Name: GAZIKA Mendieta

Full name: José María Gárate Mendieta (commonly known as Gaizka Mendieta — note common spelling is Gaizka, not Gazika)

• Nationality: Spain
• Position: Central/Right Midfielder (attacking midfielder)
• Date of birth: 27 March 1974
• Place of birth: Pamplona, Navarre, Spain
• Youth clubs: Castellón, Valencia (youth academy)

Club career (highlights):

• Valencia CF (1994–2001) — Broke into the first team and became one of Europe’s top midfielders. Key contributor as Valencia reached the 1999 and 2000 UEFA Champions League finals and won two UEFA Cup/UEFA competitions during that era (Valencia won the 1998–99 Copa del Rey prior to the finals run). Mendieta was noted for his work-rate, technique, crossing and penalty-taking.
• Lazio (2001–2003) — Signed by Lazio for a large transfer fee but struggled to replicate his Valencia form.
• SS Lazio → FC Barcelona (loan, 2002–2003) — Spent a season on loan at Barcelona.
• AS Roma (2003–2008) — Continued career in Serie A; later years saw reduced playing time due to injuries.
• Later career and retirement: Retired from professional football in the late 2000s.

International career:

• Spain national team (1999–2002) — Earned over 40 caps and scored several goals. Part of Spain’s squad at UEFA Euro 2000 and the 1998/2002 qualifying cycles around that period.

Playing style and legacy:

• Attacking-minded midfielder known for intelligent movement, precise passing, excellent crossing, composure from set pieces and penalties, and strong work ethic.
• Remembered particularly for his outstanding performances for Valencia in the late 1990s and for being one of Spain’s top midfield talents of his generation.

Honours (selected)

• Copa del Rey: 1998–99 (with Valencia)
• UEFA Intertoto Cup: 1998 (with Valencia)
• Individual: Runner-up in the 2000 Ballon d’Or voting top placements among Europeans for his 1999–2000 season performances (notably finishing high in European award lists).

Note: The commonly used spelling of his name is "Gaizka Mendieta." If you need a full career statistics table (appearances, goals by season), transfer history with fees, or a printable bio, that can be provided.