Gaizka Mendieta has transitioned from a highly decorated football athlete to a respected football pundit and entrepreneur. After making his professional debut in 1991 with CD Castellón at just 17, Gaizka Mendieta rapidly ascended the ranks of European football, making his first-team debut with Valencia CF in June 1993. His career at Valencia transformed under manager Claudio Ranieri in the 1997–98 season, where he excelled in a central midfield role, playing 30 league matches and scoring ten goals, which led to his debut for the Spanish national team. Mendieta secured his first major trophy with Valencia in June 1999, winning the Copa del Rey.

Settling in Yarm, he has cultivated an active and influential presence within the global football community. As a sought-after analyst and commentator, Mendieta regularly shares his expert insights on major leagues and international tournaments across various media platforms. His extensive experience as a decorated athlete underpins his acute understanding of the game, making him a compelling voice in football analysis while also pursuing diverse entrepreneurial ventures that underscore his continued engagement with the sport and its broader landscape.