All you need to know about Bengaluru FC’s new signing Edgar Mendez
Get to know the Spaniard who has made over 150 appearances in La Liga and has also played in the Mexican first division.
Edgar Mendez recently signed a one-year contract with Indian Super League (ISL) side Bengaluru FC, as confirmed by the club on Sunday. The 34-year-old Spanish forward joins a roster of notable signings including Rahul Bheke, Alberto Noguera, Mohamed Salah, and Jorge Pereyra Diaz for the upcoming ISL season.
Méndez brings a wealth of experience, having previously played for clubs in La Liga and Mexico’s Liga MX. His addition to the Bengaluru FC squad as a new foreign signing is expected to play a crucial role in enhancing the team's goal-scoring capabilities and creating chances.
Having become the club’s first foreign signing of the summer, here’s what he brings to the table.
Youth career
Born in Tenerife, Spain, Edgar Mendez initiated his youth career with local club Deportivo Tenerife and also had a stint with Murcia Deportivo.
His trajectory took a significant turn in 2005 when he joined Real Madrid FC’s esteemed youth academy. There, he ascended through the ranks, featuring prominently for their U-19 teams and later their C team, competing in the Spanish fourth division.
Notable club career
After representing clubs like Atletico Ciudad, Real Betis B, UD Melilla, and UD Almería B in the Spanish third division, Edgar Mendez's breakthrough came during the 2014-15 season when he earned a promotion to UD Almería's first team and made his debut in La Liga. Following his tenure at Almeria, Mendez embarked on loan spells with Jaen and Tenerife before playing for Granada CF and Deportivo Alaves in La Liga.
His time at Deportivo Alaves proved pivotal, as Mendez played a crucial role in the team's historic journey to the Copa del Rey final, demonstrating his skills in high-stakes competitions.
In 2017, Mendez ventured to Mexico to join Cruz Azul, where he further showcased his talents and goal-scoring prowess. During his tenure at Azul, he contributed significantly with 16 goals and 13 assists, establishing himself as a key player and helping the club secure three major trophies.
Notable achievements
Having played for three different clubs in La Liga, Mendez has made more than 150 appearances in the Spanish top-tier. During Deportivo Alavés' impressive run to the final of the Copa del Rey in the 2016-17 season, Edgar Méndez emerged as the top scorer for the runners-up, netting a total of six goals throughout the competition. His contributions were instrumental in their journey to the final.
At Cruz Azul, where he achieved significant success. He clinched the Copa MX championship in 2018, marking a historic moment for both him and the club as they ended a lengthy drought of not winning titles. Additionally, Mendez added to his accolades by winning the Super Cup in 2019 and the Leagues Cup in the same year, solidifying his reputation as a player capable of thriving in high-stakes matches.
Playing style
Mendez is a versatile forward capable of playing across multiple positions in the attacking third. He poses a significant threat with his ability to deliver long balls into the box and take on defenders to score goals. Méndez is noted for his exceptional ball control, dribbling skills, and finishing ability.
Given his height, he displays impressive strength in aerial duels, making him effective in both attacking and defensive situations. Throughout his career, he has proven to be a quick, skilled winger and goal scorer, consistently contributing to the success of the teams he represents.