Benjamin Mendy has carved out a nomadic life in football since leaving Manchester City. His last appearance for City was in 2021, the year his career was effectively halted after he was charged with rape and sexual assault. After being on remand from August 2021 to January 2022, he was released on bail and was finally cleared of the charges of rape and attempted rape.
Mendy appeared overcome with emotion when he was found not guilty at Chester Crown Court in July 2023. This came after he was acquitted of six rape charges in an earlier trial in January 2023. Mendy was released by City when his contract expired in the same year, but he achieved a legal victory against the Premier League giants, winning the majority of his back wages, around £11 million, at a London employment tribunal. 2024.
Following the charges, City suspended the player without pay. Mendy said in a statement: “I am delighted with this decision and sincerely hope that the club will act honorably and pay the outstanding amount and other amounts promised in the contract without delay so that I can finally put this difficult part of my life behind me.”
Within days of the conclusion of the case, Mendy reignited his career at French side Lorient, signing a two-year contract.
After an injury-plagued spell, he left after 18 months to join FC Zurich in the Swiss Super League.
His time in Switzerland was even shorter, with his contract being terminated by mutual consent after just five months. Mendy’s next move was to Poland with Pogon Szczecin, where he ultimately made his debut last November.
It has been a competitive season for Pogon so far, with the club fighting desperately to avoid dropping out of the 18-team top flight.
Mendy made a rare Instagram post in December, addressing the team’s plight and his limited playing time.
He wrote: “It’s not where we wanted to be at this point in the season, but there’s still time to improve and improve. On a personal note, I’m happy to have completed 90 minutes for the first time in a while.”
“It only gets better from there (crossed fingers emoji). I’m really grateful for the amazing support and warm welcome I’ve always felt here.”
That remains his latest post. Heading into this weekend’s game, the 31-year-old had appeared in just eight games this season.
On April 6, he started in the 2-0 home defeat against Legia Warsaw, but was sent off midway through.
