Colombia is ranked in the top 10 teams in the world according to the official FIFA rankings, making the country one of the most popular teams in modern football. Top Colombian football legends whose careers have gone down in legend, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of fans around the world. So who is the greatest Colombian soccer palyer in the world of soccer? Learn with Wintips with the best Colombian soccer player through the article below!
Who is the best Colombian soccer player?
1. Radamel Falcao
Radamel Falcao, born on February 10, 1986, is a professional Colombian footballer. He plays as a forward and has been the captain of both AS Monaco and the Colombian national team. Falcao is known as "El Tigre" (The Tiger) and also as the "King of the Europa League."
He began his professional career at the age of 13 with Lanceros Boyacá before moving to Argentina's River Plate, where he won the Clausura 2007–08 tournament. In 2009, he joined Porto in Portugal, where he achieved numerous titles, including the Europa League and Primeira Liga in 2011.
Falcao also set a record with 17 goals in a single European Cup campaign and became the first Colombian to receive the Portuguese Golden Ball award. In August 2011, he moved to Atlético Madrid for a record transfer fee of €40 million, helping the team win the Europa League and Super Cup in 2012. He was also named in the FIFA FIFPro World XI in 2012.
2. Carlos Valderrama
Carlos Valderrama, born on September 2, 1961, was an outstanding Colombian footballer who played as a midfielder. He was known by the nickname El Pibe ("The Kid") and is regarded as one of the greatest players in Colombian and South American football history. Renowned for his elegant and artistic playing style, he was named South American Footballer of the Year in 1987 and 1993. In 1999, World Soccer included him in its list of the top 100 players of the 20th century. He was also named in Pelé's FIFA 100 list of the greatest living footballers in 2004.
Carlos Valderrama was a key figure in Colombia's national football team from 1985 to 1998, playing in 111 international matches and scoring 11 goals. He played a crucial role during Colombia's golden era in the 1990s, participating in three FIFA World Cups and five Copa América tournaments.
After achieving success in club football in South America and Europe, Valderrama played in Major League Soccer (MLS) at the end of his career, contributing to the league's popularity in the 1990s. He is considered an MLS icon and was named to MLS's All-Time Best XI in 2005.
3. Mario Yepes
Mario Yepes is a former Colombian footballer who played as a defender. He was famous during his time at Paris Saint-Germain, known as "Super Mario," and regarded as one of the best defenders of his era.
Yepes captained the Colombian national team from 2008 to 2014. He began his football career in 1999 and represented the Colombian national team for over a decade.
He is one of the two players considered a key figure in Colombia's football history from the late 1990s to the early 2000s, Colombia's golden era, winning the Copa América in 2001 and finishing as runner-up in 2003. After retiring, Yepes started his managerial career with his hometown club Deportivo Cali, taking charge as head coach from 2016 to late 2017.
4. James Rodríguez
James Rodríguez, born on July 12, 1991, is a professional Colombian footballer. He previously played as an attacking midfielder or winger for Bayern Munich in Germany and currently represents the Colombian national team. James is recognized as one of the finest players of his generation, known for his exceptional passing ability, technique, and tactical adaptability. He has won numerous titles and individual awards, particularly during his successful spell at Porto.
In 2014, James moved from AS Monaco to Real Madrid for a transfer fee of £63 million, becoming Colombia's most expensive footballer and one of the world's most valuable players. He had an impressive international career, representing the Colombian national team at the 2014 and 2018 FIFA World Cups, winning the Golden Boot at the 2014 World Cup with six goals.
James also participated in the 2015 Copa América and Copa América Centenario, helping Colombia secure a third-place finish in the latter tournament.
5. Juan Cuadrado
After limited playing time at Independiente Medellín, Cuadrado moved to Italy in 2009 to join Udinese. After limited playing time at the club, he was loaned to Lecce for the 2011–2012 season. Despite their relegation from Serie A, his performances earned him a transfer to Fiorentina.
In February 2015, he signed with Chelsea, but after limited playing time, he was loaned to Juventus for consecutive seasons, where he won multiple Serie A and Coppa Italia titles. He joined the club permanently in 2017.
Cuadrado made his international debut in 2010, and since then, he has earned more than 70 caps. He was part of the Colombian team that reached the quarterfinals at two Copa América tournaments (2011 and 2015) and the 2014 FIFA World Cup. Additionally, he played a crucial role in Colombia’s third-place finish at the Copa América Centenario. He participated in the 2018 FIFA World Cup as well.
6. David Ospina
David Ospina, born on August 31, 1988, in Medellín, is one of Colombia's top goalkeepers. He began his career at Atlético Nacional before moving to Europe. Ospina is known for his quick reflexes and precise goalkeeping technique. After joining Nice in France in 2008, he quickly established himself as a reliable shot-stopper.
After moving to Arsenal in 2014, Ospina continued to showcase his talent and became one of the Premier League's top goalkeepers. He played a crucial role in Arsenal’s success, winning several titles, including the FA Cup.
In addition to his club success, Ospina has been a key player for the Colombian national team, participating in major tournaments such as the World Cup and Copa América, making impressive saves and demonstrating leadership on the field. With significant contributions and achievements, David Ospina is considered one of Colombia's finest football stars.
7. Faustino Asprilla
Faustino Asprilla was a former striker for the Colombian national team, regarded as one of the most distinctive players in Colombian football history. Born on November 10, 1969, in Tulúa, Colombia, Asprilla was known for his superior technique, speed, and goal-scoring ability, as well as his charisma and strong presence on the field.
Asprilla began his professional career at Cúcuta Deportivo in Colombia before moving to Atlético Nacional, where he first gained international recognition. He then moved to Europe and joined Parma in Italy in the early 1990s, establishing himself as one of the most exciting strikers in Serie A. At Parma, Asprilla played a crucial role in the club's success, contributing to their victories in the Coppa Italia and the Cup Winners’ Cup.
8. René Higuita
René Higuita, a legendary Colombian footballer, is a renowned goalkeeper known for his flamboyant and unconventional playing style. Born on August 27, 1966, in Medellín, Colombia, Higuita revolutionized the goalkeeper position with his spectacular saves and fearless approach. He was also famous for often venturing forward to assist in attacking plays, making him one of the most unique goalkeepers in football history.
However, René Higuita is most famous for his miraculous "Scorpion Kick" performance. This impressive save occurred during a friendly match between Colombia and England at Wembley Stadium in 1995. In that instance, Higuita jumped up and used his legs to kick the ball away from the goal, resembling the movement of a scorpion. This save not only made him famous but also became one of the timeless moments in football history worldwide.
Conclusion
Colombia has produced many outstanding footballers who have left a lasting legacy in the sport. From legendary players like Carlos Valderrama and Faustino Asprilla to modern stars such as James Rodríguez and Radamel Falcao, the country continues to shine on the international stage. Determining the best Colombian soccer player is no easy task, as each generation brings new talent and unforgettable moments. However, what remains undeniable is Colombia's rich football heritage and its ongoing contribution to the beautiful game.
See also: The top 10 best Ukraine soccer player history of all time
