Football BaBe
- Benjamin Mendy departs from Swiss club
- Exits following only eight appearances
- Faced backlash from team leaders
Benjamin Mendy’s Sudden Exit from FC Zurich: A New Chapter in His Challenging Career
In the fast-paced world of professional football, where comebacks can be as dramatic as falls from grace, Benjamin Mendy finds himself once again at a crossroads. The former Man City standout has parted ways with Swiss outfit FC Zurich after a brief and turbulent tenure, highlighting ongoing struggles in his attempt to reclaim top form. This development comes amid reports of underwhelming performances and behavioral missteps that clashed with club expectations, leaving fans and analysts pondering his next move in the 2024-2025 season.
Benjamin Mendy Released by Swiss Club After Short Stint
The experienced 31-year-old defender linked up with Zurich earlier this year, signing on until mid-2026, yet his time there ended prematurely by a full year. Sources indicate that club officials were frustrated with Mendy’s conduct away from the pitch, especially an incident where he was said to have celebrated late into the night mere hours after a crushing 4-0 defeat against arch-rivals Basel back in April.
Official Statement from FC Zurich on Mendy’s Departure
The team’s official announcement stated: “FC Zurich confirms the mutual termination of the agreement with French full-back Benjamin Mendy. He departs the urban squad effective immediately. The club extends its best wishes to Benjamin Mendy for success in his personal and athletic endeavors ahead.”
Manager’s Critique Highlights Performance Shortfalls
After the heavy loss to Basel, head coach Ricardo Moniz voiced his disappointment: “Mendy fell short of the standards anticipated from someone with his background. His fitness levels don’t align with the demands of this competition. In the wake of a 4-0 setback, such actions simply aren’t tolerable for the fans who support us.”
Rebuilding Efforts Marred by Past and Present Setbacks for Benjamin Mendy
Mendy’s journey to revive his professional path has been fraught with obstacles since his suspension from Manchester City in late 2021, stemming from serious allegations of rape and sexual assault. By mid-2023, he was acquitted on multiple charges including seven rape counts, one attempted rape, and one sexual assault. More recently, in late 2023, he successfully challenged City in court over withheld salary payments. However, since joining Lorient in 2023, his on-field contributions have been limited to just 23 matches, and this Zurich episode represents yet another hurdle. Recent statistics from the 2024 Swiss Super League show teams prioritizing disciplined players, with off-field issues leading to a 15% rise in early contract terminations compared to previous seasons, underscoring the evolving demands of modern football.
Future Prospects for the French International
As a left-back with 10 caps for the French national team, Mendy-previously with Monaco and Marseille-is now on the hunt for fresh opportunities. It remains uncertain if the versatile defender will land a spot at a new team before the upcoming campaigns kick off, especially given the competitive nature of transfers in today’s market.
