Angel Mena Pedroza

Cruz Azul In 2017 Mena joined Mexican side Cruz Azul. On 12 February Mena scored an impressive free-kick goal against Santos Laguna which earned Cruz Azul a 2–2 draw.

International career In April 2014, being in Emelec, Mena was first called up to the Ecuador national football team, led by coach Reinaldo Rueda, for a microcycle. Mena was called for Ecuador's provisional 30-man squad for World Cup 2014 in Brazil.

Later in 2014, the interim coach of the Ecuador national team, Sixto Vizuete called up Mena to play friendly matches against Bolivia and Brazil. However, Mena suffered an injury that prevented him playing with the national team.

Mena made his debut on 28 March 2015 in a match against Mexico, coming in as a sub for Jefferson Montero.

Mena was selected in the 23 player Ecuador squad for the Copa América Centenario.

Mena was selected in the 23-man Ecuador squad for the 2019 Copa América.

Mena was selected in the 28 player Ecuador squad for the 2021 Copa América.

Mena was named in the Ecuadorian squad for the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

Mena was called up to the final 26-man Ecuador squad for the 2024 Copa América. He retired from the national team on 17 November 2024.

Personal life Mena is married to Shirley Posligua with whom he has two daughters. He and his family are devout Christians. Mena is good friends with fellow footballer Joao Rojas with whom he shared a locker while at Emelec, the fact that Rojas played for Cruz Azul was a significant factor in motivating Mena to join the club.

Career statistics

Club

International

Honours Emelec Serie A: 2013, 2014, 2015

Cruz Azul Copa MX: Apertura 2018

León Liga MX: Guardianes 2020 CONCACAF Champions League: 2023 Leagues Cup: 2021

Individual Serie A Assist Leader: 2014 Liga MX Golden Boot: Clausura 2019 Liga MX Offensive Midfielder of the Year: 2018–19 Liga MX Best XI: Clausura 2019, Guardianes 2020, Apertura 2021 Liga MX All-Star: 2021, 2022 Leagues Cup top scorer: 2021