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Who are the Top 6 best Colombian Soccer Players ever?

Colombia has a rich history of producing international soccer stars. While the South American country has not won a FIFA World Cup, its wealth of players has competed in club tournaments worldwide, demonstrating Colombia’s soccer talent. Here is the list of the top six soccer players from Colombia.

Top 6 Best Colombia Soccer Players of All Time

Carlos Valderrama
James Rodriguez
Freddy Rincon
Radamel Falcao
Willington Ortiz
Rene Higuita

1. Carlos Valderrama

1995 MLS Player of the Year
Two-time Columbian league champion
1989 French Cup winner

The best Colombian soccer player of all time is Carlos Valderrama. The attacking midfielder was born in the city of Santa Marta in 1961. After playing soccer from a young age, Valderrama was called up to the Union Magdalena’s first squad, where he began his professional career in 1984. After his time playing in Colombia’s top flight, Valderrama moved to Europe, where he played for Montpellier in France and Valladolid in Spain. He ended his career in the United States in 2002 after playing for Tampa Bay, Miami Fusion, and finally, Colorado Rapids. In 1995, Valderrama was awarded the MLS Player of the Year award.

2. James Rodriguez

2014 FIFA World Cup top goalscorer
Two-time UEFA Champions League winner
UEFA Europa League winner

Rodriguez was born in the town of Cucuta in 1991. The midfielder played for the Envigado youth teams from a young age, eventually making his way to the first squad in 2007. James Rodriguez quickly drew acclaim for his playmaking abilities, earning him a spot in the Portuguese top team F.C. Porto in 2010. From 2014 to 2021, Rodriguez played for several other top-flight European clubs, including Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, and Everton F.C. In total, Rodriguez has scored 25 goals for the Colombian national team.

3. Freddy Rincon

FIFA Club World Cup winner
Three-time Brazilian league champion
Two-time Colombian league champion

Rincon was born in 1966 and grew up in the town of Buenaventura. In 1986, he made his debut with Barranquilla FC, demonstrating his playmaking ability in the midfield. In 1994, he made his move over to Europe, where he was signed by the Italian team Napoli, and at his peak, Real Madrid. Rincon ended his successful European career and went to play in his home country, playing for CD America in 2013 after a long and successful 27-year career. While he has only scored 17 goals for the Colombian national team, he was a key playmaker throughout his time.

4. Radamel Falcao

Two-time Europa League top goalscorer
Three-time Portuguese Super Cup winner
Two-time Europa League winner

Falcao was born in 1986 and began his professional career playing for the Argentinian top-flight team River Plate in 2005. Falcao quickly drew international attention, eventually being recruited to the Portuguese powerhouse FC Porto in 2009. At his peak, the center forward was worth a whopping 60 million euros on the transfer market. So far, Falcao has played the majority of his career for top European teams, including Atletico Madrid, Monaco, Manchester United, and Chelsea. The center forward signed for Rayo Vallecano in 2021, where he continues to play in Spain.

5. Willington Ortiz

Six-time Colombian League champion
Scored 12 goals in just 49 Colombian National Team appearances
Scored 19 goals in the Copa Libertadores

Ortiz was born in 1952 in the city of Tumaco. In 1972, he began his professional career with Millonarios. Ortiz stayed with the side until he signed for Deportivo Cali in 1980. Just three years later, he transferred to CD America, where he stayed until his retirement in 1989. Willington Ortiz is unique, as he managed to become one of the best Colombian soccer players of all time without playing for a top-flight European club, demonstrating his gifted attacking ability. Like many midfielders, Ortiz was not a major goal scorer, instead acting as a key playmaker and build-up passing player.

6. Rene Higuita

Colombian League champion
Copa Libertadores Cup winner
Creator of the Scorpion Kick

Rene Higuita was born in Medellin in 1966. Alongside his successful goalkeeping career, Higuita is most known for creating the “scorpion kick,” an acrobatic kick that he performed in-game to clear an incoming shot. He made his professional debut playing goalkeeper for Millonarios in 1985, staying with the team for just one year until he departs for Atl. Nacional, another Colombian club. Higuita played the majority of his career in his home country until he retired in 2009 while playing for the Pereira soccer club.