Juan José Mencía

Juan José Mencía Angulo, better known as Mencía (5 March 1923 – 20 May 2012), was a Spanish footballer who played as a defender for Atlético Madrid for 10 seasons between 1944 and 1954. He also played one national match for Spain in 1951.

Playing career Club career Born in the Biscayan town of Sestao on 5 March 1923, Mencía began playing football at Kasalta Txiki, a non-federated team Sestao, in 1932, at the age of 9. While there, he stood out from the rest, becoming a highly valued player sought after by the big clubs, receiving offers from Athletic Bilbao, Valencia, Barcelona, and Real Madrid, and also the 1941–47 FEF President Cup, the longest tournament in the history of Spanish football, starting in the decisive match against Valencia in 1947 (4–0), which had been in stand by since 1941. Mencía was one of the most profitable footballers of the Colchonero club, being a member of the well-known Defensa de Cristal formed by Farias, himself, and Julián Cuenca. Mencía received the Silver Medal for Sporting Merit from the Madrid City Council, as well as gifts and presents from both clubs and fans.

Later life and death After retiring from football, Mencía worked as a civil servant, tax official, and as a treasury mayor. He also was a member of the Association of Economists of Vizcaya and the Institute of Fiscal Studies.

Mencía died in Bilbao on 20 May 2012, at the age of 89.

Honours Atlético Madrid FEF President Cup: Champions (1): 1941–47

La Liga: Champions (2): 1949–50 and 1950–51

La Liga: Copa Eva Duarte: Champions (1): 1951