Former Manchester City and France footballer Benjamin Mendy was overcome with emotion as a UK jury delivered their verdict, clearing him of sex offences after a gruelling three-year court ordeal. The 28-year-old athlete, known for his prowess on the field, broke down in tears upon hearing the not-guilty verdict at the conclusion of the three-week trial at Chester Crown Court in northwest England.
Mendy’s acquittal came after the jury, comprising six men and six women, deliberated for approximately three hours and 15 minutes, ultimately reaching the not guilty verdicts on one count of rape and another of attempted rape. This outcome marked the end of a tumultuous legal journey that had started three years ago.
The talented French footballer, whose career had been hanging in the balance, had previously been cleared in January of six counts of rape and one count of sexual assault following a rigorous six-month trial. However, the jurors in that trial were unable to reach a verdict on two other counts, leading to a retrial.
Mendy, whose contract with Manchester City had expired at the end of June, vehemently denied all the charges levied against him. He stood accused alongside Louis Saha Matturie, a 41-year-old alleged “fixer,” who was also found not guilty by the jury in the previous trial on three counts of rape involving two teenagers. Additionally, the jury couldn’t reach verdicts on three counts of rape and three counts of sexual assault against Matturie by five other women. Consequently, he will face a separate retrial later this year.
The prosecution had painted a picture of Mendy as a sexual “predator” who had allegedly committed these offenses against young women procured by Matturie during parties held at his luxurious residence south of Manchester. However, both Mendy and Matturie maintained that any sexual activity they engaged in was consensual, firmly denying any coercion or force.
Mendy, whose talent as a defender earned him a record signing with Manchester City in 2017 from French club Monaco, had played 75 times for the team. Unfortunately, his playing time was hampered by injuries and a loss of form. His international career with France also saw a decline, with his last of 10 caps earned in November 2019 following the team’s victorious World Cup campaign in 2018.
The lengthy trials resulted in Mendy missing out on Manchester City’s triumphant treble last season, clinching the English Premier League, FA Cup, and Champions League titles.
In response to the verdict, Mendy’s lawyers released a statement expressing his delight at being acquitted in both trials. They thanked the members of the jury for focusing on the evidence presented rather than the rumors and innuendo that had plagued the case since its inception. They also highlighted that this was the second time Mendy had been tried and found not guilty by a jury, emphasizing his satisfaction with the correct verdicts reached. After enduring a nearly three-year-long investigation and legal process, Mendy requested privacy as he sought to rebuild his life.
What lies ahead for Benjamin Mendy as he moves forward from his legal ordeal?
Benjamin Mendy’s future in football hangs in the balance after a tumultuous period marred by legal troubles and damning revelations about his personal conduct. The Premier League champions ceased paying his substantial weekly wages of around £100,000 once he faced charges for a series of sex offences in August last year. His contract with Manchester City was not renewed, after it expired in June.
Despite the challenging circumstances, Mendy found support from his former manager, Pep Guardiola, who testified on his behalf during the trial. Guardiola described him as “a good boy” and claimed ignorance of Mendy’s off-field activities, emphasizing that he cannot be held accountable for his players’ personal lives. It’s worth noting that Mendy has faced personal tragedy, losing both his father in 2020 and his mother in 2016.
However, the courtroom proceedings exposed Mendy’s flagrant and prolific behavior, which persisted long after his initial arrest in November 2020. His penchant for late-night partying, frequent club visits, hosting gatherings at his home, and engaging in intimate encounters with multiple women in a single night became an open secret among his colleagues. Testimony from Marc Boixasa, the former head of first-team operations at Manchester City, painted a picture of Mendy as an imperfect professional, regularly oversleeping and arriving late for training and treatment sessions.
These revelations cast a shadow on the reputation of a player who, just five years ago, became the world’s most expensive defender when he signed for Manchester City from Monaco for a reported fee of £52 million. Mendy’s off-field activities even continued during his recovery from a knee injury between October and November 2020, coinciding with his initial arrest. It appears that he lost sight of his responsibilities and failed to take his career seriously, indulging in a lavish lifestyle that overshadowed his professional obligations.
Despite being acquitted in court, Mendy’s public image remains tainted, portraying him as a sexually promiscuous and uncontrolled multi-millionaire. The trial shed light not only on his behavior towards women but also on the challenges football clubs face when their star players are off-duty. Mendy’s case has exposed the dark side that may lurk behind the glamorous façade of professional footballers’ private lives.
While his legal victory offers some respite, Mendy’s road to redemption in football is uncertain. The severity of the allegations and the damaging revelations during the trial will undoubtedly have an impact on his career prospects. It remains to be seen if any top-tier club will take a chance on him and provide an opportunity for rehabilitation. However, it is clear that Mendy’s own recklessness and disregard for consequences have played a significant role in his current predicament. Only time will tell if he can rebuild his reputation and resurrect his footballing career.
