| Mercedes Castellanos | |
| Fullname: | Mercedes Castellanos Soánez |
| Nationality: | Spanish |
| Birth Date: | 21 July 1988 |
| Birth Place: | Ciudad Real, Spain |
| Height: | 1.84 m |
| Position: | Goalkeeper |
| Currentclub: | CBF Málaga Costa del Sol |
| Clubnumber: | 38 |
| Years1: | 2006–2011 |
| Clubs1: | BM Alcobendas |
| Years2: | 2011–2012 |
| Clubs2: | Mar Alicante |
| Years3: | 2012–2015 |
| Clubs3: | Le Havre AC |
| Years4: | 2015–2017 |
| Clubs4: | BM Zuazo |
| Years5: | 2017–2020 |
| Clubs5: | BM Bera Bera |
| Years6: | 2020– |
| Clubs6: | CBF Málaga Costa del Sol |
| Nationalyears1: | 2008– |
| Nationalteam1: | Spain |
| Nationalcaps1: | 98 |
| Nationalgoals1: | 4 |
Mercedes Castellanos Soánez (born 21 July 1988), known as Merche Castellanos, is a Spanish female handball player for CBF Málaga Costa del Sol and the Spanish national team.[1] [2] [3]
Merche Castellanos is a renowned Spanish handball goalkeeper currently playing for Costa del Sol Málaga in the Liga Guerreras Iberdrola. She has been a key player for various teams, including Alcobendas, Mar Alicante, Le Havre (France), Balonmano Zuazo, and Bera Bera,[4] where she won multiple titles including two Spanish Leagues, two Queen's Cups, and one Spanish Supercup.
In 2020, she left[5] San Sebastian and joined Rincón Fertilidad Málaga, winning the Queen's Cup,[6] the Spanish Supercup,[7] and the EHF European Cup in her first season. She played a decisive role in leading her team to their first league title[8] in 2023.
Merche Castellanos has been a significant player for the Spanish national team, contributing to their gold medal victory at the 2018 Mediterranean Games in Tarragona.[12] She was part of the squad for the 2022 European Championships but had to withdraw[13] due to injury.
Alongside Silvia Navarro, Merche Castellanos represented Spain as a goalkeeper in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.[14]
In recognition of her contributions, the city of Ciudad Real named sports facilities after her: Mercedes Castellanos Sports Courts.[15]