Shock in Spain! Real Madrid Star Considers Retirement After Horrific Injury

Pulse Sports Team 14:24 - 08 May 2026

Spanish football club Real Madrid could be without defender Ferland Mendy for many months. According to reports from Spain, the 30-year-old left-back suffered a severe hamstring tendon injury that will require approximately a year-long recovery. Media also claim the French international is reportedly considering an early end to his competitive football career.

Mendy has long been plagued by muscle issues throughout his professional career. This season, he's only featured in five La Liga matches, and in the recent clash against Espanyol Barcelona, he was forced off the pitch as early as the 14th minute.

According to Spanish media, examinations have revealed a severe hamstring tendon tear. The situation is further complicated by the fact that the tendon has completely detached from the bone. Initial estimates suggested an absence of approximately five months, but radio station Tiempo de Juego reported that his recovery could take up to a year.

The French defender will require a more complex surgery than initially anticipated. Media reports also indicate there's no guarantee the procedure will be successful enough for him to return to the highest level of professional football.

The rapid full-back joined Real Madrid in the summer of 2019 from French club Olympique Lyon for just under 50 million euros. Despite high expectations, he never played more than 26 league games in a single season, and his number of appearances gradually declined.

The primary reason for this has been recurring health problems. Since arriving at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, Mendy has missed approximately 860 days due to injuries, sitting out 129 matches. He has most frequently suffered from muscle injuries to his thighs and calves.

He had only just returned to the pitch in April after another forced break. However, in early May, Spanish media reported he suffered the most serious injury of his career. Sports journalist Ramón Álvarez de Mon reported that Mendy is reportedly considering ending his professional career. Real Madrid's management, however, is trying to avoid such a scenario and hopes for a more favorable recovery process after the surgery.

The French international has a valid contract with the Madrid club until the summer of 2028, but according to Spanish media, it's not out of the question that he may never play for "Los Blancos" again.