Víctor Merino

Víctor Merino
Personal information
Full name	Víctor Hugo Merino Dubón
Date of birth	August 18, 1979 (age 44)
Place of birth	Apopa, El Salvador
Height	1.67 m (5 ft 6 in)
Position(s)	Attacking midfielder
Youth career
1995-1997	Fundación De Fútbol La Chelona
Senior career*
Years	Team
1999-2001	FC Jazz
2001	Alianza FC
2001-2003	San Salvador FC
2003-2007	Luis Ángel Firpo
2007-2008	FAS
2008-2009	Águila
2009-2011	Luis Ángel Firpo
2012-2013	Atlético Marte
2013-2015	Isidro Metapán
2015-2016	Sonsonate FC
2017	CD Chalatenango
2019	Brujos de Izalco
International career
2004-2007	El Salvador
	*Club domestic league appearances and goals

Víctor Hugo Merino "El Pega" Dubón (born August 18, 1979, in Apopa, El Salvador) is a former Salvadoran professional footballer.^[1]

Club career[edit]

FC Jazz[edit]

Merino signed his first professional contract at the age of 17 with Finnish team FC Jazz Pori. In Finland he is known by his maternal family name Dubón. Initially, the contract was for five years, but Merino struggled to accommodate himself with the change in climate and the Finnish language. As a result, he returned after four seasons.

Merino spent his first year in Finland with FC Jazz's junior team. The next season, he debuted in the Finnish top level, Veikkausliiga. Merino played total of 76 games in Veikkausliiga, scoring five goals.^[2] He also represented FC Jazz in 2001 UEFA Intertoto Cup as the club played against Gloria Bistriţa and Paris Saint-Germain.

Alianza FC[edit]

On his return to El Salvador, Merino signed with one of the countries biggest clubs in Alianza FC. His dribbling skills quickly made him a fan favourite, but his lack of consistency saw him transfer to San Salvador FC for the Apertura 2001.

San Salvador FC[edit]

At San Salvador FC, Merino began to excel and mature as a player. He was arguably the team's driving force in attack and helped them win the Clausura 2003 title, scoring one of their three goals at the final against Luis Ángel Firpo.

Luis Ángel Firpo[edit]

His great form saw him not only be selected into the national team, but also saw him gain the attention of another one of El Salvador's larger clubs in Luis Ángel Firpo, whom he signed for the following tournament after his title win with San Salvador FC. Here Merino continued to impress and was seen as one of the country's best creative attacking midfielders. Unfortunately for Merino, he suffered an injury in the Clausura 2005 and upon his return found it difficult to return to the high level of play that he had held for many years. Although he still produced moments of brilliance, he was not as consistent and he also failed to at times, play as part of a team.

FAS[edit]

His lack of form saw him once again transfer to another one of the Salvadoran giants of football in FAS. Here he saw limited playing time and as a result was transfer after one year to Águila.

Águila[edit]

This move not only meant a fresh start for Merino, but also saw him join the list of a select few players that have played for what are considered the "Big Four" clubs in the country (that being Alianza FC, Luis Ángel Firpo, FAS and Águila). Fortunately for Merino this move has seen to have suited him well as he has now become a regular starter and an important part of the team. Although his form is far from what it once was, he has lifted it to a level that many had not seen him play at for well over three years.

Return to Luis Ángel Firpo[edit]

In 2009, Merino signed again with Luis Ángel Firpo.

Isidro Metapán[edit]

Merino signed with Isidro Metapán for the Apertura 2013.

Sonsonate FC[edit]

In July 2015, Merino signed with Sonsonate FC.

Chalatenango[edit]

In 2017, Merino signed with Chalatenango for the Apertura 2017.

International career[edit]

Dubón received his first called up to the El Salvador national football team in 2003. He made his debut for the Cuscatlecos in a July 2004 friendly match against Guatemala and has earned a total of 20 caps, scoring 1 goal. He has represented his country in 4 FIFA World Cup qualification matches and played at the 2007 UNCAF Nations Cup^[3] as well as at the 2007 CONCACAF Gold Cup.^[4]

His final international match was a September 2007 friendly match against Ecuador.