Édouard Mendy Speaks After Towel Incident: “God Controls Everything, Not Witchcraft”

Édouard Mendy Breaks Silence on Towel Incident During Match

Senegal and former Chelsea goalkeeper Édouard Mendy has addressed the incident where his towel was repeatedly removed from beside the goal during a rainy match, an act many fans linked to superstition and witchcraft.

Speaking after the game, Mendy made it clear that he does not believe such practices influence football outcomes, stressing his faith in God alone.

“My Towel Was Removed Five Times” — Mendy

According to the goalkeeper, the towel was placed next to the goalpost to help dry his gloves due to the rain. However, it was removed multiple times.

“I placed my towel next to the goal to dry my gloves from the rain, but it was removed five times. I used another one, and that too was taken away,” Mendy said.

Mendy Dismisses Witchcraft Beliefs in Football

Reacting to suggestions that the towel removal was linked to superstition, Mendy expressed disappointment that such beliefs still exist in modern football.

“It is unfortunate that in 2026 some people still believe that witchcraft controls the outcome of matches,” he stated.

The Senegal international emphasized that football success is not influenced by rituals but by faith, preparation, and divine will.

Faith Before the Penalty Save

Mendy revealed that moments before facing the decisive penalty, he turned to prayer.

“I believe that everything is in God’s hands—He controls everything. When the penalty was taken, I recited the Qur’an and sought help from God,” he said.

After making the crucial save, Mendy explained his emotional reaction:

“I saved it, looked up to the sky, and said: ‘This is by Your grace, O Allah.’”

The goalkeeper’s comments have since gone viral, drawing praise from fans worldwide for his calmness, strong faith, and professionalism in a tense moment.