Former Manchester City defender Benjamin Mendy has opened up about the financial and emotional struggles he faced during his legal battle after being charged with rape in 2020. The French left-back, who was arrested and charged with multiple sexual offenses in 2023, revealed that he had to rely on his former Manchester City teammates Raheem Sterling, Bernardo Silva, and Riyad Mahrez to help cover his legal fees and child support payments.
Mendy’s arrest in 2020 led to a protracted legal ordeal, with the footballer facing serious charges that included two counts of rape and one count of attempted rape. The high-profile case attracted significant media attention, and the severity of the charges left Mendy fighting for his freedom and reputation. Despite the weight of the accusations, the Lorient defender was eventually acquitted of all charges, bringing an end to his lengthy legal battle.
Throughout this period, Mendy was forced to grapple with the financial consequences of his situation. As he awaited the outcome of the trial, his contract with Manchester City expired at the end of the 2022-23 season, and he was released by the club. Without the income he had previously earned as a professional footballer, Mendy found himself in a precarious financial position. The legal fees associated with his defense, combined with child support obligations, became overwhelming.
In a candid interview with NDTV, Mendy revealed how three of his former Manchester City teammates stepped in to offer their support during this challenging time. Raheem Sterling, Bernardo Silva, and Riyad Mahrez, who had shared the pitch with Mendy during his time at Manchester City, lent him money to help cover his mounting legal costs and ensure that he could continue to support his family.
“I struggled to pay my child support, I felt awful,” Mendy said, reflecting on the emotional toll of his situation. “Raheem Sterling, Bernardo Silva, and Riyad Mahrez all lent me money to help me try and pay my legal fees and support my family.”
The generosity of his former teammates highlights the strong bond that often develops between players in the world of professional football. Despite the challenges Mendy faced both on and off the field, his teammates rallied around him in his time of need, providing not only financial assistance but also moral support. Their actions served as a reminder of the camaraderie and solidarity that exists within the footballing community, especially during moments of crisis.
Mendy’s admission sheds light on the immense pressure that legal battles can place on athletes, both financially and emotionally. For many players, the prospect of facing serious criminal charges can be life-altering, and the associated legal fees can quickly spiral into unmanageable territory. In Mendy’s case, the support of his former colleagues allowed him to focus on clearing his name without being consumed by financial worries.
Reflecting on the situation, Mendy expressed his gratitude for the help he received from Sterling, Silva, and Mahrez. Their contributions were crucial in helping him navigate the difficult period and provided him with a lifeline when he needed it most. While the outcome of the trial ultimately cleared Mendy of any wrongdoing, the support he received from his former teammates left a lasting impact.
Following his acquittal, Mendy signed with French Ligue 1 club Lorient in the summer of 2023, marking a new chapter in his career. The move allowed him to get back to playing football and rebuild his professional life after a tumultuous few years. However, the memories of the legal battle and the challenges he faced during that time remain fresh in his mind.
The trial and subsequent acquittal have also sparked broader discussions about the impact of criminal charges on the careers and lives of professional athletes. While Mendy was ultimately found not guilty, the time spent under investigation, the suspension from Manchester City, and the public scrutiny all took a toll on his career and personal life. His case serves as a stark reminder of the challenges that athletes can face when accused of serious crimes, and the importance of due process in ensuring that justice is served.
As Mendy continues his career with Lorient, he carries with him the lessons learned from this difficult chapter in his life. The support he received from his teammates has been a source of strength, and he is determined to move forward with renewed focus and determination. While the legal battle may be behind him, the experience has undoubtedly shaped him both as a player and as a person.
In conclusion, Benjamin Mendy’s revelation about the financial support he received from Raheem Sterling, Bernardo Silva, and Riyad Mahrez underscores the importance of friendship and solidarity within the football community. The willingness of his former teammates to step in during his time of need reflects the strong bonds that exist between players, even in the face of personal adversity. As Mendy looks ahead to the future, he can do so with the knowledge that he was able to rely on the support of those around him when it mattered most.
