Gaizka Mendieta Zabala is a Spanish former professional footballer who played as a midfielder. A versatile player, with good technique, offensive capabilities and tackling skills, who was capable of creating goals both for his teammates and himself, he played mainly for Valencia, and finished his career with Middlesbrough in England. Over the course of ten seasons, he amassed La Liga totals of 263 games and 48 goals. Mendieta played 40 times for Spain, appearing for the country in one World Cup and one European Championship.
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About Gaizka Mendieta
Former midfielder who represented Spain at international tournaments like the 1996 Summer Olympics and 2002 FIFA World Cup. He spent many years with Valencia CF, with whom he won UEFA Champions League, Copa del Rey and Supercopa de España titles.
Before Fame
He played in Castellón's youth academy before making his professional debut at age 17.
Achievement
He starred in Nike's "Secret Tournament" ad campaign directed by Terry Gilliam.
Family Life
He married a woman named Carmina. His father was also a soccer player.
Associations
He played alongside Fernando Hierro on the Spanish national team.
Information related to Gaizka Mendieta
- Spanish expatriate sportspeople in Italy
- Sportspeople from Bilbao
- Olympic footballers of Spain
- CD Castellón footballers
- Spain under-23 international footballers
- Valencia CF Mestalla footballers
- UEFA Euro 2000 players
- Valencia CF players
- Footballers at the 1996 Summer Olympics
- S.S. Lazio players
- FC Barcelona players
- Basque footballers
- Spain under-21 international footballers
- Spain international footballers
