A professional association football career starting in 2016 led Hamza Mendyl from the reserve squads of Lille to the top tier of European leagues. Born in Casablanca on 21 October 1997, the Moroccan left-back holds dual citizenship with the Ivory Coast, representing his nation of birth on the international stage across multiple major tournaments.
Early Development and Lille
Mendyl joined Lille following an initial one-season loan agreement in March 2016, where he featured for the club's B team in 26 matches. He signed his inaugural professional contract in 2017, securing a deal until 30 June 2021. His competitive debut for the senior team occurred on 18 February 2017 during a Ligue 1 fixture against Caen. By the 2017–18 season, he emerged as a consistent starter, attracting attention from clubs such as Arsenal, PSV Eindhoven, and Schalke 04.
Twenty questions, eight minutes on the clock, and a percentile measured against everyone who has taken it. No sign-up.
Take the IQ test →Transition to the Bundesliga
On 17 August 2018, Mendyl transferred to Schalke 04 for a fee of €7 million on a five-year contract. His Bundesliga start proved difficult, highlighted by a substitute appearance against Borussia Mönchengladbach in September 2018 where he lasted 25 minutes. He later made his UEFA Champions League debut against Lokomotiv Moscow in October 2018. During a 2019 Champions League round of 16 match against Manchester City, he was tactically deployed as a center forward.
Loan Periods and Greek Football
The club loaned Mendyl to Dijon on 21 August 2019 for one season, where he recorded 20 appearances and scored a goal against Toulouse. Despite his offensive contributions, his time there included seven yellow cards and one red card. Following his return to Schalke, he eventually moved to Greece, signing with Aris Thessaloniki on 16 January 2025. This contract extends until 30 June 2026, with an option for an additional year.
International Representation
Mendyl debuted for the senior Morocco national team in a qualification match for the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations against São Tomé and Príncipe. He was selected for the final tournament squad in Gabon in 2017 and was subsequently named to the 23-man roster for the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. He remained a part of the national team setup through the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations.
Fast facts
- Born: 21 October 1997, Casablanca
- Primary Position: Left-back
- Schalke 04 Transfer Fee: €7 million
- Professional Debut: 18 February 2017
- Spouse: Maroua Ourahali
- Son: Cayden, born 20 February 2020
- Citizenship: Morocco and Ivory Coast
Questions readers ask
Which major international tournaments has Hamza Mendyl played in?
He represented Morocco at the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations, the 2018 FIFA World Cup, and the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations.
What is the status of his contract with Aris Thessaloniki?
He signed with the club on 16 January 2025 for a term lasting until 30 June 2026, with an option to extend for one additional year.
