Sunderland striker Eliezer Mayenda’s stellar season continues after his latest milestone made on the international stage.
Sunderland forward Eliezer Mayenda has enjoyed an eye-catching breakout season this term for the Black Cats, and has revealed his personal ambitions for the remainder of the campaign.
Mayenda arrived on Wearside from French side FC Sochaux in the summer of 2023, and last season featured eight times in the Championship for Sunderland, before making a short loan switch to Hibernian – but failed to find the net in 12 outings.
However, under the guidance of Sunderland boss Regis Le Bris, the Spaniard has this term blossomed into one of the hottest young goalscoring prospects in the Championship, with his dazzling form even being recognised on the international stage.
Eliezer Mayenda’s ‘hard work’ pays off following Spain call-up
The 19-year-old’s form this season was rewarded with international recognition after he made his debut for Spain under-21s, coming on as a 75th-minute substitute in their 2-2 draw against the Czech Republic.
Mayenda told the Sunderland website after his first call-up: “It was an amazing feeling. It’s my first call-up, so I’m very happy and very proud to have now made my debut. I’ve been working hard every day, and this is a great reward for that effort.
“I want to become a better player. I’ll try to learn as much as possible every day. My goal is to keep improving with every opportunity I get.”
The Spaniard’s ‘hard work’ has been evident this season with Mayenda being labelled as ‘remarkable’ following his staggering rise to prominence.
Sunderland have become known for nurturing young potential akin to Jobe Bellingham and Chris Rigg, from youngsters into first-team regulars, and Mayenda has become the latest success story recruited during sporting director Kristjaan Speakman’s stewardship.
In his debut season last term, Mayenda featured 12 times combined for the Black Cats and Hibs, failing to register any goal contributions. Whereas this campaign, he has taken the second tier by storm, managing 7 goals and five assists in only 19 starts.
Mayenda’s form has been unexpected this season, after a goal-shy first campaign on Wearside – something which makes his story even more impressive.
| Mayenda’s form across the 2023-24 campaign | Mayenda’s form so far during the 2024-25 campaign |
| Games played – 12 | Games played – 30 |
| Starts – 1 | Starts – 19 |
| Goals – 0 | Goals – 7 |
| Assists – 0 | Assists – 5 |
Mayenda admitted himself that: “I think I’ve been doing well so far this season, these things can happen when you keep working hard. The season is going much better than last year, and I’m proud of how things are going.”
Eliezer Mayenda’s form will be pivotal for Sunderland’s promotion push
Mayenda is in line to feature again for Spain’s under-21s tomorrow night against Germany before returning to Wearside ahead of Sunderland’s crucial final eight fixtures.
His electric pace, goalscoring prowess and link-up play combined with his impressive work-rate has made Mayenda one of the shining lights for Sunderland this season.
Even in spite of the disappointing 3-0 defeat at Coventry last time out before the break, Sunderland fans praised Mayenda’s graft.
The youngster has grown more confident every time he steps onto the field for the Black Cats, and Mayenda’s potent attacking play will be imperative for boss Regis Le Bris to call upon for the Championship run-in.