Benjamin Mendy, the former Manchester City defender, has started a new chapter in Poland following his partial acquittal in a high-profile trial. The 28-year-old French international was cleared of most charges but still faces two counts of rape and one of attempted rape, with a retrial scheduled for June 2023. Despite the ongoing legal proceedings, Mendy has signed with Polish club Lech Poznań, seeking to rebuild his career away from the intense scrutiny of English football.
Mendy's trial exposed a lifestyle of excess and disregard for women, painting a picture of a 'sex-mad, out-of-control, multi-millionaire'. The court heard how Manchester City provided extensive support, including a team of staff to handle players' personal affairs. Jodie Deakin, the club's former men's team support manager, described her role as 'looking after players in every aspect of their lives', from choosing schools for their children to managing security at their homes.
Mark Boixasa, former head of first-team operations, testified that Mendy was 'not the perfect professional', often arriving late due to oversleeping. His agent, Meïsa N'Diaye, warned him about his lifestyle choices, noting that Mendy engaged in numerous short-term relationships and partied excessively when not playing. The court also heard from cleaner Yvonne Shea, who described the aftermath of parties at Mendy's mansion as a 'catastrophe', with women left 'a little worse for wear' and the house strewn with debris.
Mendy's move to Poland marks a stark contrast to his former life as a Premier League star earning £90,000 a week. His new club, Lech Poznań, offers a fresh start away from the media spotlight. However, the shadow of the upcoming retrial looms, and Mendy must navigate both his legal battles and the challenge of resurrecting his football career in a new country.
