‘Unacceptable’ – Sadio Mane claims Ballon d’Or claim as Liverpool star dissatisfied with decision
Sadio Mane said it was “unacceptable” that Chelsea goalkeeper Edouard Mendy was not on the list of 30 candidates for this year’s Ballon d’Or.
Mendy helped Chelsea achieve Champions League glory last season, recording a remarkable 25 clean sheets in 44 appearances last season for Thomas Tuchel’s side.
But its impressive form was not enough to be recognized for the annual award, which will be presented on November 29.
READ MORE: Ex-Liverpool midfielder claims he ‘lost’ two-year career at Anfield
Mane also failed to make the cut for the first time since 2016, with Mohamed Salah the only Liverpool player to be in the running, but was more concerned about his Senegalese teammate’s omission.
“This is unacceptable. I do not understand,” said the Liverpool forward while on international duty this week.
Mendy, however, received a nomination for the Yashin Trophy, which rewards the world’s greatest goalkeeper.
Liverpool shooter Alisson Becker was the last person to receive this honor in 2019, with no awards being given in 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic.
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Commenting on his reaction to his candidacy for this goalkeeper award, Mendy said: “Honestly, I am already very proud to represent my country and to be among the top 10 goalkeepers in the world.
“In just one year [at Chelsea], It is a very good thing. I am not satisfied with that, I have a lot of ambitions but it is already a good step.
“There will always be debates, whether it’s me or someone else. It is a question of the freedom to vote of [Ballon d’Or] journalists and they must be respected.