Eliezer Mayenda was given an emotional send-off at the Stadium of Light on Saturday, with Sunderland AFC supporters showing their appreciation for the forward who departed for Rennes in a £21.5million transfer.
A Unique Tribute
The Spanish forward, who joined the Black Cats from Sochaux in 2023, scored 12 goals and provided six assists in 72 appearances across all competitions. The 21-year-old was instrumental in Sunderland's promotion to the Premier League in 2024/25, scoring alongside Tommy Watson in a 2-1 play-off final win over Sheffield United at Wembley.
Mayenda also scored Sunderland's first goal of the season in a 3-0 win over West Ham exactly 12 months ago, but found opportunities limited under Regis Le Bris for most of the campaign, managing just 756 minutes in the top flight as Brian Brobbey and Wilson Isidor were preferred.
Warm Applause and Chants
His time at the club ended last month when Sunderland confirmed his permanent transfer to Rennes. On Saturday, Mayenda returned for a pre-season friendly in his new colours, coming on as a second-half substitute as Rennes lost 2-1 to the Black Cats in front of the Roker End.
Chronicle Live's Matty Hewitt reported a 'warm applause' as he warmed up, followed by a 'brilliant response' when he entered the pitch for the final 10 minutes. At full-time, fans gave one last rendition of 'Oi, big man, what's your name?' as an emotional Mayenda applauded the home support. Isidor was also seen beaming at his former team-mate.
Le Bris Praises Fans
After the match, Le Bris praised Sunderland fans for their 'unique' showing, saying: "Yeah, it's really unique from Sunderland to celebrate our players. He's really young, his impact was really important for the club and for the team, so I appreciate the support."
Sunderland now turn their attention to the first game of the Premier League season, travelling to Portman Road to face newly-promoted Ipswich Town on Saturday, August 22.
