Edouard Mendy: If I was representing France, I would surely be on the Ballon d'Or candidate list

Currently one of the best goalkeepers in world - Edouard Mendy - has questioned whether his nationality, Senegalese, impacted France Football's decision to exclude him from the short list for the biggest individual accolade in the world of football. He hinted that he would have been nominated for Ballon d'Or if he played for the French national team, once again bringing the question if Europe is monopolizing the sport.

Chelsea goalkeeper helped the Blues become one of the best defensive sides in Europe and win the Champions League in 2021 was not included on the 30-man list for the glamorous award.

"It's something that motivates me and pushes me to work. Honestly, I am wondering," the 29-year-old told Canal Plus via Wiw Sport.

"If I had played for France and had taken part in the [European Championships], would we have this debate and this reflection?"

Back in October, Mendy was more impartial with his comments to Canal Plus.

"Do I think it’s an injustice? No, I wouldn’t use that word", Mendy said.

"It’s something that motivates me to go forward, to work and be performant at club level and with my country, and as I said after the game with the national team, it’s the journalists’ freedom of vote and expression, and they vote honourably and conscientiously."

The Senegal stopper was signed by former Chelsea manager Frank Lampard from Ligue 1 side Rennes in the summer of 2020 and has been a revelation at Stamford Bridge.

Mendy's national team colleagues also gave their view on the situation. Napoli defender Kalidou Koulibaly described the snub as "a shame" and pointed out a historic feat the goalkeeper achieved this year. Another Senegalese star Sadio Mane voiced their dismay - Liverpool forward Mane described it as "unacceptable".

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"It’s a real shame that Edou isn’t one of them. He is the first African goalkeeper to win the Champions League," the Serie A defender explained.

"We must continue to work and move forward. We have to do the double [the work] of some people to be well judged.

"Edou is a very positive person. We talked about it together.

"He will continue to fight to be part of it. For me, he has a place among these 30 players."

Five of Mendy's Chelsea team-mates did receive nominations - team captain Cesar Azpilicueta together with Mason Mount, Jorginho, N'Golo Kante and Romelu Lukaku are up for the prestigious prize.

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Even though this is a massive accomplishment for one club, Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel evidently does not care much for individual recognition.

"Do you believe me if I told you I don’t know who is on the list?" Tuchel asked reporters last month.

"I am not into the individual awards. What we did last season was a team effort.

"We reached the final - a big one to win - and that gives us the opportunity to have names on the list.

"I hope one of our players gets it because it will increase the confidence. But I don’t know what five names are on the list."

Mendy has been one of biggest assets to Tuchel's current success in the Premier League - Stamford Bridge crew hold the summit of English top tier with 26 points after 11 games played. West Ham and Manchester City share the second place with three points less.