Eugenio Esteban Mena Reveco emerged from the Santiago Wanderers academy to establish a professional career as a left-back. Born on 18 July 1988 in Viña del Mar, Chile, he began senior competition in 2008. Over nearly two decades, he has represented clubs in Chile, Brazil, and Argentina while serving as a regular fixture for the Chile national football team.
Early Development and Domestic Success
Mena debuted in the 2008 Chilean Primera División B with Santiago Wanderers. By October 2009, he recorded his first professional goal against San Marcos de Arica. His career trajectory shifted in July 2010 when he moved to Club Universidad de Chile for a $500,000 fee covering half his rights. Following the appointment of manager Jorge Sampaoli in 2011, Mena became a core member of the squad. That season, the team secured the Copa Sudamericana title and domestic league championships. His tenure in Chile concluded with further honors including the 2012–13 Copa Chile, before he sought opportunities abroad.
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In July 2013, Mena joined Santos FC on a one-year loan. He secured a permanent role, leading to a buyout of his remaining rights by the club on 5 June 2014. Legal complications regarding unpaid wages led him to rescind his contract on 14 January 2015. Shortly thereafter, he signed with Cruzeiro. His time in Brazil also included a tenure with São Paulo FC beginning in 2016. He eventually returned to Argentina on 9 July 2018 to compete for Racing Club de Avellaneda, where he added multiple titles including the 2018–19 Superliga Argentina and the 2022 Trofeo de Campeones to his professional record.
International Representation
Mena’s association with the Chile national squad began with the U-23 team at the Toulon Tournament, finishing first in 2009 and fourth in 2010. His senior debut occurred on 7 September 2010 during a match against Ukraine. He scored his first international goal on 21 March 2012 against Peru. As a key defender under Jorge Sampaoli, he was selected for the 2014 FIFA World Cup, starting all four matches he played. He contributed to major victories for La Roja, including the 2015 Copa América and the 2016 Copa América Centenario, while also achieving a runner-up finish at the 2017 FIFA Confederations Cup.
Recent Club Activity
After extensive play in international leagues, Mena returned to his home country on 9 December 2022. He signed a two-year contract with Universidad Católica. His performance throughout his career earned him individual recognition, such as the Valparaíso UNESCO Medal in 2009 and selection to the 2021 IFFHS Team of the Copa América.
Fast facts
- Born: 18 July 1988, Viña del Mar
- Professional debut: 2008
- Primary position: Left-back
- Club debut: Santiago Wanderers
- International debut: 7 September 2010
- First international goal: 21 March 2012
- 2014 FIFA World Cup appearances: 4
- Contracted with Universidad Católica since: 2022
Questions readers ask
Which major international tournaments has Eugenio Mena won with Chile?
He was part of the winning squads for the 2015 Copa América and the 2016 Copa América Centenario.
When did Eugenio Mena return to the Chilean Primera División?
He returned to Chile on 9 December 2022 to join Universidad Católica.
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