If you are a fan of football, you might have noticed that there are three players with the surname Mendy who play in the top European leagues: Ferland Mendy of Real Madrid, Benjamin Mendy of Manchester City, and Edouard Mendy of Chelsea. You might have also wondered if they are related to each other, or if they share a common ancestry. In this article, we will explore the origins and backgrounds of these three Mendys, and reveal the truth behind the surname confusion.
The Mendys of Senegal
The first thing to know is that the surname Mendy is very common in Senegal, a West African country with a population of about 16 million people. According to the website Forebears, there are about 1.2 million people with the surname Mendy in Senegal, making it the most popular surname in the countr
The origin of the surname Mendy is not clear, but some sources suggest that it comes from the Mandinka ethnic group, one of the largest in Senegal and other parts of West Africa2 The Mandinka people have a rich history and culture, and are known for their oral traditions and musical heritage. Some famous Mandinka people include the legendary 13th-century king Sundiata Keita, who founded the Mali Empire, and the 18th-century anti-slavery hero Toussaint Louverture, who led the Haitian Revolution
The surname Mendy is also found in other countries with Mandinka populations, such as Guinea-Bissau, Gambia, Mali, and Ivory Coast. However, it is not exclusive to the Mandinka people, as it can also be adopted by other ethnic groups or influenced by colonialism and migration.
The cousins: Ferland and Edouard Mendy
Two of the three Mendys who play in Europe are actually cousins: Ferland Mendy and Edouard Mendy. They were both born in France to parents who emigrated from Senegal. Ferland’s mother is Senegale
