Brais Méndez
COL
CF
Playmaking Forward
Jan 7, 1997 (29)
Left
6'2"
168 lb
Columbus CrewSolid off bench Wednesday
Mendez recorded three shots (one on goal), one cross (one accurate) and two corners in Wednesday's 2-1 defeat versus D.C. United.
Analysis: Mendez came off the bench in Wednesday's road match, replacing Taha Habroune at halftime. He was productive despite playing just half of the game, creating two chances and taking three shots in the second half. Ultimately he was unable to help his side complete the comeback, but it was another solid outing for the Spaniard.
Assists Saturday
Mendez assisted once to go with two shots (zero on goal), two crosses (zero accurate) and one corner in Saturday's 3-0 victory against Colorado Rapids.
Analysis: Mendez provided his first assist of the season Saturday as he set up Gonzalo Tapia's goal in the 81st minute. It was the only chance he created in the match and he also recorded two off-target shots. He now has three goal contributions in six appearances for the Crew and will hope to keep that form up to get his team back into playoff contention.
Scores opener Sunday
Mendez scored one goal to go with two shots (one on goal), three crosses (one accurate) and three corners in Sunday's 3-1 defeat against New England Revolution.
Analysis: Mendez bagged an early opener Sunday, a strike in the 8th minute assisted by Mohamed Farsi. He and the rest of the attack struggled to get much going after that though, failing to manage a shot on target throughout the rest of the match. It marked his second goal in his five appearances since joining Columbus.
Productive off bench
Mendez had four shots (zero on goal), four crosses (zero accurate) and four corners in Saturday's 3-1 defeat versus Charlotte FC.
Analysis: Mendez replaced Chase Adams at halftime Saturday with his side down 2-1, and while he did not manage to pull off the comeback it was still a very productive day for the Columbus newcomer. He recorded four shots and four crosses, though he failed to record a shot on target or an accurate cross. However, he created four chances in his 45 minutes of action, an impressive mark for only one half of the match. He's clearly brought a spark to the Crew since joining, and he'll hope to make an even bigger impact once he inevitably joins the starting XI.
Scores equalizer in debut
Mendez scored one goal to go with three shots (two on goal) and one cross (zero accurate) in Saturday's 2-2 draw against Inter Miami CF.
Analysis: Mendez, who completed a transfer to Columbus in early July, finally made his club debut Saturday. He replaced Daniel Gazdag in the 61st minute with his side down 2-1, and it did not take long for him to ingratiate himself with Crew fans. He scored a free kick in the 84th minute to salvage a draw versus Miami, a perfect debut moment for the former Real Sociedad attacker. He will likely be joining the Crew's starting lineup sooner rather than later and will look to help get Columbus back into playoff contention.
Just starting to train
Mendez is just starting to train and will not be available for Saturday's match against Cincinnati, according to coach Laurent Courtois, per Brianna Mac Kay.
Analysis: Mendez's limited training stems from a lack of match sharpness after signing recently from Real Sociedad, rather than any injury concern. His return to training marks an early step in his buildup with the club. His timeline for a return to the matchday squad remains unclear at this stage.
Joins Colombus Crew
Mendez was acquired by the Columbus Crew from Real Sociedad through the 2028-2029 season with a club option for 2029-2030, the club announced.
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.
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