Mario Méndez

Mario Méndez Olague (born on June 1, 1979 in Guadalajara, Jalisco, Jalisco) is a Mexico football (soccer) player, specializing as both a defender (football) and midfielder, who plays for Club Toluca.

Biography

Mario Mendez started his career with CF Atlas in the year 1998, in the golden age that included many (at the time, promising) players like Rafael Marquez, Daniel Osorno, Juan Pablo Rodriguez and Miguel Zepeda. With Atlas he got a sub-championship in the year of 1999 having been a vital part in the defense. He stayed with this club until 2004. In 2004 Mario Mendéz was bought by Club Toluca, where he was an important player in the squad playing 49 games and scoring one goal.

Later on Méndez was sent to Monterrey to play for the CF Monterrey. Unfortunately he did not have many participation due to the compromises with Mexico national football team in the 2005 FIFA Confederations Cup.
Later that year he was transferred to UANL Tigres on May 29, 2006. He previously played for Tigres arch-rival Club de Futbol Monterrey, but was playing there only on loan, and was signed with Club Toluca who negotiated the transference with Tigres.

He was recently called up to the Mexico national football team to participate in the 2006 FIFA World Cup. He started for Mexico's first two games against Iran national football team, Angola national football team and later, in the Elimination Round of 16 against Argentina national football team. In the game against Iran he made an assist in the goal of Zihna. Although he has been criticized for his occasional careless plays and team work abilities on the national team, he continues to be one of Mexico's important talented players.

During the Winter Transfer period, Ricardo Lavolpe, headcoach of Vélez Sársfield, called for the talents of Mario Mendez for the Argentina, Velez Sarsfield. After Lavolpe's resignation as coach Mendez returned to Mexico, joining Toluca.

During the Hugo Sanchez era, Mendez was wasn't called up for the Mexican team neither was Luis Perez, instead Hugo Sanchez called up Fernando Arce and Israel Castro. This has angered many Mexicans due to Castro hasn't have any kind kind of experience in international play and Arce had less than 10 caps when he started playing with Hugo Sanchez.

Mario Mendez has been called up by the Sweedish coach, Sven-Goran Erikkson. He appeared in the 1-0 match lost of Mexico vs. Chile because of Juan Carlos Valenzuela. He played as a midfielder.

Honours

- Mexico national football team
- - CONCACAF Gold Cup: 2003 CONCACAF Gold Cup