Nampalys Mendy

Location: Leicester, England

The midfielder at home with his daughter over the festive period celebrating Christmas. (Image: Instagram)

Born in Le Seyne-sur-Mer, Toulon, France, the midfielder began his footballing journey at the age of 6 with local side La Beaucaire Toulon in 1998. He would play for 3 other youth sides based in the Toulon region before signing for AS Monaco's youth academy in 2007. In 2010 the Frenchman would sign his first professional contract by signing for AS Monaco on a 3 year deal. In August of 2010/11 season he made his professional debut in the opening week Ligue 1 fixture against Lyon, he would make a further 11 appearances in his debut season which would ultimately end in relegation. AS Monaco would play the next couple of seasons in Ligue 2 and the midfielder grew in stature during this time, becoming one of the first names on the team sheet on route to racking up 60 appearances. He was instrumental in AS Monaco finishing as champions in the 2012/13 season thereby winning promotion to Ligue 1. Upon becoming a free agent he decided to joined OGC Nice on a free transfer the following season. During his three season spell at the French club he featured in 110 out of a possible 114 Ligue 1 matches and helped the club to a 4th place finish in his final season. He won praise for his consistency, maturity and robust play, drawing comparisons to French great Claude Makélélé. In July 2016 Premier League club Leicester City signed the French midfielder on a four year deal for £13 million, a club record at the time. Unfortunately he suffered an ankle injury in his home debut which cut his season short, he would struggle to hold down a place on his return and was sent out on loan to his former side OGC Nice for a chance at more regular first team football after a lengthy layoff. The Frenchman returned to Leicester City for the 2018/19 season.