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Swiss football club FC Zurich has announced the departure of French defender Benjamin Mendy, just five months after signing him on a multi-year contract. The former Manchester City player’s short stint in Switzerland has ended with the termination of his deal by mutual consent, following reported disciplinary issues and underwhelming performances.
“FC Zurich announces that the contract with French defender Benjamin Mendy has been terminated by mutual consent. He is leaving the city club with immediate effect,” the club stated in an official release. “FCZ wishes Benjamin Mendy all the best for his private and sporting future.”
Mendy, 31, arrived at Zurich in February on a contract due to run until the summer of 2026 after a brief spell at French club Lorient. However, he featured in fewer than ten matches and is now without a club once again.
According to Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo, tensions escalated in April when Mendy allegedly attended a party shortly after Zurich suffered a heavy 4-0 loss to local rivals Basel. The incident reportedly sparked frustration among club officials and further tarnished Mendy’s standing within the team.
“Mendy didn’t perform as expected of a player of his calibre,” then-manager Ricardo Moniz said. “His physical condition isn’t up to what we expect from a player in this league. After a 4–0 defeat, you can’t afford to do that to the supporters.”
Club president Ancillo Canepa echoed the manager's criticism, commenting: “It’s certainly not what we expected. Mentally and physically, he wasn’t at his best at all, played very badly, conceded goals and got injured. All in all, it wasn’t a happy story.”
Mendy's final game for Zurich coincided with that loss to Basel. A muscle injury sustained around that time ruled him out for the remainder of the campaign. Ironically, Zurich went on a strong run in his absence, winning all five of their post-split matches to finish the season safely in seventh place.
Mendy’s off-field controversies have continued to follow him. After being suspended by Manchester City in 2021 due to multiple legal charges, he was cleared of all allegations following trials in 2023. A successful employment tribunal followed, with a judge ruling he was owed the majority of his unpaid wages from City.
Now a free agent, the French international faces an uncertain future in football as he looks to revive his career once again.
Featured Image Credit: Pixabay / jorono, X / @fc_zuerich
