# Cuban-American NFL Quarterback Fernando Mendoza Named Among People en Español's 50 Most Beautiful of 2026

**Date:** 08/23/2026

Fernando Mendoza, the Cuban-American quarterback selected first overall by the Las Vegas Raiders in the 2026 NFL Draft, was named to People en Español's "50 Most Beautiful" list, published August 7, 2026, under a category spotlighting rising Latino athletes.


Born in Miami on October 1, 2003, Mendoza is the grandson of four Cuban-born grandparents and has spoken publicly about his ties to that heritage, including during his Heisman Trophy acceptance speech, when he delivered part of his remarks in Spanish. He attended Christopher Columbus High School in Miami before beginning his college career at the University of California, Berkeley, where he started 19 games over three seasons.


Mendoza transferred to Indiana University for the 2025 season, his final year of college eligibility, and led the nation in passing touchdowns with 41 while guiding the Hoosiers to an undefeated regular season and the program's first appearance in the College Football Playoff National Championship. He became Indiana's first Heisman Trophy winner and also collected the Maxwell, Walter Camp, Davey O'Brien and Manning awards.


The Raiders made Mendoza the first Cuban-American player selected with the number-one overall pick in the NFL Draft. He credited his mother, Elsa, who lives with multiple sclerosis, for his success, saying at the time: "Everything I've achieved starts with you."