Sunderland supporters gave Eliezer Mayenda a memorable reception at the Stadium of Light on Saturday, following his £21.5million departure from the club earlier this summer.
The Spanish striker completed his move to Rennes after the campaign concluded, with the club’s supporters showing their appreciation for the player nicknamed their big man.
Mayenda arrived on Wearside from Sochaux in 2023 and managed 12 goals plus six assists across 72 matches in all competitions during his spell with the Black Cats.
The 21-year-old proved crucial to Sunderland’s Premier League promotion in 2024/25, finding the net alongside Tommy Watson during a 2-1 play-off final victory over Sheffield United at Wembley.
Twelve months ago to the day, Mayenda had opened the scoring in a 3-0 triumph against West Ham, though opportunities under Regis Le Bris became limited throughout much of the following season.
The forward accumulated just 756 minutes in the top flight last term, with Brian Brobbey and Wilson Isidor preferred as the club’s main attacking options.
His Sunderland career concluded last month when the club announced his permanent switch to Rennes.
While tributes poured in at the time of his departure, Mayenda experienced something truly special upon his return to the banks of the River Wear on Saturday, representing his new club in a pre-season encounter.
The versatile attacker entered play as a substitute during the second half as Rennes fell to a 2-1 defeat against his former club in front of the Roker End, receiving a warm reception from supporters as he prepared to enter the field.
A brilliant response followed as Mayenda took to the pitch for the closing ten minutes. At the final whistle, fans delivered one final chorus of their trademark chant as the emotional forward acknowledged their gesture.
Former teammate Isidor was also seen smiling at his old friend, witnessing an unforgettable afternoon on Wearside.
After the game, Le Bris praised Sunderland’s unique gesture for a player who consistently gave his all whenever he wore the club colours. He said that Sunderland’s decision to celebrate their former player demonstrated something special, noting Mayenda’s youth and the significant impact he made on both the club and team, while expressing appreciation for the supporters’ backing.
Sunderland now prepare for their Premier League opener, travelling to Portman Road to take on newly-promoted Ipswich Town on Saturday, August 22.