José Carlos Mercado (born September 27, 1999) is an American professional soccer player who plays as a goalkeeper. Mercado was called up to represent both the United States and Mexico at a youth level.
Mercado wanted to play as a forward when he was younger, but he was put in goal for his brother's soccer team at 12-years-old after the team's goalkeeper bailed ahead of a game in a 30-and-over-league in order to prevent the game from being canceled. Mercado enjoyed the experience of playing as a goalkeeper, and he was praised for his performance, prompting his brothers to hire a goalkeeping coach for him. A few months later, Mercado tried out for Pachuca in an open tryout through an opportunity with his school, John B. Alexander High School, and was selected and joined the team's academy.
After a year with Pachuca, he tried out for both Houston Dynamo and FC Dallas' academies, but ultimately took up an offer from the former in 2014. Mercado participated in the Dallas Cup's 2015, 2016, and 2017 editions, including winning the 2017 edition. Mercado also participated in multiple U.S. Soccer Development Academy championships, including winning the 2014âÂÂ15 and 2015âÂÂ16 U-15/16 championships with the academy.
In 2018, Mercado began playing college soccer at the University of the Incarnate Word after receiving a receiving a full-ride scholarship. Mercado made 15 appearances in the 2018 season, making his debut against the Saint Mary's Gaels in a 6âÂÂ0 loss on August 24. In 2019, Mercado recorded his first college shutout in a 1âÂÂ0 win against the Liberty Flames on September 1.
On May 9, 2018, Mercado was announced to be on USL League Two (then the Premier Development League) side Des Moines Menace's roster. Mercado made his debut on June 1 in a 2âÂÂ1 win over Kaw United FC and he recorded his first shutout on June 10 in a 3âÂÂ0 victory over FC Manitoba. Des Moines finished first in the regular season with zero losses and one draw in the Heartland Division with the highest points total in the league, with Mercado only conceding half of Des Moines' six conceded goals. Mercado played in both of Des Moines' playoffs matches, but the club was defeated 1âÂÂ0 by Chicago FC United in the Central Conference Final.
On March 21, 2019, Mercado joined Laredo Heat in the National Premier Soccer League.
Mercado joined Corpus Christi FC in USL League Two for the 2019 season. Mercado made one appearance for the club when he played half of an 8âÂÂ1 loss to Brazos Valley Cavalry FC on June 1 in which he conceded half of those goals.
On March 6, 2020, Mercado joined San Antonio FC in the USL Championship. Mercado made one appearance for the club and made his professional debut when he came on as a 62nd-minute substitute for Matt Cardone on October 31, 2021 after Cardone sustained an injury in a 3âÂÂ0 win over Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC. Mercado was let go at the end of the 2021 USL Championship season, but he rejoined the club on February 14, 2023 for the 2023 USL Championship season. Mercado made just two appearances in this stint with the club, a 2âÂÂ1 win over Club de Lyon on April 4 in the 2023 U.S. Open Cup and a 3âÂÂ1 win over Birmingham Legion on July 1 before once again departing the club at the end of the season.
On March 15, 2024, Mercado was announced to be part of Orlando City B's 2024 MLS Next Pro season roster. On March 16, Mercado made his debut for Orlando City B in the season opener at Atlanta United 2 in a 3âÂÂ2 victory, playing the full match. On August 11, Mercado recorded his first clean sheet in a goalless draw against Crown Legacy FC. On October 20, Mercado made his MLS Next Pro playoffs debut in a 1âÂÂ1 draw at Chicago Fire II, but he was unable to stop any of Chicago's penalties in the ensuing shootout and Orlando City B were eliminated 5âÂÂ4 on penalties.
On June 26, 2025, Mercado was selected to compete in the Goalie Wars in the MLS All-Star Skills Challenge on July 22 at Q2 Stadium in Austin, Texas alongside three other goalkeepers from MLS Next Pro. Mercado was ultimately defeated 4âÂÂ3 by Houston Dynamo 2's Pedro Cruz in the final.
On September 20, 2024, Mercado was signed to a First Team contract with Orlando City through 2024 with options for 2025, 2026, and 2027. In December 2024, Mercado's option for extension was declined at the conclusion of the season without him making an appearance for the club. However, on January 30, 2025, Mercado was resigned to the team on a one-year deal with club options for 2026 and 2027 following Mason Stajduhar's departure earlier in the month. After the conclusion of this season, Orlando City also opted not to exercise a contract extension for Mercado.
Mercado was born in Laredo, Texas, but lived across the border in Nuevo Laredo because it was cheaper for his parents to live there and commute to work in the United States. Mercado also has five siblings and he is the youngest. Mercado is the uncle of fellow professional soccer player Sebastian Mercado and played alongside him at San Antonio FC.
Mercado has been called up up to represent Mexico at the U16 and U18 level, and for the United States at the U18 level. Mercado said that his family was "all Mexican", but through his experience living in both Mexico and the United States he felt a "calling for both nationalities".
Des Moines Menace