Benjamin Mendy scores first goal since returning to football

Tonight, FC Lorient faced Olympique de Marseille in a bout which ended in favour of Les Phocéens, who won the game 2-4. It was a memorable night for Benjamin Mendy (29), who scored his first goal since returning to football.

The 29-year-old’s contract had been suspended by Manchester City following his arrest in August of 2021, having later on been found not guilty of one count of rape and another of attempted rape, previously being cleared of six charges of rape and one of sexual assault back in January. He joined Lorient last summer following the end of his contract with the Mancunians.

Mendy playing higher under Régis Le Bris

The Frenchman was aligned in Régis Le Bris’ starting XI for the first time this season, playing in an abnormal position, as he started as a left winger rather than his usual left back spot. A successful readjustment from the manager, as 52 minutes into the game, a Bamba Dieng (23) shot, deflected by Pau Lopez (28), saw a well-positioned Mendy fire the ball into the open net, though his goal remained anecdotic in the grand scheme of things.

It was only his third goal ever in Ligue 1, having scored two during his time at OM, and a couple more in the Coupe de France, one of which was for Monaco. He’ll be looking to build on that solid performance, bringing some of his experience to the Lorientais.

GFFN | Alfred Lalande