Last update 26 June, 2024 by Alberto Llopis
Colombia, has produced numerous and talented Colombian soccer players over the years. From legendary midfielders to deadly forwards, Colombia has had its quota of stars and its golden generation, the years 90-94. The passion for football in Colombia is deep, and throughout the decades, The country has seen players that have not only shone in their clubs, They have also taken the national team to new heights. In this article, We explore the most prominent Colombian players of all time, those whose names are synonymous with excellence and legacy in the king sport.
The best Colombian soccer players in history
Carlos Valderrama
Carlos “The kid” Valderrama es, definitely, he most iconic Colombian footballer. With his blonde hair and his unique game style, Valderrama stood out for his vision in the field and his precision in the pass. It was a key figure in the Colombian team during the years 80 y 90, participating in three world glasses (1990, 1994, 1998) y 5 COPA AMERICA BETWEEN 1987 y 1995). Valderrama played in clubs like Deportivo Cali, Junior from Barranquilla, Real Valladolid, Montpellier, y Tampa Bay Mutiny. He was the leader of that generation that thrashed Argentina in Buenos Aires by 0 a 5 in 1993.
Faustino Asprilla
Faustino Asprilla, known for your charisma and technical skills, It is another of Colombia's great historical players. Asprilla had an outstanding race in Europe, shining especially in the Parma of the years 90, where he won the UEFA Cup in 1995 y 1999, and the European Super Cup in 1993.
He also left his mark on the Newcastle United of England. With the Colombian National Team, participated in two world drinks (1994, 1998) And he was known for his speed and ability to score important goals. One of the best players in Colombia.
Rene Higuita
The eccentric goalkeeper René Higuita is famous for his daring departures from the area and his famous “Scorpion”. Higuita redefined the role of the goalkeeper with his risky style and his ability to score goals. Played in clubs like Atlético Nacional, where he won the Copa Libertadores in 1989, and being part with Leonel Álvarez and Carlos Valderrama in the Real Valladolid of Colombians in Spain.
With the Colombian National Team, participated in the World Cup of 1990, where his actions and personality led him to commit one of The greatest errors in the history of the World Cups. When he tried to haggle 40 meters from his goal and gave a goal to Roger Milla that would end up eliminating the Colombians from the tournament.
James Rodriguez
James, He became a world star after his outstanding performance in the World Cup 2014, where he won the Gold Boot as top scorer of the tournament with six goals. His career includes successful teams like Real Madrid, where he won the UEFA Champions League in 2016 y 2017, Bayern Munich and Everton. With the Colombian National Team, It has been a key figure in the world cups of 2014 y 2018, as well as in multiple editions of the Copa América. The last in 2024 where he continues to exhibit the quality of his left -handed.
Radamel Falcao
Known as “The tiger”, He is one of the most lethal strikers in his generation. He has had a successful career in European clubs such as Atlético de Madrid, where he won the Europa League in 2012, Monaco and Galatasaray. Falcao is also the top historical scorer of the Colombian team, with more than 35 goals.
It has been a central figure in classification campaigns for world drinks and in the Editions of the Copa América. The last seasons have passed at Rayo Vallecano in Spain.
Freddy Rincon
Rincón was a powerful and versatile midfielder who left his brand both in the Colombian team and in European clubs. Played for teams like Real Madrid, where could not succeed and Napoli, And it was a key figure in the selection during the years 90. Freddy Rincon participated in three world glasses (1990, 1994, 1998) and is remembered for his goal against Germany in the World Cup of 1990, which assured Colombia's progress to the round of 16. He died in a traffic accident in 2022.
Iván Ramiro Córdoba
Iván Ramiro Córdoba is one of the most prominent defenders in the history of Colombian football. He played more than a decade at Inter Milan, where he won multiple titles, including the UEFA Champions League in 2010. Córdoba was also fundamental in the Colombian team, winning the America's Cup in 2001. His leadership and defensive skills made him a pillar for both his club and his country.
Willington Ortiz
Willington Ortiz is considered one of The best strikers in Colombia in the years 70 y 80. His ability to drive and his scoring smell made him stand out in clubs such as Millionaires and América de Cali. Ortiz was a key figure in the Colombian team, Participating in the qualifiers for the World Cups and in the Copa América.
Leonel Alvarez
He was a key defensive midfielder in the Colombian team of the years 90. His tenacity and leadership in the countryside were fundamental for the success of Colombia in that decade. Álvarez played in clubs like Atlético Nacional, América de Cali and Deportivo Cali. Also in that Real Valladolid of the Colombians. Participated in two world drinks (1990, 1994) y 5 COPA AMERICA BETWEEN 1987 y 1995.
Victor Hugo Aristizábal
Aristizábal is the Maximum historical scorer of the Colombian Leaguea. His career includes successful steps by clubs in Brazil, How São Paulo Y Cruzeiro, and in Mexico. Also a brief and little successful for Valencia in Spain. With the Colombian National Team, Aristizábal played in two world glasses (1994, 1998) And it was an important figure in the Copa América 2001 that Colombia won, where he stood out as a scorer.