Fran Mérida facts for kids
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Mérida being presented by Espanyol
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| Personal information | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Full name | Francisco Mérida Pérez | ||
| Date of birth | 4 March 1990 | ||
| Place of birth | Barcelona, Spain | ||
| Height | 1.75 m (5 ft 9 in) | ||
| Position(s) | Central midfielder | ||
| Youth career | |||
| 1998–2005 | Barcelona | ||
| 2005–2007 | Arsenal | ||
| Senior career* | |||
| Years | Team | Apps | (Gls) |
| 2007–2010 | Arsenal | 6 | (1) |
| 2008 | → Real Sociedad (loan) | 17 | (1) |
| 2010–2012 | Atlético Madrid | 20 | (0) |
| 2011 | → Braga (loan) | 5 | (0) |
| 2012–2013 | Hércules | 18 | (1) |
| 2013–2014 | Athletico Paranaense | 6 | (1) |
| 2015–2016 | Huesca | 52 | (8) |
| 2016–2020 | Osasuna | 104 | (9) |
| 2020–2022 | Espanyol | 46 | (1) |
| 2022–2023 | Tianjin Jinmen Tiger | 44 | (5) |
| 2024 | Lugo | 13 | (0) |
| Total | 331 | (27) | |
| International career | |||
| 2006–2007 | Spain U17 | 17 | (5) |
| 2007–2009 | Spain U19 | 17 | (7) |
| 2009 | Spain U20 | 6 | (3) |
| 2008–2012 | Spain U21 | 16 | (6) |
| *Club domestic league appearances and goals | |||
Francisco Mérida Pérez (born on March 4, 1990) is a Spanish former professional footballer. He played as a central midfielder, helping his team control the middle of the field.
Fran Mérida started his career at a young age. He joined Arsenal in England when he was just 17. Later, he returned to Spain to play for Atlético Madrid. He also played for other teams in Spain, like Osasuna and Espanyol.
Besides playing in Spain, Mérida also had short periods playing football in Portugal, Brazil, and China. He was also a key player for Spain's national youth teams. He retired from playing football on September 26, 2024.
Contents
Club Career Highlights
Starting at Barcelona
Fran Mérida was born in Barcelona, Catalonia. He joined the youth academy of FC Barcelona when he was eight years old. However, he left the club in 2005. His parents felt he might have better chances to play professionally elsewhere.
He then decided to sign with Arsenal in England. This move caused some discussion because of rules about young players.
Playing for Arsenal
Mérida made his first team debut for Arsenal in a friendly match in August 2006. He signed his first professional contract with the club after his 17th birthday.
His first official game for Arsenal was on September 25, 2007. He came on as a substitute in a League Cup match against Newcastle United. He played in a few more League Cup games that season.
In April 2008, he signed a longer contract with Arsenal. The team's manager, Arsène Wenger, thought he was a very talented player.
Loan to Real Sociedad
In January 2008, Mérida went on loan to Real Sociedad. This team played in Spain's second division, Segunda División. He played 17 games for them and helped set up six goals. He scored his first professional goal on April 6, 2008, helping his team win 2–1 against Hércules CF.
Returning to Arsenal
Mérida came back to Arsenal for the 2008–09 season. He made his first start in a big 6–0 win in the League Cup. In March 2009, he made his Premier League debut, coming on as a substitute against West Bromwich Albion.
In October 2009, Mérida scored an important goal for Arsenal in a League Cup game against Liverpool. He shot from outside the penalty area, and the ball went into the net. This goal helped Arsenal win 2–1.
He played eight official games for Arsenal during that season. On January 17, 2010, he scored his first Premier League goal in a 2–0 win against Bolton Wanderers.
Moving to Atlético Madrid
On May 25, 2010, Fran Mérida joined Atlético Madrid in Spain. He moved there for free after his contract with Arsenal ended. He scored his first goal for Atlético Madrid in a Copa del Rey match in October 2010.
In December 2010, he scored another goal for Atlético Madrid in the UEFA Europa League. This was a big competition for European clubs.
Loan to Braga
In 2011, Mérida went on loan to S.C. Braga in Portugal. He played a few games there before returning to Atlético Madrid in December 2011.
Playing for Hércules
On August 8, 2012, Mérida signed a four-year contract with Hércules CF. This team played in the Spanish second division. He scored one goal for Hércules from a penalty spot.
Time in Brazil with Athletico Paranaense
In February 2013, Mérida moved to Brazil to play for Clube Athletico Paranaense. He made his debut on September 19, scoring a goal in a 4–2 win. He was the first Spanish player to score in Brazil since 1964!
He also played in the Copa Libertadores, which is a big South American club competition. He scored in a penalty shootout win in 2014. He left the club in July 2014.
Joining Huesca
After being without a club for a while, Mérida signed with SD Huesca on January 30, 2015. The team was in Spain's third division at the time. He played 15 games and helped them get promoted to the second division.
In December 2015, he scored a penalty in a Spanish Cup game against Villarreal CF. Huesca won that match 3–2.
Time with Osasuna
On July 21, 2016, Mérida returned to Spain's top division, La Liga, by joining Osasuna. He scored a goal in his very first game for the club, helping them draw 1–1.
He played a big part in the 2018–19 season, scoring one goal in 31 matches. His team won the second division championship and returned to La Liga.
Playing for Espanyol
On August 19, 2020, Fran Mérida joined Espanyol on a two-year contract. He played 36 games in his first season, helping Espanyol win the second division championship.
Later Career
In August 2022, Mérida moved to China to play for Tianjin Jinmen Tiger F.C. He then returned to Spain in January 2024, signing with CD Lugo.
On September 26, 2024, Fran Mérida announced that he was retiring from professional football at the age of 34.
International Career
Fran Mérida played for Spain's national youth teams.
Under-17 Team
He was part of the Spain under-17 squad that won the 2007 UEFA European Championship. In July 2007, he also played in the 2007 FIFA World Cup in South Korea. Spain finished second in that tournament, losing to Nigeria in a penalty shootout.
Under-20 Team
Mérida was also called up to the under-20 team for the 2009 World Cup in Egypt. He played very well, scoring a goal and providing an assist in an 8–0 win against Tahiti. He then scored two more goals in a 2–0 win against Nigeria.
Personal Life
Fran Mérida has a sister named Sara Mérida. She is also a footballer and plays as a midfielder. She mainly played for RCD Espanyol's women's team.
Honours and Achievements
Fran Mérida won several titles during his football career:
With Atlético Madrid
- UEFA Super Cup: 2010 (This is a match between the winners of two major European club competitions.)
With Osasuna
- Segunda División: 2018–19 (This means his team won Spain's second division league.)
With Espanyol
- Segunda División: 2020–21
With Spain Under-17 Team
- UEFA European Under-17 Championship: 2007 (His team won the European championship for players under 17.)
- FIFA U-17 World Cup runner-up: 2007 (His team came in second place at the Under-17 World Cup.)
See also
In Spanish: Fran Mérida para niños
