Rodrigo Mendoza rises through Elche’s academy to Spain U17

Rodrigo Mendoza, born in Murcia on March 15, 2005, has emerged as Elche’s brightest prospect, turning a dream season into a landmark moment at only 17. He leaped from the cadet ranks to the junior setup and, within just one year, earned a place with the Honors Division Youth A squad and even joined the reserve team. His persistence paid off when he drew the eye of the national team and earned a spot with Spain’s under-17 side, a selection that signaled his growing presence for Julen Guerrero and his participation in the most recent European Championship staged in Israel. Mendoza’s ascent mirrors a pathway many young players follow through a top academy, where patience, discipline, and steady performance guide them toward loftier levels of competition.