The 29-year-old has not been nominated for the award despite being a key member of the Chelsea back line as the Blues won the 2020/21 Champions League, as well as the Super Cup.
Having previously said he does not feel the snub by arbiters France Football was an ‘injustice’, the Senegalese stopper has now questioned whether his international allegiance has something to do with why he was not among the 30 names.
“You are all a bit surprised by this absence, that’s something that pleases me,” he told Canal Plus’ Foot Club TV show.
“It’s something that motivates me and pushes me to work. Honestly, I ask myself the question. If I had played for France and had taken part in the Euros, would we have this debate and this reflection?”
Mendy has been nominated for the Trophée Yachine – the award for the best goalkeeper on the planet. He added that it wouldn’t be “a consolation” to land that prize, and that he would be “proud” to win it.
Speaking to Canal Plus about his Ballon d’Or snub in October, Mendy had said: “Do I think it’s an injustice? No, I wouldn’t use that word.”