At the age of 24, Mendes Gomes' pathway in football so far has been far from linear.

Born in Senegal and raised in Spain, Carlos spent his early years the UD Lanzarote before moving on his own to Madrid at the age of 15 to sign for Athletico Madrid's youth team.

After his family relocated to Salford, the midfielder joined West Didsbury and Chorlton for two seasons. 

Mendes Gomes was scouted by Morecambe in 2018 and went on to be a fan favourite with The Shrimps, concluding his time at the club by scoring the winning penalty to win promotion to Sky Bet League One.

Luton Town was Carlos' next move in the Sky Bet Championship but with high competition for places, a loan move to Fleetwood Town was arranaged.

It was a fruitful loan spell with Mendes Gomes grabbing seven goals and a number of assists for the Cod Army.

Wanderers bought Mendes Gomes for an undisclosed fee in the summer of 2023.