Floridian Rookies Series: Ruben Mesalles
From Wisconsin and Spain to IMG and RSL
Born: November 11, 2002
Current Club: Real Monarchs
Connection to Florida: Partly raised in Sarasota County, he played for IMG before going to college
Ruben Mesalles has been described as a man with a quiet demeanor. It should go as no surprise, then, that he is making his way through the ranks of professional soccer in a low key manner. Now in MLS Next Pro, the left back is hoping to climb the ladder and one day make it into MLS. But how did he get here in the first place?
Having a family connection to soccer is a common theme in this column. Ruben Mesalles makes another to add to the list: both his father and grandfather played the sport, with his dad even representing Spain in international futsal. Born in Wisconsin, he grew up playing soccer both there and in the city of Tarragona in Spain. His father stated that he grew up mostly shorter than those around him, forcing the younger Mesalles to develop a good feel for the game and learn how to avoid more physically imposing opponents on the field.
The family moved to Florida when Ruben was 12 following a scholarship offer at the prestigious IMG Academy in Bradenton. After a storied youth career playing as a midfielder, Mesalles decided to go to Duke University, yet another prestigious organization in soccer. As a freshman in 2021, he made 18 starts, and nearly matched that or bettered it every year thereafter. In the draft for the 2024 MLS season, he was selected by Real Salt Lake. However, he would return for the 2024 NCAA campaign, earning Third Team All South Region honors.
Afterwards, Mesalles would ultimately turn pro with RSL, immediately beginning play for Real Monarchs, their reserve team. He made his debut on March 15, got his first start on April 10, and scored his first goal on May 18. He also represented the Monarchs in the US Open Cup on March 20, coming off the bench in a disappointing 3-1 home loss to amateur side El Farolito. Despite the burrito chain’s club having a storied history - and access to former professional players - the hosts had good personnel available to them, and rued going down a man.
Wherever Mesalles has gone in his young career, he has left an impression on others. Former Duke captain Luke Thomas said, “He’s always somebody that we can rely on.” Another Duke teammate, Eliot Hamill, noted his attitude when Mesalles was switched from midfield to the left back position he mostly plays now: “A lot of people in that situation would have had a much worse attitude. It was a very mature perspective, to be able to get over that, and get over your own ego and just be grateful to have the opportunity that he had.” It may come down to the influence of his dad Jaume, who gets what it takes to be a high-level player. Whatever the case, Ruben is sure to keep his head down and put in the work necessary to continue climbing.