Edgar Méndez: 'I'd trade all my trophies for Copa del Rey with Alavés'
The former Alavés star reflects on his iconic semi-final goal, life in Thailand, and why he'd swap his Mexican silverware for Copa glory with the Basque outfit.
Spanish forward Edgar Méndez might be plying his trade in Thailand these days, but the 35-year-old still holds his time at Alavés close to his heart – particularly that unforgettable Copa del Rey run that saw him score one of the most important goals in the club’s history.
Vitoria love affair
Méndez’s spell at Alavés clearly left an indelible mark on the journeyman forward. Speaking about his time in the Basque Country, he reminisces fondly about the football-mad city and its passionate supporters.
“The Alavés marked my career significantly and will always have a place in my heart,” Méndez admits, reflecting on that magical 2016/17 campaign that saw the unfancied side reach the Copa del Rey final against Barcelona.
That semi-final moment
The defining moment of Méndez’s Alavés career came when he netted the decisive goal in the Copa del Rey semi-finals – just three minutes after coming off the bench. The goal propelled Alavés to a historic final against Barcelona at the Vicente Calderón.
Describing the goal, Méndez recalls how quickly it all happened – a flick-on from Camarasa, a burst into the area, and suddenly he was wheeling away in celebration before unfortunately picking up an injury in the aftermath.
Despite facing a Barcelona side featuring Messi, Neymar and Iniesta in the final, Méndez reveals the team genuinely believed they had a chance after Theo Hernández’s stunning free-kick equaliser made it 1-1. Though Barcelona eventually prevailed 3-1, just reaching the final was “historic” for Alavés.
Mexican success vs Copa dream
When asked whether he’d trade the trophies he won in Mexico with Cruz Azul for that elusive Copa del Rey, Méndez doesn’t hesitate: “I’d probably change all my trophies for the Copa del Rey with Alavés.”
While he treasures his achievements in Mexico, where he enjoyed successful stints with both Cruz Azul and Necaxa, the prestige of winning Spain’s premier cup competition – especially against that Barcelona team – would have topped everything.
Thai adventure
Now at Prachuap FC in Thailand, Méndez is embracing a new chapter in his career. Despite being in his mid-30s, retirement is far from his mind:
“I’m feeling great physically, I’ve found an incredible club with wonderful people. I feel very happy and comfortable in the city. The idea is to extend my career for two or three more years if my body continues as it is.”
Méndez has no intentions of returning to Spanish football, believing his cycle there is complete. Instead, he hopes to continue contributing to football development in Thailand even after hanging up his boots.