Josimar Méndez, known colloquially as the ‘ganadero pobre’, has officially joined Sporting, becoming the club's fifth signing for the upcoming Apertura 2025 tournament.

At just 23 years of age, Méndez has now donned five different jerseys in the country’s premier football division.

Méndez, who hails from La Francia de Siquirres, manages a cattle farm with over 50 head of livestock, balancing his passion for football with his commitment to agriculture, which he shares with his grandfather.

Alongside his engagement in sport, he has carved a niche in the agricultural sector, also known for his foray into beef cattle.

In Sporting's announcement, they confirmed Méndez's signing as part of their preparations for the impending tournament.

He joins a lineup that includes midfielder Yoserth Hernández and defender Douglas Sequeira, who have transferred on loan from Saprissa, as well as goalkeeper Leonel Moreira and striker Erick 'Cubo' Torres, rounding out the team’s recent acquisitions.

Méndez’s football career includes tenures with several clubs, having previously played for San Carlos, Cartaginés, Herediano, and Santos.

During the previous season with San Carlos, he participated in 19 matches, recording one goal and one assist over 1,516 minutes of play.

Trainer Luis Marín, who has coached Méndez at multiple clubs, has reaffirmed his confidence in the forward's abilities as Sporting aims for a strong performance in the upcoming tournament.

Josimar made his debut in the first division on January 21, 2019, at the age of 17, and has since contributed to various team strategies in the league, showcasing his potential on the field.

The moniker ‘ganadero pobre’ was derived from a light-hearted family exchange three years ago when Méndez was seeking a name for his cattle business.

Embracing the moniker as an emblem of humility, he established ‘Ganaderos Pobres’, further intertwining his identity in football with his roots in agriculture.