Senegal midfielder Mendy harbours World Cup dreams

Watford midfielder Nampalys Mendy has opened up on his disappointment at missing the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations with Senegal.

The hard-tackling midfielder was overlooked by coach Pape Thiaw for the tournament in Morocco where the Teranga Lions’ triumph is currently under contention at the Court of Arbitration for Sports [CAS].

In an interview with Foot Mercato, the 33-year-old expressed sadness at missing out on the final squad for the tournament.

“It hurt me deeply… it devastated me,” he said. Despite this absence, Mendy hasn’t given up on his ambitions with the Lions ahead of the World Cup.

“The World Cup is still a dream. It’s a clear objective. The coach knows he can count on me.”

The midfielder added his voice to the Confederation of African Football’s decision after the 2025 AFCON final.

“It’s a scandal… it’s African football that’s taking a hit. People see Africans as clowns. That’s not right.”

🚨🗣️ 𝗡𝗘𝗪: Nampalys Mendy: “The decision is a scandal and for me, African football is taking a hit. Not just Senegal, it’s African football.”

“Nobody respects us after things like this. The English people, they laugh at us. In my club at Warford, they talk about it too. They… pic.twitter.com/O0009hJ24h

— The Touchline | 𝐓 (@TouchlineX) March 31, 2026

Mendy was in fine form under former Hornets manager Javi Gracia, whose place was taken by Edward Still in February on a two-year deal.

Mendy, who represented French youth national teams up to the U-21 level, has 36 caps and helped Senegal win the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon. He was also named to the Team of the Tournament for his efforts.

The former Monaco, Leicester City, Nice and Lens midfielder has made eighteen appearances this season for Watford despite grappling with injuries.

He played a key role in Leicester City’s run up to their 2020-21 English FA Cup glory.