Carlos Valderrama

Colombia's greatest footballer, the flamboyant playmaker and captain who led his nation to their finest World Cup in 1990 and 1994.

Carlos Alberto Valderrama Palomino was born in Santa Marta, Colombia on 2 September 1961. Instantly recognisable by his voluminous blonde afro, Valderrama was the most technically gifted player Colombia has ever produced. He began his career at Unión Magdalena before spells in Europe with Montpellier and Valladolid. He captained Colombia at three World Cups — 1990, 1994 and 1998 — and was the heartbeat of the golden generation that famously beat Argentina 5-0 in a World Cup qualifier in 1993. He won two South American Footballer of the Year awards (1987, 1993). He later played in Major League Soccer with Tampa Bay Mutiny and Miami Fusion, becoming one of the first major international stars to grace MLS. He earned 111 caps, a Colombian record at the time. His statue stands outside Estadio Eduardo Santos in Santa Marta.

Creative attacking midfielder with exceptional passing and vision

Greatest Colombian footballer and most recognizable South American player

• S. Am. Footballer of the Year 1987
• S. Am. Footballer of the Year 1993

Club Career

Club	Period	Apps	Goals	Shirt
Unión Magdalena	1981–1984	—	11	#10
Millonarios	1984–1988	82	14	#8
Real Valladolid	1991–1992	155	24	#10
Montpellier	1992–1994	65	8	#10
Deportivo Cali	1988–1990	0	0	—
Independiente Medellín	1994–1995	0	0	—
Atlético Junior	1995–1996	0	0	—
Tampa Bay Mutiny	1996–1997	48	4	—
Colorado Rapids	1998–2001	88	6	—
Chicago Fire	2001–2002	24	1	—
Colombia	—	111	11	—