Mendy faced a total of 10 counts of sexual activity assault, but only seven victims lodged complaints, spanning from October 2018 to August 2021.
On November 7, 2022, Mendy tearfully stated in court, “In life, I have done many wrong things. But I have not done anything wrong to women.” By July 14, 2023, the jury of the Chester Court unanimously acquitted Benjamin Mendy of sexual assault and sexual activity assault charges.
Mendy’s defense attorney stated during the initial trial that “Mendy’s Premier League career is over, regardless of the verdict,” as his client will never be able to “escape the court of public opinion.” Mendy is likely to face a fate similar to that of Ched Evans, who was “ostracized” by English and Scottish clubs due to vehement public opposition after Evans’ rape charge was overturned in 2016.
Mendy’s attitudes toward women and lavish lifestyle, coupled with his admission of driving under the influence, have been “appalling” to the public. Mendy asserts that he has always been straightforward with women about sexual matters, engaging in frequent unprotected intercourse and preferring multiple partners.
French Sports Minister Amelie Oudea-Castera commented when asked about Mendy: “He was acquitted in a constitutional trial in England. But many feel that justice being served is merely a farce, as the transition from numerous allegations to acquittal appears too simplistic. We must continue to speak out to protect the victims.”
Mendy’s swift return to football raises eyebrows. Mendy appeared in court in June 2023, amidst interest from numerous clubs. However, Lorient stated that there were no negotiations with Mendy before his acquittal.
Of course, all parties involved are awaiting the outcome of the appeal trial before making any decisions. However, offers from other clubs indicate that exploratory talks have been ongoing for some time.
The football landscape has significantly changed since Mendy’s last professional match, with the emergence of the Saudi Pro League – although it remains unconfirmed whether this defender has received interest from the Middle East. Upon his acquittal, Mendy’s sole remark was, “Thank God!”
Mendy also received supportive messages on social media from renowned players such as Paul Pogba, Memphis Depay, and Vinicius Junior, who expressed sympathy for Mendy after his ordeal. Their sentiment is clear: “Looking forward to seeing you back on the pitch,” as Pogba wrote.
Lorient’s announcement initially surprised many, with some believing it to be fake news. Subsequently, the club’s website temporarily crashed. By Wednesday afternoon, photos of Mendy in Lorient’s orange jersey had surfaced. Marcus Thuram and Jeremie Aliadiere liked the club’s Instagram post announcing Mendy’s signing.
“Justice has been served, and he is innocent,” said a fan named Emilie. “I come to watch a football match and cheer for the team. His personal life is none of our concern.” However, another fan criticized the club: “I am very uncomfortable with my club reaching out to someone like him.”
There was no statement from Manchester City when Mendy was acquitted, as the contract between the two parties had expired by then. Mendy was placed on the list of released players. He was once the world’s most expensive defender when he moved to Manchester City from Monaco for £52 million in 2017.
Manchester City continued to use Mendy after his first arrest in November 2020 but suspended the player in August 2021, following his initial police charge. He informed the court that the club had stopped paying him, an amount of approximately £100,000 per week, since September 2021.
Mendy’s company – BM Sport Consulting Limited, of which Mendy served as director and managed his image rights – was dissolved by the Royal Revenue and Customs (HMRC) in March 2023. The UK tax authorities also filed bankruptcy proceedings against Mendy.
Mendy had to sell his valuable collection of Rolex and Cartier watches. His collection of Lamborghini and Audi RS6 supercars also hit the market. However, the £4.8 million Cheshire mansion Mendy purchased from former English cricketer Andrew Flintoff in 2018 remains in his name.
There is clearly a financial incentive behind Mendy’s swift return to football. Manchester City’s representative stated in Mendy’s trial regarding the player’s financial situation as follows: “There are bills left unpaid. I know Mendy has sent a lot of money back to his family and he has not been paid for nearly two years.”
During the initial trial, Mendy also admitted to unprofessional behavior while at Manchester City, including organizing parties before training and matches, disregarding Covid-19 lockdown orders, and being fined two weeks’ wages by the club for “breaking ranks” to socialize.