Subsequently, he represented a myriad of teams, in Belgium, Ukraine, Russia, Romania and France.

After his release, he moved countries again in 2008: after a short spell with Steaua Bucureşti, he joined Monarcas Morelia in Mexico, being the second best goalscorer in the league's Apertura 2008, with 10 goals in 16 games.

In 2010, Mendoza signed with Columbus Crew of Major League Soccer as a Designated Player.

After a failed campaign to qualify for the 2006 FIFA World Cup, he was called by national coach Julio César Uribe for a two-friendly match squad against Ecuador, in June 2007.

On 7 December 2007, Mendoza was one in a group of internationals that were found guilty of having introduced women and alcohol into the national squad's hotel two days before Peru's away drubbing at the hands of Ecuador (5–1, in which he scored), being subsequently banned for one and a half years from representing Peru.