Gaizka Mendieta was one of the most exciting players in world football during the late 90's, with the Spanish midfielder winning the UEFA's Best Midfielder award twice (1999–2000, 2000–01) . The Spaniard's football career lasted for around 16 years, during which he played in Spain, Italy, and England.
What made him stand out was qualities in regards to versatility, technique, tackling, and goal threat. We will now be looking back at his career, which was filled with moments of brilliance and misfortunes.
Early Career: Gaizka Mendieta’s Journey from Castellón to La Liga
Gaizka Mendieta stepped foot into the world of professional football at age 17 for Spanish side CD Castellón in the Segunda División. He mostly operated as a full-back in his initial career.
Valencia Move: The Start of Mendieta’s Rise in Spanish Football
Just a season later, Mendieta jumped ship to La Liga with a move to Valencia. Most of his debut campaign was in the reserves side though. His first team debut eventually came against Cádiz CF on 13th June 1993.
Within 2 years, the Spanish midfielder became an integral part of the side. He made 34 appearances in the 1995–96 campaign, which saw Valencia finish second in the league. It was their best performance since 1990.
The 1997–98 campaign saw the rise of Mendieta to the next level, with new manager Claudio Ranieri's decision to play him central midfielder reaping wonders. The Spanish midfielder ended that season with 10 league goals in 30 appearances. His wonderful displays at Valencia also led to his national debut at the time.
Mendieta won his first major trophy with Valencia in 1999, and he was a major part of the historic achievement. Valencia became the 1999 Copa del Rey champions, and Mendieta's goals against the likes of Levante, Barcelona, and Real Madrid were instrumental in getting them to the final. He scored in the final as well, with Valencia beating Atlético Madrid 3-0 to lift the cup.
Heartbreak: Valencia’s 2001 Champions League Final
Under new manager Héctor Cúper, Valencia went on to have an outstanding campaign. Valencia overcame Barcelona 4-3 to lift the Supercopa de España, with Mendieta yet again being vital to their success. The Spaniard also registered a career best 13 league goals that season, which helped Valencia finish third in La Liga.
However, the biggest achievement came in the Champions League. Valencia reached all the way till the finals, but they suffered heartbreak in the most decisive match. The final ended in a 3-0 victory for their opponents and Spanish rivals Real Madrid. It was a moment of heartbreak for Mendieta, who was later awarded the "European Midfielder of the Season" award for his heroics in the European Cup.
Valencia never gave up though, and they surprisingly reached yet another Champions League final in the following year. Bayern Munich were their final obstacle this time in making history. Tragedy struck again however, as history repeated again.
The match ended 1-1 in extra time, and Bayern won the penalty shootout. Mendieta's moment of trauma came back to haunt him again. He was yet again awarded the UEFA Best Midfielder of the Year, which was a testament to his brilliance despite failing to win the title.
Later Career: Barcelona and Middlesbrough Years
Mendieta and Valencia ended their glorious partnership in 2001, at a time when the Spanish midfielder was one of the most wanted players in World football. Italian side Lazio paid a Spanish record £28 million for the player.
Despite the huge transfer, Mendieta failed to repeat his Spain heroics at Italy.
It was a trend that unfortunately repeated for the rest of his career at Barcelona and Middlesbrough. He was able to add a Football League Cup title to his collection with the English club, although he yet again suffered European heartbreak in the 2005–06 UEFA Cup.
Despite his failure to adapt in other leagues, Mendieta was nothing short of a special talent during his time at Spain. He was a rare one of a kind footballer who seemed to have been cursed from achieving European glory.
