Former Manchester City defender Benjamin Mendy wept with relief on Friday as a UK jury cleared him of rape and sexual assault charges, ending a gruelling three-year legal battle.
The 28-year-old French footballer buried his head in his hands and sobbed as the verdict was read out, the culmination of an emotionally draining trial at Chester Crown Court.
After three hours of deliberation, the 12-person jury found Mendy not guilty of one count of rape and one count of attempted rape relating to alleged incidents in 2021.
Long Road to Vindication
Mendy’s acquittal follows a torturous journey through the justice system. He was first arrested in August 2021 and has faced two lengthy trials involving multiple complainants.
In January, he was cleared of six counts of rape and one of sexual assault. However, the jury failed to reach a verdict on the final two charges, necessitating a second trial.
Throughout the process, Mendy maintained his innocence, insisting that all sexual encounters were consensual. The footballer’s legal team argued that he was the victim of rumour and exaggeration.
What Next for the Fallen Star?
Once considered one of the world’s top left-backs, Mendy’s playing career has stalled amid the legal turmoil.
He last played for Manchester City and the French national team in 2019. His City contract expired this summer after a trophy-laden but injury-disrupted five-year spell.
With his name now cleared, the 28-year-old hopes to revive his career. However, rebuilding his reputation after such serious public allegations will prove challenging.
For now, Mendy’s lawyers say the player is focused on recovering from his “serious ordeal” and asks for privacy as he moves forward.
