Last update 17 April, 2024 by Alberto Llopis
Who are the best Ecuadorian players of all time? Ecuador is one of the teams belonging to CONMEBOL, together with Brazil, Argentina and Uruguay, who have already signed their direct ticket to the World Cup held in Qatar. Although the bet initial did not put the Ecuadorian tricolor as one of the great favorites for this eliminatory process, They ended up getting in with a direct pass with one day left to finish the qualifying rounds.
The Ecuadorian soccer team has experience in World Cups, have attended the world cups 2002, 2006, 2014 and now to the 2022. The football trajectory and the growth of Ecuador's competitive level in its region is recent, But within its history, different players have stood out who have contributed to their national team and their respective clubs..
Los 5 best Ecuadorian soccer players in history
Antonio valencia
The player Antonio Valencia is considered the most outstanding Ecuadorian in foreign football, The best moment of his career was spent playing for Manchester United where he won the most important title of his record.: a Europa League.
While he wore the Ecuador shirt he played 99 official matches with the national team, participated in two world cups: Germany 2006 and Brazil 2014. Besides, He played in the German qualifiers 2006, South Africa 2010, Brazil 2014 and Russia 2018. Also, Antonio Valencia played in the Copa América of 2007, 2011, 2016 y 2019. During his tour with the national team he scored 11 goals.
Alex Aguinaga
Midfielder Álex Aguinaga stands out as one of the most important Ecuadorians in the history of football for this country. During his career he stood out for being a technical midfielder, skilled and talented, His time on the national team is memorable, as well as his time in the Mexican First Division.
He has the second place among Ecuadorians with the most appearances with his national team with his 109 presences, only behind Iván Hurtado who has 167. Aguinaga did 23 goals in their 109 appearances with the Ecuadorian national team.
Ivan Hurtado
He is considered the best central defender that the Ecuadorian team has seen., with their 167 appearances wearing the Ecuador shirt, He is the player who holds the record of being the Ecuadorian with the most calls for his national team and his record extends to all of CONMEBOL..
His debut took place in a friendly match against Guatemala in 1992 where he scored his first goal. Hurtado participated in two World Cups with his team: 2002 y 2006. Besides, He had a presence in different Copa América and an Ora Cup.
Jorge Bolaños
Pibe Bolaños is one of the best players in Ecuadorian football history, After his playing career he dedicated himself to technical direction. During his years as a footballer he played as an offensive midfielder and striker., disputed 27 matches with the national team and scored a goal in that period.
During his time with the Ecuadorian team he played in the World Cup Qualifiers in Chile 1962 and played two South American championships: 1963 y 1967.
Alberto Spencer
He is considered the best player the Ecuadorian team has ever had., His career and sporting influence throughout the continent is notable.. He is the historic scorer of the Copa Libertadores and the top scorer of CONMEBOL clubs.. In total, those 451 goals during his professional career.
Alberto Spencer disputed 11 matches with the Ecuadorian national team and scored 4 goals. His time at different clubs in South America made him a football legend with an impeccable career..