Fran Mérida facts for kids
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Mérida being presented by Espanyol
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| Personal information | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Date of birth | 4 March 1990 | ||
| Place of birth | Barcelona, Spain | ||
| Height | 1.75 m | ||
| Playing position | 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) | |
| National team | |||
| 2006–2007 | Spain U17 | 17 | (5) |
| 2007–2009 | Spain U19 | 17 | (7) |
| 2009 | Spain U20 | 6 | (3) |
| 2008–2012 | Spain U21 | 16 | (6) |
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Fran Mérida, born on March 4, 1990, is a Spanish former professional footballer. He played as a central midfielder, which means he helped control the game in the middle of the field.
Fran started his career at a young age. He joined Arsenal in England when he was 17. After three seasons, he returned to Spain to play for Atlético Madrid. He also played for other teams like Osasuna and Espanyol in Spain. Fran also had short times playing football in Portugal, Brazil, and China.
He was a talented player from a young age and represented Spain in many youth tournaments.
Contents
Fran Mérida's Club Career Highlights
Starting at Barcelona's Youth Academy
Fran Mérida was born in Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain. He started playing football very early. When he was just eight years old, he joined the famous youth academy of FC Barcelona. This is where many great players begin their journey.
However, Fran left Barcelona in 2005. His parents felt he might have a better chance to play professionally elsewhere. So, he decided to move to Arsenal in England.
Playing for Arsenal in England
Fran Mérida made his first appearance for Arsenal in a friendly match in August 2006. He officially signed a 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. Fran played in a few more League Cup games that season. In April 2008, he signed a longer contract with Arsenal. His manager, Arsène Wenger, thought he was a very talented player.
Loan to Real Sociedad
In December 2007, Fran Mérida went on loan to Real Sociedad in Spain. This meant he played for them for a short time to get more experience. He played 17 games for Real Sociedad and helped them score six goals. He even scored his first professional goal on April 6, 2008, helping his team win 2-1 against Hércules CF.
Returning to Arsenal
Fran came back to Arsenal for the 2008–09 season. He made his first start in a big 6-0 win against Sheffield United in the League Cup. On March 3, 2009, he made his Premier League debut, which is the top football league in England.
In October 2009, Fran scored a great goal for Arsenal in a League Cup game against Liverpool. Arsenal won that match 2-1. Fran's contract was ending in June 2010, and he was talking to Arsenal about staying. However, other clubs, like Atlético Madrid, were also interested in him.
Fran played eight official games for Arsenal during that season. He scored his first Premier League goal on January 17, 2010, in a 2-0 win against Bolton Wanderers.
Moving to Atlético Madrid
On May 25, 2010, Fran Mérida officially joined Atlético Madrid in Spain. He moved there for free after his contract with Arsenal ended. He scored his first goal for Atlético Madrid on October 27, 2010, in a Copa del Rey match.
In December 2010, Fran scored another important goal for Atlético Madrid in a UEFA Europa League game. He also spent some time on loan at S.C. Braga in Portugal during the 2011–12 season.
Playing for Hércules
On August 8, 2012, Fran Mérida returned to the Spanish second division. He signed a four-year contract with Hércules. He scored one goal for Hércules from a penalty kick.
Time in Brazil with Athletico Paranaense
In February 2013, Fran Mérida moved to Brazil to play for Clube Athletico Paranaense. He made his debut on September 19, scoring a goal that helped his team win 4-2. 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. He left the club in July 2014.
Joining Huesca
Fran Mérida was without a club for a while until January 30, 2015. He then signed with SD Huesca. He played 15 games and helped them win their group and get promoted to a higher league. He scored a goal in a 2-0 win in March.
In December 2015, Fran scored a penalty in a Spanish Cup game where Huesca beat a top team, Villarreal CF, 3-2.
Playing for Osasuna
On July 21, 2016, Fran Mérida returned to Spain's top division, La Liga, by joining Osasuna. He scored a goal in his first game for the club, helping them draw 1-1.
He played a big part in the 2018–19 season, helping Osasuna win the Segunda División (second division) and return to La Liga.
Moving to Espanyol
On August 19, 2020, Fran Mérida joined Espanyol. He signed a two-year contract. He played 36 games in his first season and helped Espanyol win the second division championship.
Later Career and Retirement
In August 2022, Fran Mérida moved to China to play for Tianjin Jinmen Tiger F.C.. In January 2024, he returned to Spain to play for CD Lugo.
On September 26, 2024, at the age of 34, Fran Mérida announced that he was retiring from professional football.
Fran Mérida's International Career
Fran Mérida played for Spain at different youth levels.
Under-17 Team Success
He was part of the Spain under-17 squad that won the 2007 UEFA European Championship. This was a big achievement for the team.
In July 2007, he also played in the 2007 FIFA World Cup in South Korea. Spain finished second in that tournament, losing in a penalty shootout to Nigeria. Fran unfortunately missed one of the penalties.
Under-20 Team Performances
Fran was also called up to the under-20 team for the 2009 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Egypt. He played very well in this tournament. He scored one goal and assisted another in an 8-0 win against Tahiti. In the next game, he 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.
Career Statistics
| Club | Season | League | Cup | Continental | Other | Total | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Division | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | ||
| Arsenal | 2007–08 | Premier League | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | 3 | 0 | |
| 2008–09 | Premier League | 2 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | 5 | 0 | ||
| 2009–10 | Premier League | 4 | 1 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 0 | — | 8 | 2 | ||
| Total | 6 | 1 | 9 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 16 | 2 | ||
| Real Sociedad | 2007–08 | Segunda División | 17 | 1 | 0 | 0 | — | — | 17 | 1 | ||
| Atlético Madrid | 2010–11 | La Liga | 17 | 0 | 5 | 2 | 4 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 27 | 3 |
| 2011–12 | La Liga | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | 3 | 0 | ||
| Total | 20 | 0 | 5 | 2 | 4 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 30 | 3 | ||
| Braga | 2011–12 | Primeira Liga | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | — | 7 | 0 | |
| Hércules | 2012–13 | Segunda División | 18 | 1 | 1 | 0 | — | — | 19 | 1 | ||
| Athletico Paranaense | 2013 | Série A | 6 | 1 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | 10 | 1 | |
| 2014 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 0 | — | 6 | 0 | |||
| Total | 6 | 1 | 4 | 0 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 16 | 1 | ||
| Huesca | 2014–15 | Segunda División B | 15 | 1 | 0 | 0 | — | 6 | 0 | 21 | 1 | |
| 2015–16 | Segunda División | 37 | 7 | 1 | 0 | — | — | 38 | 7 | |||
| Total | 52 | 8 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 0 | 59 | 8 | ||
| Osasuna | 2016–17 | La Liga | 15 | 1 | 2 | 0 | — | — | 17 | 1 | ||
| 2017–18 | Segunda División | 35 | 7 | 1 | 0 | — | — | 36 | 7 | |||
| 2018–19 | Segunda División | 31 | 1 | 0 | 0 | — | — | 31 | 1 | |||
| 2019–20 | La Liga | 23 | 0 | 2 | 1 | — | — | 25 | 1 | |||
| Total | 104 | 9 | 5 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 109 | 10 | ||
| Espanyol | 2020–21 | Segunda División | 36 | 1 | 3 | 0 | — | — | 39 | 1 | ||
| 2021–22 | La Liga | 10 | 0 | 3 | 0 | — | — | 13 | 0 | |||
| Total | 46 | 1 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 52 | 1 | ||
| Tianjin Jinmen Tiger | 2022 | Chinese Super League | 18 | 4 | 0 | 0 | — | — | 18 | 4 | ||
| Career total | 292 | 26 | 31 | 4 | 13 | 1 | 7 | 0 | 343 | 31 | ||
Honours and Achievements
Fran Mérida won several important titles during his career:
With Atlético Madrid
- UEFA Super Cup: 2010 (This is a match played between the winners of the two main European club competitions.)
With Osasuna
- Segunda División: 2018–19 (This means his team won the Spanish second division league.)
With Espanyol
- Segunda División: 2020–21 (Another win in the Spanish second division.)
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 in the Under-17 World Cup.)
