Granite City in Madison County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Ruben Mendoza

Player I Coach Legend

Photographed by Jason Voigt, July 11, 2025

1. Ruben Mendoza Marker

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Ruben Mendoza. Player I Coach Legend. , If you have enjoyed playing or watching soccer in the Metro-East Region, you can thank Ruben Mendoza. He is a true sports legend, impacting the game as a player, coach, and community organizer. His efforts inspired generations of players and solidified his legacy as the Father of the Granite City of Soccer. Ruben began his career as a young man from Granite City's Lincoln Place neighborhood. , He had learned to play soccer while living with his family in Mexico and quickly developed a love for the sport. He went on to play ten seasons in the St. Louis Major League, the St. Louis Municipal League, and St. Louis Soccer League. His unique talents earned him a spot as a three-time member of the US Olympic Soccer Team, competing as a starter in 1952 and 1955. He was also a member of the 1954 and 1958 US World Cup Teams, competing in two World Cup qualifying tournaments, known as a highly skilled forward, he became renowned for his use of the flashy "Mendoza Kick" during competition. Today, the move is more commonly known as the bicycle kick., In 1960, a knee injury forced Ruben to retire as a player, but his impact on the sport of soccer was only the beginning. He returned to his hometown of Granite City and organized teams of young boys from his neighborhood. What started as pickup soccer, led to friendly competition with teams across the river in St. Louis. By the mid-1960s Ruben approached the Granite City YMCA and School District #9 to organize formal programs for young kids and high school players. Ruben worked tirelessly as a coach, referee, and league organizer to make the early leagues come to fruition. At the same time, he traveled throughout the Metro East to help establish and support other programs. For the next three decades, he was a staple on the pitch., Ruben's efforts inspired a generation of players to love the sport of soccer. Granite City High School went on to win 11 state championships, more than any other high school in Illinois. Many players have gone on to play professionally in the United States and Europe. To this day, Granite City and the Metro East continue to be the communities of soccer enthusiasts, hosting leagues for players of all ages. Ruben's efforts were undeniable, and his impact was immeasurable. , He was included in the Granite City Sports Hall of Fame and the St. Louis Soccer Hall of Fame. Ruben was also a devoted husband and father of six children.

If you have enjoyed playing or watching soccer in the Metro-East Region, you can thank Ruben Mendoza. He is a true sports legend, impacting the game as a player, coach, and community organizer. His efforts inspired generations of players and solidified his legacy as the Father of the Granite City of Soccer. Ruben began his career as a young man from Granite City's Lincoln Place neighborhood.

He had learned to play soccer while living with his family in Mexico and quickly developed a love for the sport. He went on to play ten seasons in the St. Louis Major League, the St. Louis Municipal League, and St. Louis Soccer League. His unique talents earned him a spot as a three-time member of the US Olympic Soccer Team, competing as a starter in 1952 and 1955. He was also a member of the 1954 and 1958 US World Cup Teams, competing in two World Cup qualifying tournaments, known as a highly skilled forward, he became renowned for his use of the flashy "Mendoza Kick" during competition. Today, the move is more commonly known as the bicycle kick.

In 1960, a knee injury forced Ruben to retire as a player, but his impact on the sport of soccer was only the beginning. He returned to his hometown of Granite City and organized teams of young boys from his neighborhood. What started as pickup soccer, led to friendly competition

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with teams across the river in St. Louis. By the mid-1960s Ruben approached the Granite City YMCA and School District #9 to organize formal programs for young kids and high school players. Ruben worked tirelessly as a coach, referee, and league organizer to make the early leagues come to fruition. At the same time, he traveled throughout the Metro East to help establish and support other programs. For the next three decades, he was a staple on the pitch.

Ruben's efforts inspired a generation of players to love the sport of soccer. Granite City High School went on to win 11 state championships, more than any other high school in Illinois. Many players have gone on to play professionally in the United States and Europe. To this day, Granite City and the Metro East continue to be the communities of soccer enthusiasts, hosting leagues for players of all ages. Ruben's efforts were undeniable, and his impact was immeasurable.

He was included in the Granite City Sports Hall of Fame and the St. Louis Soccer Hall of Fame. Ruben was also a devoted husband and father of six children.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Charity & Public Work • Hispanic Americans • Sports. A significant historical year for this entry is 1952.

Location. 38° 42.097′ N, 90° 9.096′ W. Marker is in Granite City

Photographed by Jason Voigt, July 11, 2025

2. Ruben Mendoza Marker

Marker is at the Ruben Mendoza Memorial, which features a statue of Mendoza and his bicycle kick

, Illinois, in Madison County. It is on Niedringhaus Avenue east of Cleveland Boulevard, on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1201 Niedringhaus Ave, Granite City IL 62040, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Greater St. Louis.

It is also in the American Midwest,

in the Lewis & Clark Corridor,

in the Corn Belt,

and in the Great River Road Region.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture

and also the Northwest Territory.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Hudson Jewelers (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Reese Drug Store (about 400 feet away); The Washington Theatre (about 400 feet away); The Giant Graniteware Coffee Pot (about 400 feet away); The Magic of Roadside Attractions (about 400 feet away); Make-It Toy Monument (about 400 feet away); In Honor of Our Heroes (approx. 0.2 miles away); Victory Mothers (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Granite City.

Also see . . . Ruben Mendoza on Wikipedia. Mendoza (1931-2010) was born in St. Louis and his family lived in Granite City, then lived in Durango, Mexico for a time before returning to Granite City. (Submitted on August 4, 2025, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois.)

Credits. This page was last revised on August 4, 2025. It was originally submitted on August 4, 2025, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois. This page has been viewed 131 times since then and 31 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 4, 2025, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois.