When Melinda Mendy’s season in the French women’s D1 came to an end in May, she knew that her summer would be equally busy and unforgettable. The 17-year-old Le Havre AC player was eligible to play in both the UEFA Women’s U-19 EURO in July and FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup 2024™, which kicks off on Saturday 31 August.
However, the French Football Federation made it clear that players could play in either competition, but not both.
“Originally, my goal was to play at the U-19 EURO,” the young midfielder told FIFA exclusively. “However, as time went on, I told myself that I had to go for the World Cup and I threw everything I had into it.”
Mendy’s efforts paid off, as she was named part of the squad for the World Cup. Although, ironically, she only realised that she would be going to Colombia when she saw that she had been excluded from the U-19 list drawn up by coach Philippe Joly.
Colombia 2024 will not be such a new experience for Mendy. Like team-mate Alice Marques, the Le Havre youngster has World Cup experience under her belt when she was part of the U-17 squad at India 2022. The youngest member of that squad was left devastated by a shock group-stage exit.
“We were all disappointed, but we learned a lot all the same,” said Mendy. “We realised that in this kind of competition, you need a strong group. You need everyone to give it their all and to be hungry for success. It was mentally challenging, but in the end it helped us bounce back.”
Following her adventure in India, the promising and mature youngster gradually moved up from Le Havre AC’s U-19 side to make 15 top-flight appearances in the French D1, where she has had the opportunity to rub shoulders with Lyon, PSG and Stade de Reims. It is no surprise that her performances earned her a recent contract extension until 2027.
After coaching the midfielder during her time with Le Havre’s U-19 side, Maxime Di Liberto is set to have her under his wing again in the senior team this season following his appointment as head coach. In the run-up to India 2022 two years ago, Di Liberto spoke highly of his player’s qualities in the press, praising her above-average vision. Twenty-four months later, the coach is still full of admiration for Mendy, who starred for Les Bleues at the Sud Ladies Cup a few weeks ago.
“She’s always been ahead of her time,” said Di Liberto. “She’s always played at the top level, and now she’s one of the youngest in the U-20s, which just goes to show how good she is. All I said to her before she left was that she had to bring all her strengths to the group and that we’d be watching her.”
“I’m usually the youngest in a group,” replied the midfielder with a grin. “I think it’s because I work hard and I feel that coaches reward me. Basically, there’s no age limit. I tell myself that if I’m here, it’s because I have what it takes. I’m used to people saying that I’m the youngest and I’m always under pressure to do what I have to do without resting on my laurels. I’m aware that I’m stepping into the shoes of some of the older girls.”
Mendy is not only a key member of the French U-20 team, but also has a wealth of supporters and admirers in Le Havre. There is no doubt that the denizens of the port city will be watching her closely during the World Cup.
The young prodigy grew up in the working-class district of Caucriauville and went on to make her name at ESM Gonfreville before joining Le Havre at just ten years of age. Playing alongside striker Chancelle Effa Effa, one of Le Havre’s great talents but an unfortunate absentee in Colombia due to injury, Mendy has made the whole city and indeed the whole Normandy region proud.
“I know that not many women from Normandy have got to where I am,” she said. “Chancelle and I are often together, even if it’s not the case here. I’m going to give everything I’ve got to represent the region, my club and give a good account of myself.”
“I told her we expect her to do everything we know she can, with her final pass and her vision going forward,” added Di Liberto. “She’s also shown to be very good at set-pieces in D1, and she’s got an eye for goal too! The ultimate goal would be to reach at least one final. If she brings a medal back to La Cavee, it would be nothing short of amazing.”
La Cavee is one of France’s most famous footballing venues. It’s Le Havre AC’s training centre, which has seen big name after big name pass through its ranks, including 2018 world champions Steve Mandanda and Paul Pogba, Riyad Mahrez, Dimitri Payet and Ferland Mendy. Thanks to the impetus of chairman Vincent Volpe, this centre of excellence is now home to around 20 teenage girls and is looking to build on its innate sense of women’s football development.
“That’s Le Havre’s identity,” said Di Liberto. “When Laure (Lepailleur, the sporting director) first approached me, I only knew La Cavee by name. When you arrive, it becomes clear that the club’s identity is based on youth and training, just as it is for the boys. We set a target three years ago of opening a [women’s] training centre and that was confirmed this year.”
While fans await the chance to see young talent from Le Havre attempting to emulate Mendy over the next few years, she will continue to be in the spotlight, at least until the World Cup is over. It all kicks off with a daunting challenge against Canada on Saturday.
After winning the U17 Women’s EURO last year, the young Normandy player is determined to continue her winning ways, and has set her sights high with no clear limits. “I want to be a key player and get my team-mates on the scoresheet,” said Mendy. “I really want to win [the trophy], or at least go as far as possible. It’s a different world at U-20 level, but I really want us to progress far in this competition.”
When she returns to Le Havre after her South American adventure, another major challenge awaits her in the women’s D1. “I’ve told Melinda that her target is to win the league’s best young player award at the end of the season,” said Di Liberto.
Given the midfielder’s knack for rising to any challenge, it would come as no surprise to see her succeed once again.
