Brais Méndez

Analysis: Mendez arrives in Major League Soccer as a Designated Player after nearly a decade in Spain's top flight, where he established himself as a consistent attacking presence from midfield. Across his spell with Real Sociedad, the 28-year-old registered 33 goals and 24 assists in 166 appearances, playing a key role in the club's qualification for the UEFA Champions League following the 2022-23 season. On the European stage, Mendez also made his mark in the Champions League, scoring three goals in seven appearances, including a standout opener in a 1-1 draw against Inter Milan on Sept. 20, 2023. Earlier this year, he helped Real Sociedad lift the Copa del Rey, featuring in the final victory over Atletico Madrid decided on penalties after a 2-2 draw. A product of the Celta Vigo academy, Mendez made his professional debut in September 2017 and went on to total 22 goals and 18 assists in 166 appearances for the club before his move to Sociedad. He has also been involved at international level with Spain, scoring on his senior debut in November 2018 in a 1-0 win over Bosnia and earning four caps to date.