Accused of 8 rapes, an attempted rape and a sexual assault by seven different women, the trial of Benjamin Mendy began on Wednesday.
The French international (28, 10 caps) arrived shortly before 11 a.m., without saying a word to the many journalists present in front of the Crown Court of Chester, in the county of Cheshire where he resides.
The 2018 world champion then settled into the courtroom and the trial started with a little delay.
A very formal first day during which the jury will be formed and the number of witnesses to be heard will be decided.
This will determine the duration of the trial of the Manchester City full-back, which should last (at least) fifteen weeks.
He faces a prison sentence of between 4 and 19 years.