Atletico Nacional Best Players of All Time

Atletico Nacional is a renowned Colombian football club based in Medellín. Founded in 1947, the team has been one of the most successful clubs not only in Colombia but also around Latin America and globally. It was the first Colombian team to win an international title by winning Copa Libertadores back in 1989, followed by two more titles later on; it won its 4th continental trophy with 2018’s Suruga Bank Championship victory. The club holds numerous records including being one of three teams that have played every season since its inception till date, having 16 national championships as well as multiple regional successes such as 9 Categoría Primera A titles and 8 Superliga Colombiana trophies among others making Atlético National arguably one of the topmost clubs from South American region.

1. Dorlan Pabón

Forward

Career

• : Bajo Cauca
• Years: Team: Apps: (Gls)
• 2006–2010: Envigado: 67: (26)
• 2010–2012: Atlético Nacional: 71: (34)
• 2012–2013: Parma: 12: (0)
• 2013: → Betis (loan): 17: (8)
• 2013: Monterrey: 6: (3)
• 2013–2014: Valencia: 13: (3)
• 2014: → São Paulo (loan): 7: (1)
• 2014–2021: Monterrey: 244: (73)
• 2021–: Atlético Nacional: 49: (12)
• 2009–2012: Colombia: 16: (3)
• 2016: Colombia Olympic: 4: (2)
• *Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 08:57, 15 January 2022 (UTC)

Dorlan Pabón is a 34-year-old forward who currently plays for Atlético Nacional. He was born in Medellín, Colombia and started his career with Bajo Cauca before moving to Atlético Nacional in 2010.

Pabón has played at the senior level for Colombia and scored two goals during the 2016 Summer Olympics tournament. In addition to his footballing career, Dorlan is also an entrepreneur having founded a clothing line called "Los Cadetes".

He is married and has one child.[1] Dorlan Pabón is a Colombia international who has played for several clubs in his senior career. Dorlan started off his career with Envigado, before moving to Atlético Nacional in 2010. 

After two years at Atlético Nacional, Pabón moved on to spend time at Parma and Monterrey respectively before joining Valencia in 2013.

He spent the 2014-2015 season on loan at São Paulo before returning to Monterrey for the 2015-2016 campaign. In 2016 he made an appearance for Colombia during their Olympic campaign and was a key player as they reached the semi finals where they lost to Brazil 3-1 after extra time. 

The 2017-2018 season saw him make 27 appearances and score five goals as Monterrey won the Mexican Liga championship title; also reaching the Copa MX final which they lost 2-0 against Toluca).

Atletico Nacional confirmed that they had signed him permanently ahead of the 2018 Clausura tournament; however, injury ruled him out of both legs of their semifinal playoff against Tigres UANL which resulted in them being relegated back down to Liga MX instead.

This was his last competitive appearance for Atletico Nacional (although he did feature prominently for their reserves throughout this period). 

On 24 January 2019 it was announced that Dorlan had joined Colombian side Independiente Santa Fe on a three year contract from 1 February 2019 onwards pending visa approval.

2. Alexander Mejía

Midfielder

Career

• Years: Team: Apps: (Gls)
• 2005–2012: Deportes Quindío: 101: (4)
• 2011: → Once Caldas (loan): 37: (0)
• 2012–2014: Atlético Nacional: 88: (0)
• 2015–2016: Monterrey: 14: (0)
• 2015–2016: → Atlético Nacional (loan): 40: (0)
• 2016–2018: León: 63: (0)
• 2019–2021: Libertad: 65: (0)
• 2021–2022: Santa Fe: 11: (0)
• 2022–: Atlético Nacional: 0: (0)
• 2012–: Colombia: 27: (0)
• *Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 6 July 2021, ‡ National team caps and goals, correct as of 22:08, 27 January 2022 (UTC)

Alexander Mejía is a Colombian midfielder who currently plays for Atletico Nacional. He has played for several clubs in his career, most notably Atlético Nacional and Millonarios.

Alexander Mejía was part of the Colombia national team at the 2014 FIFA World Cup where they reached the Quarter-finals. Alexander Mejia is known as an aggressive midfield player with plenty of stamina and strength, which makes him very effective in challenging defenders off the ball.

His impressive performances at international level have drawn interest from top European clubs, but he has so far refused to sign any lucrative contracts abroad Alexander Mejía is a Colombian footballer who plays as a midfielder for Atlético Nacional. 

Alexander Mejía started his career at Deportes Quindío before joining Once Caldas on loan in 2011.

In 2012, he joined Atlético Nacional and has since made 88 appearances in the Colombian top flight. Alexander Mejía was called up to the Colombia national team in 2012 and has since made 27 appearances for them, scoring one goal. 

He is set to join Libertad after leaving Atlética Nacional in 2021 and will continue playing for them until 2022 when he joins Atlas de Cali.

3. Giovanni Moreno

Midfielder

Career

• : Florida Soccer
• Years: Team: Apps: (Gls)
• 2006–2008: Envigado: 66: (40)
• 2008–2010: Atletico Nacional: 67: (34)
• 2010–2012: Racing Club: 47: (11)
• 2012–2021: Shanghai Shenhua: 210: (70)
• 2022: Atletico Nacional: 14: (2)
• 2008–2018: Colombia: 21: (3)
• *Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 8 May 2022, ‡ National team caps and goals, correct as of 27 March 2018

Giovanni Moreno is an attacking midfielder who currently plays for Club Atlético Nacional in Colombia. He made his professional debut with Atlético Nacional at the age of just 18, and has since gone on to make over 200 appearances for them.

With versatility across the midfield area, Moreno has been equally as effective playing off either wing – a valuable attribute in today's game. In 2012, he joined Chinese side Shanghai Shenhua on a two-year loan deal and helped them win the Chinese Super League title that year.

After returning to Colombia, Moreno rejoined Atlético Nacional in 2016 and has continued to be one of their most consistent players domestically and abroad alike; making 33 appearances for Ecuador during 2018 FIFA World Cup qualification campaign so far. 

Giovanni Moreno is a Colombian international footballer who plays for Shanghai Shenhua in the Chinese Super League.

Giovanni Moreno began his career with Envigado before moving to Atletico Nacional in 2008. In 2010, he moved to Racing Club where he would make 47 appearances and score 11 goals over 3 seasons. 

He joined Shanghai Shenhua ahead of the 2018 season and has since made 210 total appearances for the club, scoring 70 goals along the way. 

Giovanni Moreno has been a regular member of Colombia's national team and has represented them at various tournaments including Copa America Centenario, World Cup qualifiers, and Gold Cups.

With over 190 total appearances for Shanghai Shenhua, Lorenzo Gattuso announced on 7 May 2022 that Giovanni Moreno will be retiring from football at the end of the current season.

4. René Higuita

Goalkeeper

Career

• : Millonarios
• Years: Team: Apps: (Gls)
• 1985: Millonarios: 16: (7)
• 1986–1992: Atlético Nacional: 112: (1)
• 1992: Real Valladolid: 15: (2)
• 1993–1997: Atlético Nacional: 69: (1)
• 1997–1998: Veracruz: 30: (2)
• 1999–2000: Independiente Medellín: 20: (11)
• 2000–2001: Real Cartagena: 21: (0)
• 2001–2002: Atlético Junior: 4: (0)
• 2002–2003: Deportivo Pereira: 13: (0)
• 2004: Aucas: 35: (3)
• 2007: Guaros FC: 10: (5)
• 2008: Deportivo Rionegro: 10: (3)
• 2008–2009: Deportivo Pereira: 12: (5)
• Total: : 380: (41)
• 1987–1999: Colombia[2]: 68: (3)

Higuita is a former Colombian goalkeeper who played for Atlético Nacional and Real Valladolid. Higuita made his debut for Millonarios in 1985 and went on to play 112 games for the club over the next two years.

Higuita moved to Atlético Nacional in 1992 and remained with them until 1997, winning 69 caps during that time. Higuita then signed for Veracruz before returning to Atlético Nacional three years later where he stayed until 1998.

In 2007, Higuita became goalkeeping coach at Atlético Nacional after retiring from playing professionally. Higuita has represented Colombia at international level on several occasions.

Most notably earning 23 caps between 1990 and 1994 without ever scoring a goal René Higuita is an all-time leading scorer for Colombian club Independiente Medellín, and was also part of the squad that won the Copa América in 1993.

Higuita played for Real Cartagena before joining Atlético Junior on loan, where he made a significant impact by scoring 14 goals in 41 appearances. He then signed for Pereira but left after just 12 games to join Aucas.

Where he would go on to score 35 goals in 85 matches over two seasons. Higuita had stints with Guaros FC and Deportivo Rionegro before retiring from football at the end of 2008 following his spell with Pereira.

In total, René Higuita scored 380 career goals across 68 international appearances for Colombia – making him one of their most successful ever players.

5. Leonel Álvarez

Career

• Years: Team: Apps: (Gls)
• 1983–1986: Independiente Medellín: 189: (3)
• 1987–1989: Atlético Nacional: 42: (0)
• 1990: América de Cali: 0: (0)
• 1990–1992: Real Valladolid: 35: (0)
• 1992–1995: América de Cali: 115: (5)
• 1996: Dallas Burn: 22: (3)
• 1997: Veracruz: 20: (2)
• 1998–1999: Dallas Burn: 48: (0)
• 1999–2001: New England Revolution: 58: (2)
• 2002: Deportivo Pereira: 25: (1)
• 2003–2004: Deportes Quindío: 16: (0)
• Total: : 570: (16)
• 1985–1997: Colombia: 101: (1)
• 2007: Deportivo Pereira (assistant)
• 2008–2009: Independiente Medellín (assistant)
• 2009–2010: Independiente Medellín
• 2010–2011: Colombia (assistant)
• 2011: Colombia
• 2012: Once Caldas
• 2012: Itagüí
• 2012–2014: Deportivo Cali
• 2014: Veracruz
• 2015–2017: Independiente Medellín
• 2017–2018: Cerro Porteño
• 2018–2019: Club Libertad
• 2022: Águilas Doradas
• 2023–: Cienciano
• *Club domestic league appearances and goals

Alvarez started his senior career with Independiente Medellín in 1983. He moved to Atlético Nacional the following year and made 42 appearances for them over two seasons.

He then spent time at Real Valladolid before joining América de Cali in 1990. Alvarez had a successful five-year spell with America, helping the club win three Colombian titles during that time as well as reaching the Copa Libertadores final in 1995.

After leaving America, he returned to Colombia and played for Veracruz from 1997 until his retirement in 2002 at the age of 35 years old due to injury.

In total, Leonel Álvarez played 189 games (including cup matches) during his professional career and scored 3 goals. Since retiring from playing professionally, Leonel Álvarez has managed Cienciano (the team he won Colombian league title with back in 1998) on multiple occasions since 2010.

6. Jefferson Duque

Forward

Career

• Years: Team: Apps: (Gls)
• 2005: Depor Aguablanca: 0: (0)
• 2006–2008: Deportivo Pereira: 43: (18)
• 2011–2012: Deportivo Rionegro: 44: (31)
• 2012–2016: Atlético Nacional: 80: (34)
• 2016: → Atlas (loan): 11: (5)
• 2016–2019: Atlas: 47: (11)
• 2017: → Deportivo Cali (loan): 40: (16)
• 2018: → Morelia (loan): 4: (0)
• 2019: Santa Fe: 23: (6)
• 2020–: Atlético Nacional: 32: (20)
• *Club domestic league appearances and goals

Jefferson Duque is a Colombian forward who currently plays for Atlético Nacional. Jefferson made his senior debut in 2010 with La Equidad, before joining Atlético Nacional three years later.

He has scored over 50 goals in all competitions for the club, and was part of the team that won the 2014 Copa Libertadores. Jefferson has been called up to Colombia's national team on multiple occasions, and represented his country at both the World Cup and Olympic Games tournaments.

In 2015 he became one of Colombia's highest-paid players after signing a contract with Atlético Nacional worth €7 million (£6 million). 

Jefferson is married to Yareli Gomez, and they have two children together: Aydan and Izaiah; both were born in Medellín. Jefferson Duque is a Colombian player who has played for Depor Aguablanca, Deportivo Pereira, Atlético Nacional, and Atlas in Colombia.

Jefferson Duque primarily plays as a midfielder but can also play as a defender or forward. Jefferson Duque won the 2013 Copa Sudamericana with Atlético Nacional and was named in the 2015 U-20 World Cup Team of the Tournament. 

Jefferson Duque moved to Atlas in 2016 on a loan from Atlético Nacional and made 47 appearances for them before moving to Santa Fe in 2019 on loan.

7. Edwin Cardona

Career

• 2006–2009: Atlético Nacional
• Years: Team: Apps: (Gls)
• 2009–2014: Atlético Nacional: 75: (19)
• 2012: → Santa Fe (loan): 34: (4)
• 2013: → Junior (loan): 37: (7)
• 2015–2019: Monterrey: 80: (31)
• 2017–2018: → Boca Juniors (loan): 31: (7)
• 2019: → Pachuca (loan): 32: (8)
• 2020–2021: Tijuana: 5: (0)
• 2020–2021: → Boca Juniors (loan): 30: (7)
• 2022–: Racing Club: 16: (2)
• 2009–2011: Colombia U20: 16: (8)
• 2014–: Colombia: 45: (6)

Edwin Cardona is a Colombian attacking midfielder who first emerged in the Ecuadorian top-flight with Atlético Nacional. He signed for Monterrey ahead of the 2015 season and has since become an important member of their squad, scoring 31 goals in 80 appearances.

Cardona was part of Colombia's victorious Copa América Centenario team this year and he will look to build on that success when they compete at the 2019 World Cup qualifiers later this year. Edwin Cardona is a Colombian international footballer who plays for Boca Juniors and the Colombia national team.

Cardona started his career at Atlético Nacional, playing until he was loaned out to Pachuca in Mexico in 2017. He then joined Boca on a permanent basis the following year, scoring goals against rivals River Plate and Buenos Aires Wanderers en route to an eighth-place finish in La Liga Argentina. 

After making 32 appearances for Pachuca over two seasons, Cardona signed with Tijuana on a season-long loan deal ahead of the 2020–21 Mexican Clausura campaign.

In January 2021, he made his debut for Colombia as they won their first Copa América title since 1932 by beating Venezuela 1–0 in the final match held at Estadio Centenario in Montevideo. 

His impressive displays during Colombia's successful tournament saw him named player of the tournament and also win Best Forward award at The Best Awards Gala ceremony later that month; becoming only the second Colombian after Fernando Peñaranda to receive both honours (following Peñaranda's 1994 World Cup winner).

After helping Tijuana secure promotion back to Liga MX via top spot during their inaugural season back within Mexico's professional football pyramid, EdwinCardonawas transferred once again on 30 May 2022 - this time joining Racing Club de Avellaneda from Argentina.

8. Carmelo Valencia

Career

• Years: Team: Apps: (Gls)
• 2003–2004: Atlético Nacional: 12: (1)
• 2005: Real Cartagena: 15: (4)
• 2005: Deportivo Pasto: 17: (5)
• 2006–2008: Atlético Nacional: 73: (16)
• 2009: Millonarios: 40: (15)
• 2010: Ulsan Hyundai: 19: (6)
• 2011–2012: Newells Old Boys: 8: (1)
• 2012: La Equidad: 45: (17)
• 2013–2014: Tianjin Teda: 55: (23)
• 2015–2016: Beijing Enterprises Group: 40: (15)
• 2017–2018: La Equidad: 37: (13)
• 2018: America de Cali: 7: (1)
• 2018–2019: Independiente Santa Fe: 16: (4)
• 2019: Cucuta Deportivo: 25: (10)
• 2020–: Atlético Junior: 65: (11)
• 2007–2008: Colombia: 3: (0)
• *Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 15:26, 26 March 2022 (UTC)

Carmelo Valencia is a Colombian forward who currently plays for Atlético Junior. He began his career with Atlético Nacional before making a move to Real Cartagena in 2005.

In 2006, he signed for Deportivo Pasto and went on to make over 100 appearances for the club before retiring at the end of the 2014 season. Valencia has represented Colombia at senior level on several occasions, including at the 2006 and 2010 World Cups as well as Euro 2012.

At international level, he is perhaps best known for scoring two goals in Colombia's 3-1 victory over Spain during their final group stage game at the 2010 World Cup finals in South Africa which secured qualification for the knockout stages of that tournament Valencia was born on July 25, 1989 in Medellín, Antioquia.

Valencia started his career with Atlético Nacional before moving to Millonarios in 2009. Valencia had a very successful campaign with Ulsan Hyundai last season and has been linked with a move to Europe this summer.

 With La Equidad, he won the Colombian Cup in 2017 and 2018 as well as the Apertura title this year. America de Cali announced their signing of him earlier this month and he is expected to make his debut during the 2019 season.

9. Carlos Díaz

Career

• Years: Team: Apps: (Gls)
• 2001–2010: Atlético Nacional: 142: (6)
• 2009–2010: → Once Caldas (loan): 23: (2)
• 2010: → Envigado (loan): 19: (0)
• 2011–2012: Cúcuta Deportivo: 23: (0)
• 2012–2013: Deportivo Pereira: 23: (1)
• 2013–2016: Atlético Huila: 79: (5)
• 2016–: Boyacá Chicó: 0: (0)
• *Club domestic league appearances and goals

Carlos Alberto Díaz is a defender who currently plays for Atlético Nacional. He has played in the Colombian league and international tournaments including the Copa América Centenario.

Carlos was born in Necoclí, Colombia on 28 November 1982 and raised there before moving to play football at Instituto Tecnológico de Santo Domingo (ITS) where he progressed through their youth ranks to make his senior debut in 2003.

After impressing whilst playing for ITS, Carlos joined Apertura side Independiente Medellín where he made over 100 appearances over six seasons before joining Atlético Nacional ahead of the 2014 season. 

Known as an immovable object at the back, Carlos has won numerous awards during his career including three Colombian Primera Division titles with Atlético Nacional as well as being named Defender of the Year twice (in 2011 and 2012).

In total, Carlos has made over 350 appearances across all competitions and retired from playing at the end of 2015–16 season having helpedAtlético Nacional win two consecutive Colombian championship titles.

10. Stefan Medina

Defender

Career

• 2010–2014: Atlético Nacional
• 2014: Monterrey
• 2016–2017: Pachuca (loan)
• 2009: Colombia U17
• 2013: Colombia

Stefan Medina is a Colombian football player who currently plays for Mexican club Monterrey. He has represented his country at youth level and made one appearance for the senior team, during Colombia's successful campaign in the 2017 Copa America.

Stefan Medina predominantly played right-back throughout his career but can also fill in at left-back or even as a central midfielder if needed. In 2016, he signed with Monterrey from Atlético Nacional where he had spent four seasons prior to that point.

At international level, Stefan Medina has been capped once by Colombia and was part of their squad for the 2017 Copa America which they reached the quarter finals of before being knocked out by Venezuela on penalties after a 1-1 draw following extra time (120 minutes).

With over 100 appearances for Monterrey across all competitions, Stefan Medina will be looking to help them win their first Liga MX title since 1997 this season.

Also Played For: monterrey

11. Christian Marrugo

Midfielder

Career

• : Atlético Nacional
• Years: Team: Apps: (Gls)
• 2002–2006: Atlético Nacional: 94: (14)
• 2006–2007: Santa Fe: 51: (13)
• 2008–2012: Deportes Tolima: 212: (30)
• 2013–2017: Pachuca: 15: (0)
• 2013–2014: → Veracruz (loan): 17: (5)
• 2014: → Deportivo Cali (loan): 21: (1)
• 2014–2017: → Independiente Medellín (loan): 93: (15)
• 2017–2020: Club Puebla: 54: (5)
• 2018–2019: → Millonarios (loan): 37: (3)
• 2020–2022: Rionegro Águilas: 13: (4)
• 2008–2012: Colombia: 11: (0)
• *Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 217:52, 17 January 2021 (UTC)

Christian Marrugo is an experienced Colombian midfielder who currently plays for Independiente Medellín. He started his career at Atlético Nacional, before moving to more prestigious clubs in Europe and South America during his time as a professional footballer.

Marrugo has made over 100 appearances for Independiente Medellín since joining the club in 2014, scoring six goals along the way. 

Christian Marrugo is a Colombian footballer who currently plays for Club Puebla. He has played in the Mexican Primera División and Copa Libertadores with Atlético Nacional, Santa Fe, Deportes Tolima, Pachuca and Independiente Medellín respectively.

Christian was born on 17 February 1987 in Bogotá, Colombia. At international level he has represented his country at under-20s level and made 11 appearances between 2008 and 2012 scoring one goal 4. Christian joined Club Puebla from Independiente Medellín in January 2020.

12. Carlos Rentería

Career

• Years: Team: Apps: (Gls)
• 2006–2008: Real Cartagena: 47: (7)
• 2008: Atlético Huila: 16: (10)
• 2008: Atlético Nacional: 25: (2)
• 2008–2010: → Atlético Huila (loan): 12: (2)
• 2010–2011: La Equidad: 38: (18)
• 2011–2012: Atlético Nacional: 51: (18)
• 2012–2014: → Atlético Junior (loan): 12: (1)
• 2014–2015: Patriotas: 53: (19)
• 2008: Colombia: 1: (0)
• *Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of May 20, 2013, ‡ National team caps and goals, correct as of July 15, 2009

Carlos Rentería is a striker who has played for Real Cartagena in the Colombian Primera A. He made his debut with the team in 2006 and went on to score 47 goals over seven seasons.

Carlos is known as one of Colombia's most prolific forwards and was named Chocó Player of the Year in 2012. In 2013, he moved to Ecuadorian side Emelec and helped them win promotion to Serie A before joining Deportivo Cali this past January.

Carlos is also a regular for Colombia at international level, having represented his country at Under-20, U21, and senior levels Carlos Rentería is a Colombian footballer who currently plays for Atlético Junior. Carlos has represented his country at international level, and played in the 2008 Copa América.

He started his career with Atlético Huila before joining La Equidad in 2010. In 2011, he signed for Atlético Nacional where he made over 50 appearances and helped the side win the Apertura title that year. In 2012, Carlos joined Patriotas where he spent two seasons before moving to Atlético Junior on a loan deal in 2014.

13. Juan Pablo Ángel

Forward

Career

• Atlético Nacional
• 1993–1997: Atlético Nacional
• 1997–2001: River Plate
• 2001–2007: Aston Villa
• 2007–2010: New York Red Bulls
• 2011: Los Angeles Galaxy
• 2011–2012: Chivas USA
• 2013–2014: Atlético Nacional
• 1995–2005: Colombia
• *Club domestic league appearances and goals

Juan Pablo Ángel is a retired Colombian striker who played for Atlético Nacional, Valencia CF, New York Red Bulls and Deportivo Cali. He started his career with Atlético Nacional in 1996 and went on to play for Valencia CF (Spain), New York Red Bulls (USA) and Deportivo Cali (Colombia).

He was the top scorer of the 2001 Copa América which Colombia won. In 2008 he joined MLS side, the New York Red Bulls where he finished his playing career in 2011 after suffering an injury while on loan at Chivas USA.

After finishing his playing days Juan Pablo Juan Pablo Ángel is a Colombian footballer who has played for Atlético Nacional, River Plate and Aston Villa in his country's top flight.

He was signed by New York Red Bulls in 2011 and made 22 appearances before being sold to Los Angeles Galaxy the following year. Juan Pablo Ángel later joined Chivas USA where he spent two seasons before returning to Colombia with Atlético Nacional in 2014. 

The defender made 47 appearances for the club over two years before retiring at the end of 2016 due to injury.

Also Played For: new york red bulls, aston villa f.c

14. Macnelly Torres

Midfielder

Career

• 1994–2001: Junior
• Years: Team: Apps: (Gls)
• 2002–2005: Junior: 79: (6)
• 2005–2008: Cúcuta: 84: (11)
• 2008–2011: Colo-Colo: 81: (15)
• 2011–2013: Atlético Nacional: 79: (13)
• 2011: → San Luis (loan): 16: (1)
• 2013–2014: Al Shabab: 22: (1)
• 2015: Junior: 19: (2)
• 2015–2018: Atlético Nacional: 90: (14)
• 2018: Deportivo Cali: 13: (1)
• 2019: Libertad: 22: (2)
• 2020: Alianza Petrolera: 9: (1)
• 2003: Colombia U20: 5: (0)
• 2005–2017: Colombia: 48: (4)
• *Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 18:19, 19 May 2021 (UTC)

Macnelly Torres is a Colombian attacking midfielder who has played for Atlético Nacional and the Colombia national team. Torres made his senior debut in 2002 at the age of just 17, and went on to play 79 games for Atlético Nacional over six seasons.

In 2006, he transferred to Spanish side Racing Santander, where he helped them win promotion to La Liga that year. He returned to Atlético Nacional in 2009, but was sold to Mexican club América in 2011 after two successful seasons with the Colombians.

Torres rejoined América ahead of their 2014 Clausura campaign, helping them reach the CONCACAF Champions League semi-finals before retiring from playing later that year due to injury aged 32 years old.

Macnelly Torres holds both Colombian (A) and Spanish citizenship having represented both countries at international level. After retirement from professional football, Macnelly currently works as an ambassador for UNICEF Colombia.

15. Alejandro Guerra

Midfielder

Career

• 2002–2004: Caracas
• 2003–2010: Caracas
• 2004–2005: Juventud Antoniana (loan)
• 2010–2011: Deportivo Anzoátegui
• 2011–2015: Mineros de Guayana
• 2014: Atletico Nacional (loan)
• 2015–2016: Atletico Nacional
• 2017–2020: Palmeiras
• 2019: Bahia (loan)
• 2021: Delfines del Este
• 2005: Venezuela U20
• 2006–2017: Venezuela
• *Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 12 September 2020, ‡ National team caps and goals, correct as of 01:26, 24 March 2017 (UTC)

Alejandro Guerra is a Venezuelan attacking midfielder who has played for Caracas, Palmeiras and River Plate in his career. Alejandro Guerra began his professional career at Caracas in 2002 before moving to Palmeiras the following year.

At Palmeiras he won three Brazilian titles including two Copa Libertadores (2007, 2010) and one Intercontinental Cup (2009). 

He also played in the 2009 FIFA Club World Cup with River Plate where they reached the final but were defeated by Barcelona.

In 2011, Alejandro Guerra joined River Plate on loan from Palmeiras and helped them win their sixth Argentine league title that season as well as their first ever Copa Argentina. 

After returning to Palmeiras, he signed for Atlético Madrid on a permanent basis in January 2013 but only made five appearances before joining Al-Nassr FC of Saudi Arabia in July of that same year.

Alejandro Guerra rejoined Atlético Madrid on loan again ahead of the 2016–17 season and scored 10 goals during 38 matches which helped them clinch La Liga title and reach the UEFA Champions League group stage for the first time since 1995–96 campaign.

This was followed by another successful stint at Al-Nassr where he won back-to-back UAE Pro League titles (2017–18, 2018–19).

On 8 August 2019 it was announced that Alejandro Guerra had signed with MLS side Columbus Crew SC pending receipt of his P1 visa.

Alejandro Guerra generally plays as an attacking midfielder or central forward although he can also fill any other position within team formations depending upon needs at any given moment. 

This versatility has earned him nicknames such as 'El Tuca' ('The Chief') due to his leadership qualities both on and off the pitch.

At the international level, Alejandro González has represented Venezuela at Under 17s, U20s (three times), senior squads making his full debut against Peru on 21 March 2007 going onto make 56 caps scoring six goals[5], captaining Venezuela to their second place finish at CONMEBOL's 2014 World Cup qualification tournament.

Also Played For: venezuela national football team, copa libertadores

16. Juan David Valencia

Defender

Career

• : Independiente Medellín
• Years: Team: Apps: (Gls)
• 2004–2008: Independiente Medellín: 20: (0)
• 2007–2008: → Caracas (loan): 18: (1)
• 2008–2009: Atlético Huila: 29: (8)
• 2009–2011: Independiente Medellín: 55: (3)
• 2011–2012: → Junior (loan): 31: (5)
• 2012–2015: Atlético Nacional: 102: (14)
• 2016: Santa Fe: 9: (0)
• 2016–2017: Independiente Medellín: 25: (4)
• 2017–2019: Santa Fe: 31: (4)
• 2010: Colombia: 3: (0)
• *Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 20:10, 30 September 2019 (UTC)

Juan David Valencia is a left back who has played for Independiente Medellín and most recently Atlético Nacional. He started his career at hometown club Independiente Medellín before moving to Atlético Nacional in 2010.

Valencia was part of the Colombia national team that reached the quarter-finals of the 2014 World Cup, where they were beaten by France. In 2016 he joined Racing Santander on loan from Atlético Nacional but returned to his parent club after just one season.

At 36 years old, Valencia still has plenty of footballing left in him and could be an important player for any side he joins next season Valencia was born on 21 September 1988 in Medellín, Colombia. 

Valencia started his career with Independiente Medellín, where he proceeded to make over 200 appearances and score 20 goals between 2004 and 2008.

In 2007, Valencia transferred to Caracas of Venezuela on a loan deal before joining Atlético Huila the following year. 

After two seasons with Atlético Huila, Valencia joined Independiente Medellín once again for three more years from 2009-2011 before moving onto Junior for one season in 2012. 

On 1 January 2015, Valencia signed for Atlético Nacional of Colombia as their new captain/defender after being released by Santa Fe at the end of the previous campaign.

He made 102 appearances and scored 14 goals during his time at Nacional until leaving them in 2017 to join Independiente Medellín once again as a free agent (he had previously left them midway through the 2014 season).

During his second stint with Independiente Medellín which began in December 2016, he helped lead them to victory in both Copa Sudamericana (the South American Cup) and Apertura (the Colombian Premier Division's opening tournament).

Scoring four times along the way including one against Racing Santander on 2 February 2017 - making him only the third player ever after Falcao and Álvaro Negrete de la Torre to win Copa Sudamericana and Apertura titles simultaneously while playing for different clubs.

(The first two were accomplished by Peñarol's José Suárez respectively whilst they played for River Plate). 

On 7 July 2019 it was announced that Valencia had signed a contract extension until 2020 with Argentine side San Lorenzo who finished 3rd place overall behind champions Velez Sarsfield & Boca Juniors this past season.

This follows news earlier that summer that Juan Carlos Osorio would be taking charge as manager of Mexico national team beginning from October 2019 onwards.

17. Fernando Uribe

Forward

Career

• : Atlético Huila
• Years: Team: Apps: (Gls)
• 2003–2005: Atlético Huila: 17: (1)
• 2006–2007: Girardot: 23: (1)
• 2008: Cortuluá: 28: (1)
• 2009: Deportivo Pereira: 19: (8)
• 2010: Once Caldas: 36: (24)
• 2011–2012: Chievo: 12: (2)
• 2012–2015: Atlético Nacional: 47: (15)
• 2014–2015: → Millonarios (loan): 37: (25)
• 2015–2018: Toluca: 100: (44)
• 2018–2019: Flamengo: 32: (7)
• 2019–2020: Santos: 15: (0)
• 2021-: Millonarios: 17: (11)
• 2010: Colombia: 2: (0)
• *Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 01:38, 14 August 2020 (UTC), ‡ National team caps and goals, correct as of 31 March 2013 Junior F.C, , 2021

Fernando Uribe is a Colombian striker who currently plays for Junior. Fernando Uribe started his career with Atlético Huila before moving to Girardot in 2006.

In 2008, Fernando Uribe joined Cortuluá where he spent two seasons before joining Junior this year. Fernando Urieve is known for his goalscoring abilities and has scored over 100 league goals in his career so far.

Fernando Uribe is an experienced player having played at international level for Colombia on several occasions Uribe is a talented attacking midfielder who has played for several top-flight clubs in Colombia. Uribe was born on November 10, 1992 and started playing football at an early age.

Uribe made his professional debut with Deportivo Pereira in 2009 and quickly established himself as one of the club's key players. In 2010, he joined Once Caldas and helped the team win the Colombian Cup that year. 

Urieve transferred to Italian side Chievo in 2012 but failed to reproduce the same form that he had displayed at previous clubs; however, he did help them reach the Europa League semi-finals that season.

He then moved to Atlético Nacional where he spent four seasons before joining Millonarios on loan in 2015; during this spell, he helped lead his side to promotion to Liga MX (the top flight of Mexican soccer). 

After helping Millonarios secure their first title since 1972 last season, Uribe returned home to Toluca for 2018–19 campaign; despite some initial mixed results, they eventually finished as runners-up behind Club America.

18. Miguel Borja

Forward

Career

• 2011: Deportivo Cali
• 2011: Deportivo Cali
• 2011: Cúcuta Deportivo
• 2012–2014: Cortuluá
• 2013: La Equidad (loan)
• 2013–2014: Livorno (loan)
• 2014: Olimpo (loan)
• 2015: Livorno
• 2015: Santa Fe (loan)
• 2016: Cortuluá
• 2016: Atlético Nacional
• 2017–2021: Palmeiras
• 2020–2021: Atlético Junior (loan)
• 2021: Grêmio (loan)
• 2022: Atlético Junior
• 2022: River Plate
• 2013: Colombia U20
• 2016: Colombia Olympic
• 2016: Colombia

Borja is a Colombian forward who currently plays for River Plate. Borja made his senior debut with Cortuluá in 2011 and went on to play 33 times for the club over the next three seasons.

In 2013, Borja spent time on loan at La Equidad before joining River Plate permanently in 2014. Borja has scored eight goals in 33 appearances for Cortuluá since making his senior debut and he is one of the most experienced players in Colombia's top flight league system.

Borja is known as a physical striker who can score from distance, making him an important member of River Plate's squad Miguel Borja was born in Medellín, Antioquia on 5th of February 1991. 

Miguel Borja's professional football career started with Atlético Nacional where he spent 3 seasons between 2013 and 2016.

In January 2017, Miguel signed for Brazilian side Palmeiras. He made his debut for the club in a Copa Libertadores match against Pachuca, and went on to make 19 appearances during the season before joining River Plate on loan midway through the year. 

Miguel won promotion to La Liga with River Plate following their victory in the 2018–19 Argentine Primera Division title playoff final over Boca Juniors which saw him score 2 goals in 4 games played throughout that tournament including both ofRiver Plate's penalties shootout wins (the first being decisive).

On 10th July 2019, it was announced that Borja had transferred from Palmeiras to Italian Serie A side Juventus FC for an undisclosed fee believed to be around €25 million (£21 million).

Also Played For: club atlético river plate

19. Víctor Ibarbo

Forward

Career

• 2001–2008: Club La Cantera
• 2008–2011: Atlético Nacional
• 2011–2017: Cagliari
• 2015: → Roma (loan)
• 2015–2016: → Watford (loan)
• 2016: → Atlético Nacional (loan)
• 2016–2017: → Panathinaikos (loan)
• 2017: → Sagan Tosu (loan)
• 2018–2019: Sagan Tosu
• 2019: → V-Varen Nagasaki (loan)
• 2020–: V-Varen Nagasaki
• 2007–2010: Colombia U20
• 2010–2016: Colombia
• *Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 18:45, 30 August 2022 (UTC)

Segundo Víctor Ibarbo is a Colombian winger who currently plays for Japanese club V-Varen Nagasaki. He began his senior career at Club La Cantera in 2001, before moving to Greek side PAOK FC in 2006.

Ibarbo joined Panathinaikos in 2016, and helped the team win the Superleague title that year. He has also represented Colombia at youth level, making 33 appearances between 2001 and 2008. 

Segundo Victor Ibarbo is known as an attacking player with excellent dribbling skills and speed on the wings Víctor Ibarbo is a Colombian international footballer who plays for Italian club Cagliari and the Colombia national team.

He started his career with Atlético Nacional, before moving to Italian side Cagliari in 2011. In 2016, he joined Watford on loan, before rejoining Cagliari the following year. 

Ibarbo has represented Colombia at both under-20 and senior levels, scoring 16 goals in 51 appearances over seven years combined. He was named captain of Colombia's squad for the 2018 World Cup qualifiers against Peru and Chile earlier this year.

20. Juan Camilo Zúñiga

Midfielder

Career

• Years: Team: Apps: (Gls)
• 2002–2008: Atlético Nacional: 121: (9)
• 2008–2009: Siena: 28: (0)
• 2009–2018: Napoli: 125: (4)
• 2016: → Bologna (loan): 9: (0)
• 2016–2017: → Watford (loan): 21: (1)
• 2018: → Atlético Nacional (loan): 4: (0)
• Total: : 308: (14)
• 2005: Colombia U20: 4: (0)
• 2005–2015: Colombia: 61: (1)
• *Club domestic league appearances and goals

Juan Camilo Zúñiga is a Colombian international footballer who currently plays for Napoli. He spent his early years playing with hometown club Chigorodó before joining Millonarios in 2004.

Zúñiga made his debut for Colombia in 2006 and has since gone on to make over 50 appearances, scoring four goals. In 2009, he joined Serie A side Napoli where he has since played 172 games and scored 15 times.

After finishing his contract with Napoli at the end of the 2016-17 season, Zuniga moved back to Colombia and signed for Atlético Nacional Juan Camilo Zúñiga is a Colombian professional footballer who plays for Atlético Nacional.

He has played in club football for Atlético Nacional, Siena, Napoli and Bologna on loan from Napoli. In 2017 he joined Watford on loan until the end of the season where he made 9 appearances before returning to his parent club Napoli later that year.

Juan Camilo scored 4 goals in 14 appearances during his time with Atlético Nacional and Colombia U20s respectively making him an important part of their squad over the years.

21. Julián Estiven Vélez

Career

• : Atlético Nacional
• Years: Team: Apps: (Gls)
• 2004–2006: Deportes Quindío: 57: (0)
• 2006: Deportivo Pereira: 27: (0)
• 2007–2009: Atlético Nacional: 55: (1)
• 2010–2012: Ulsan Hyundai: 90: (1)
• 2013: Vissel Kobe: 28: (0)
• 2014: Jeju United: 12: (0)
• 2014–2015: Tokushima Vortis: 44: (2)
• 2006–2008: Colombia: 15: (0)
• *Club domestic league appearances and goals

Julián Estiven Vélez is a Colombian football defender who currently plays for Mexican side Puebla. He made his senior debut with Atlético Nacional in 2002 and has since played for several other clubs, including Millonarios, Independiente Medellín, Deportivo Cali and most recently Puebla.

Julián Estiven Vélez was part of Colombia's squad at the 2006 World Cup but did not feature in any matches during the tournament due to injury. 

In total he has made over 200 appearances in the Colombian top flight and won two domestic titles with Atlético Nacional (2005 & 2007) before moving on to play abroad later on in his career.

Julián Estiven Vélez is a versatile player who can operate either as a left back or defensive midfielder, making him an important member of nearly every team he has played for throughout his career so far.

22. Felipe Chará

Career

• : Boca Juniors de Cali
• Years: Team: Apps: (Gls)
• : Deportivo Pereira: :
• –: Atlético Nacional: :
• –: Deportivo Cali: :
• : Colombia U21: :
• *Club domestic league appearances and goals

Felipe Chará is a Colombian defensive midfielder who currently plays for Atlético Madrid. Felipe Chará started his youth career at Boca Juniors de Cali in Colombia before moving to Europe to play for Spanish clubs Valencia, Zaragoza and Atlético Madrid.

Felipe Chará has played over 200 matches in the Spanish La Liga and helped Atlético Madrid win the 2013–14 Copa del Rey trophy. 

He was also part of the Colombian national team that won the 2011 Copa América title, as well as playing at two World Cups - 2006 and 2014 - where they reached the quarter-finals both times.

Felipe Chará made his international debut for Colombia in 2002 and since then he has been a regular fixture in their squad, captaining them on occasion. In 2017 Felipe joined Brazilian side São Paulo on loan until December 2018 with an option to make the move permanent.

23. Farid Díaz

Defender

Career

• Years: Team: Apps: (Gls)
• 2003–2006: Atlético Bucaramanga: 49: (0)
• 2006: Deportivo Rionegro: 27: (0)
• 2007: Junior: 3: (0)
• 2007–2011: Envigado: 71: (0)
• 2008–2011: → Deportivo Pereira (loan): 27: (0)
• 2012–2017: Atlético Nacional: 155: (2)
• 2017–2018: Olimpia: 28: (0)
• 2018: Valledupar: 8: (0)
• 2019: Alianza Petrolera: 43: (0)
• 2020–: Club Nacional: 9: (0)
• 2007–2018: Colombia: 19: (1)

Farid Díaz is a left back currently playing for Club Nacional. He has played for Atlético Bucaramanga, Deportivo Rionegro and Club Nacional since 2003. Farid Díaz was born in Colombia on 20 July 1983.

In 2006, he made his professional debut with Deportivo Rionegro before moving to Atlético Bucaramanga two years later in 2007. After spending two seasons at the Colombian side, Farid joined Junior club Universidad de los Andes in 2010.

Where he would remain until 2013 when he moved to Club Nacional permanently Born on September 3, 1990 in Pereira, Farid Diaz started his professional career with Envigado and made 71 appearances for the club.

After a loan stint at Deportivo Pereira he moved to Atlético Nacional where he has played 155 times. 2. Díaz was part of the Colombia national team that won the 2003 FIFA U-20 World Cup. He has also been capped 8 times by his country's senior side.

24. Alexis Henríquez

Defender

Career

• Years: Team: Apps: (Gls)
• 2002–2011: Once Caldas: 145: (6)
• 2012–2019: Atlético Nacional: 216: (7)
• 2007–2010: Colombia: 5: (0)
• *Club domestic league appearances and goals

Alexis Henriquez is a Colombian professional footballer who currently plays for Atlético Nacional, where he has been since 2006. He made his debut in the top division of Colombia in the 2005 season with Deportivo Cali and helped them to win promotion that year.

In 2006, Henriquez moved to Atlético Nacional and became an important part of their side; he won three league titles (2007, 2009, 2010) and two Copa Libertadores (2007, 2011). On international level,Henriquez has represented Colombia at both the World Cup (2010) and the Confederations Cup (2013).

Outside of footballing duties,he also works as a television pundit for Fox Sports Latino America.

Alexis Henríquez is a Colombian international defender who has enjoyed successful spells at Atlético Nacional and Once Caldas. Alexis started his career in 2002 with Once Caldas, playing 145 matches for the club before moving to Atlético Nacional in 2012.

In total, he made 216 appearances for Atlético Nacional - scoring seven goals - before joining MLS side Columbus Crew SC on loan in 2019. 

With Colombia, Alexis played 5 times between 2007 and 2010, helping the country reach the quarter-finals of the World Cup in Brazil where they were narrowly beaten by Spain on penalties following a 2-2 draw after 120 minutes play.

Known as an uncompromising defender with excellent positional sense, Alexis is likely to be remembered most fondly for his time at Atlético Nacional where .

25. David Ospina

Goalkeeper

Career

• 2005–2008: Atlético Nacional
• 2008–2014: Nice
• 2014–2019: Arsenal
• 2018–2019: Napoli (loan)
• 2019–2022: Napoli
• 2022: Al Nassr
• 2005–2007: Colombia U20
• 2007: Colombia

David Ospina is a Colombia international goalkeeper who currently plays for Al Nassr. David Ospina was born in 1988 and started playing football at the age of six with Atlético Nacional.

After spells with Nice and Arsenal, he joined Al Nassr in 2019. David Ospina has represented his country at various youth levels, including the under-20 World Cup and the Olympics, before making his senior debut in 2008.

He is known for being one of the best goalkeepers in Europe, but also possesses great reflexes which have seen him take over as number one for Colombia during their World Cup qualification campaign this year David Ospina is a Colombian international footballer who plays as goalkeeper for Napoli and the Colombia national team.

He has been capped 127 times, making him the third most-capped player in his country's history. Ospina started out his career at Deportivo Cali before moving to Atlético Nacional in 2007. 

After spending two seasons with Atletico Nacional, he joined Napoli in 2009 where he has since made over 200 appearances, winning several trophies including the Coppa Italia and Supercoppa Italiana.

Ospina represented Colombia at both the Copa América Centenario and the 2018 World Cup where they reached the latter stages of both competitions but were eliminated by France and Spain respectively. 

In June 2019, it was announced that Ospina had signed a three-year contract with Al Nassr which will keep him away from first-team duties with Napoli until 2022.

Also Played For: conmebol, saudi pro league

26. Walter Moreno

Career

• Years: Team: Apps: (Gls)
• 2005: Chico FC: 10: (0)
• 2006–2007: Cúcuta Deportivo: 79: (1)
• 2008–2010: Atlético Nacional: 63: (3)
• 2010–2011: Deportivo Táchira: 30: (2)
• 2011–2013: Mineros de Guayana: 54: (0)
• 2013: Cúcuta Deportivo: 6: (0)
• 2014–: Unión Comercio: 52: (3)
• 2007–2008: Colombia: 10: (0)
• *Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 20 September 2013, ‡ National team caps and goals, correct as of 22:39, 17 February 2010 (UTC)

Walter Moreno is a defender who has played for Unión Comercio in Colombia. He was born on May 18, 1978 in Cali, Colombia. Moreno has represented his country at international level and won silver medals at the 2007 Copa America and 2010 World Cup qualifiers.

In 2009, he joined Spanish side Racing Santander on a two-year contract but left after one season to join Colombian club América de Cali. Moreno made his debut for Colombia in 2001 and has since gone on to make over 100 appearances for his country. 

He retired from international football after the 2014 World Cup qualification campaign which saw them qualify as champions of Group A with six points ahead of Ecuador (who they drew 2–2 against).

Walter Moreno currently plays for Unión Comercio in Colombia where he is captain of their defence.

27. Humberto Mendoza

Career

• Years: Team: Apps: (Gls)
• 2002–2004: Atlético Bucaramanga: 35: (0)
• 2005–2010: Atlético Nacional: 148: (14)
• 2011: → Colón (loan): 3: (0)
• 2011–2012: Real Cartagena: 27: (4)
• 2012: Envigado: 16: (1)
• 2013: Santa Fe: 5: (0)
• 2013: Envigado: 14: (1)
• 2014–2016: Real Cartagena: 90: (12)
• 2017–2018: Atlético Veragüense: 43: (3)
• 2018–2019: San Francisco: 28: (2)
• 2019: Envigado: 12: (1)
• 2020: Llacuabamba: 14: (2)
• 2005–2009: Colombia: 12: (2)
• *Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 18:14, 19 May 2021 (UTC)

A centre back, Mendoza started his career at Atlético Bucaramanga before moving to Colombia's top side Atlético Nacional in 2005. Mendoza has played 148 games for Nacional and was part of the team that won the Colombian Cup in 2010.

He is currently a free agent after leaving Nacional at the end of last season. Mendoza has represented Colombia at international level, making seven appearances and scoring one goal between 2002 and 2004 Humberto Mendoza started his professional career with hometown club Colón.

He had a successful spell at Real Cartagena, helping the club win two league titles and make it to Copa Sudamericana finals in 2011. Mendoza moved abroad in 2012 when he joined Colombian side Envigado, where he spent four years before joining Santa Fe of Peru in 2013. 

After a season back in Colombia with Atlético Veragüense, Mendoza signed for San Francisco of Bolivia ahead of the 2018–19 campaign.

Having enjoyed more success than ever before with San Francisco, Humberto Mendoza left them at the end of the 2019 season to join fellow Bolivian outfit Llacuabamba on a free transfer.

28. Jairo Palomino

Midfielder

Career

• Years: Team: Apps: (Gls)
• 2006–2008: Envigado Fútbol Club: 39: (1)
• 2008–2011: Atlético Nacional: 96: (13)
• 2011–2013: Al-Ahli: 37: (2)
• 2013–2014: → Atlético Nacional (loan): 10: (1)
• 2014: Al Ahli: 2: (0)
• 2015: Atlético Nacional: 15: (1)
• 2016: Once Caldas: 15: (1)
• 2016–2017: Atlético Tucumán: 9: (0)
• 2018: Deportivo Pereira: 27: (7)
• 2019–: Envigado: 40: (7)
• 2007: Colombia U-20: 9: (1)
• 2009: Colombia: 1: (0)
• *Club domestic league appearances and goals

Jairo Palomino is a Colombian defensive midfielder who currently plays for Envigado. He has spent most of his career playing in Colombia, but has also played for Atlético Nacional and Millonarios in his home country.

Palomino made his debut for the Colombia national team in February 2010 and has since gone on to make over 30 appearances. Jairo Palomino is known as a strong tackler and excellent ball-winner in the midfield area, which has seen him earn comparisons with former Manchester United player Roy Keane.

In December 2013, he signed a new contract with Envigado that will keep him at the club until 2020 Jairo Palomino is a versatile midfielder who currently plays for Colombian side Envigado Fútbol Club. He has played for both Atlético Nacional and Al-Ahli in his career, but spent the majority of his time at Al Ahli.

In total, he has made 97 appearances and scored 13 goals across all competitions with the two clubs. Palomino was called up to Colombia's senior squad in 2007, but didn’t make an appearance until 2009 when he featured in a 1-0 victory over Syria during qualification for the 2010 World Cup. 

He went on to play five more times for Colombia before retiring from international football in 2013 after helping them qualify for the 2014 World Cup finals that they ultimately lost to Brazil.

29. José Amaya

Career

• Years: Team: Apps: (Gls)
• 1999–2004: Atlético Junior: 218: (4)
• 2005–2010: Atlético Nacional: 192: (3)
• 2010–2011: Millonarios: 14: (1)
• 2012: Barcelona: 27: (4)
• 2013: Patriotas: 10: (0)
• 2014–2015: Uniautónoma: 45: (1)
• 2007–2008: Colombia: 12: (0)
• *Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 13 December 2015, ‡ National team caps and goals, correct as of 13 December 2015

José Amaya is a Colombian international footballer who currently plays for Patriotas. He has played in the Spanish La Liga, Italian Serie A and German Bundesliga with Atlético Madrid, Valencia CF and Borussia Dortmund respectively.

José Amaya made his senior debut for Colombia in 2003 and has since earned over 50 caps, representing his country at various FIFA World Cup qualification matches as well as Copa America tournaments. 

José Amaya is known for being an excellent defensive midfielder and was named in the 2017 Best XI of the Venezuelan Primera Division by ClubAndaluz TVE after helping to lead Caracas to their first league title in 17 years.

His older brother Andrés also played football professionally; he started his career with Deportivo Cali before later playing for Independiente Medellín, Real Betis Balompié, Racing Santander and Alavés among others.

30. Iván Córdoba

Defender

Career

• Years: Team: Apps: (Gls)
• 1993–1995: Deportivo Rionegro: 42: (1)
• 1996–1998: Atlético Nacional: 73: (1)
• 1998–2000: San Lorenzo: 59: (8)
• 2000–2012: Internazionale: 324: (15)
• Total: : 498: (25)
• 1997–2011: Colombia: 73: (5)

Iván Córdoba is a Colombian defender who has played for Deportivo Rionegro, Venezia and Inter Milan. In 2009, he joined Inter Milan on a free transfer from Venezia.

He made his Serie A debut in the same season. Córdoba was part of Colombia's 2006 FIFA World Cup squad which reached the quarter-finals but was sent off in their match against Greece.

This resulted in him missing the later stages of the tournament as Colombia were eliminated by France on penalties after a 0-0 draw in regulation time.

He also represented his country at Euro 2008 where they reached the semi-final stage before losing to Spain 1-0 on aggregate despite holding them to a goalless draw at home during group play and then beating Portugal 2-1 away from home following extra time thanks to goals from Fredy Guarín and James Rodriguez respectively; it would be his only senior international honor.

With Venezia, he won two Coppa Italia titles (2007–08 & 2010–11) as well as one Supercoppa Italiana trophy (2010). Córdoba originally signed with Deportivo Rionegro until June 2004.

31. Neco Martínez

Goalkeeper

Career

• Years: Team: Apps: (Gls)
• 2001: Envigado: 2: (0)
• 2001: Atlético Huila: 5: (0)
• 2002–2003: Guanacasteca: 7: (0)
• 2003–2004: Envigado: 17: (0)
• 2004–2006: Santa Fe: 61: (0)
• 2006–2009: Sakaryaspor: 43: (0)
• 2007–2008: → Manisaspor (loan): 2: (0)
• 2010–2012: Once Caldas: 57: (0)
• 2012: Envigado: 8: (0)
• 2013: → Atlético Nacional (loan): 21: (0)
• 2014–2016: Atlético Nacional: 45: (0)
• 2017: América de Cali: 0: (0)
• Total: : 268: (0)
• 2003–2011: Colombia: 8: (1)
• *Club domestic league appearances and goals

Neco Martínez is a goalkeeper who has played for several Colombian teams. He made his debut with Envigado in 2001 and went on to play for Atlético Huila in 2002-2003.

Martínez was part of the Colombia national team at youth level, but did not make an appearance at senior level until 2006 when he appeared in two games for the Copa América qualifier against Bolivia.

In 2007, he joined Liga MX side Pachuca de Estados Unidos and spent four seasons there before moving back to Colombia and joining Junior last year. 

At international level, Martínez has represented Colombia at Under-20s, U23s and Olympic levels and was recently named as backup keeper behind David Ospina for this summer's World Cup qualifiers Neco Martínez is a Colombian footballer who currently plays for América de Cali.

Neco was born on December 10, 1985 in Cúcuta, Norte de Santander, Colombia. He started his career at Atlético Nacional before moving to Santa Fe and then Sakaryaspor in Turkey. In 2011 Neco signed with Colón where he played until 2016 when he joined Atletico Nacional again. 

On September 1st 2017 it was announced that Neco had agreed to join América de Cali on loan from Atletico Nacional until the end of the season。 So far this has been Neco’s most successful spell abroad as he has managed 8 appearances without scoring a goal for them so far.

32. Sebastián Pérez

Midfielder

Career

• 2006–2010: Atlético Nacional
• Years: Team: Apps: (Gls)
• 2011–2016: Atlético Nacional: 121: (2)
• 2016–2021: Boca Juniors: 15: (0)
• 2018: → Pachuca (loan): 0: (0)
• 2019: → Barcelona SC (loan): 24: (0)
• 2020–2021: → Boavista (loan): 16: (2)
• 2021–: Boavista: 25: (0)
• 2011–2013: Colombia U20: 16: (0)
• 2015–2016: Colombia Olympic: 7: (0)
• 2016–: Colombia: 10: (1)

Sebastián Pérez is a Colombian defensive midfielder who currently plays for Boavista. He started his career at Atlético Nacional and has since played for Boca Juniors in Argentina and Atlético Nacional again.

Sebastián Pérez has been an important member of the Atlético Nacional team, playing 121 games over two spells with them. Sebastián Pérez is known for his strong tackling ability and leadership skills both on and off the pitch.

Sebastián Pérez was called up to Colombia's national squad in March 2019, but did not feature in any matches as they failed to qualify for the World Cup. In December 2018, Sebastiàn signed a new contract extension with Boavista until 2021 Sebastián Pérez started his career at Atlético Nacional, before moving to Barcelona SC in 2019.

He has represented Colombia at both the Copa América Centenario and Copa America tournaments, where he helped them reach the semifinals of the former. 

Sebastián Pérez is a versatile midfielder who can play as an attacking midfielder or central midfielder; this makes him a valuable asset for any team. In 2021, Sebastián Pérez signed with Boavista on loan until the end of the 2020-21 season.

33. Jairo Patiño

Career

• Years: Team: Apps: (Gls)
• 1998: Deportivo Cali: :
• 1999: Atlético Huila: 31: (8)
• 2000: Deportivo Pasto: 34: (10)
• 2001–2003: Deportivo Cali: 70: (9)
• 2003–2004: Newell's Old Boys: 31: (6)
• 2004–2006: River Plate: 37: (2)
• 2007: Atlético Nacional: 21: (8)
• 2007–2008: Banfield: 35: (5)
• 2008–2009: San Luis: 22: (4)
• 2009–2012: Atlético Nacional: 46: (4)
• 2012–2013: Cúcuta Deportivo: 19: (1)
• 2014: Deportivo Pasto: 17: (1)
• 2015: Llaneros: 2: (0)
• 2003–2007: Colombia: 35: (3)
• 2017–2018: Llaneros
• 2019: Bogotá
• 2020: Cúcuta Deportivo
• *Club domestic league appearances and goals

Jairo Patiño began his career with Deportivo Cali and went on to play for Atlético Huila, Pasto and finally, Deportivo. Jairo is predominantly a midfielder but has been used at various other positions throughout his career.

He has made over 70 appearances in total and scored 8 goals. Jairo is currently playing for Independiente Medellín in the Colombian top-flight league; he has won two titles with this club so far in 2019 and 2020. Jairo Patiño is a Colombian football manager and former player.

He has managed Llaneros in Colombia's top division, the Liga Postobon, as well as Deportivo Pasto in the Copa Sudamericana. A product of Newell's Old Boys' youth system, Patiño made his professional debut with the Buenos Aires-based club in 2003 at just 18 years old. 

After spells with River Plate and Atlético Nacional, he joined Banfield on an Argentine international transfer deadline day in 2007 before moving to San Luis two seasons later.

In December 2009 he was appointed manager of Brazilian side Atlético Nacional after leading Cúcuta Deportivo to their first-ever La Liga championship during his previous spell at the helm; however, this proved to be only a short-lived tenure as he was sacked less than twelve months later due to poor results (including three consecutive losses). 

Returning home once more for a second stint with Llaneros prior to taking up charge of Bogotá Eagles for 2019–20 season, Patiño earned plaudits from neutrals for guiding both clubs through difficult times - including relegation from Division 1 last year - while maintaining morale within both teams throughout his managerial career thus far.

34. Román Torres

Defender

Career

• 2004: Chepo
• 2005: San Francisco
• 2006: Cortuluá
• 2007–2015: La Equidad
• 2010: Atlético Junior (loan)
• 2011: Atlético Nacional (loan)
• 2012–2015: Millonarios (loan)
• 2015–2019: Seattle Sounders FC
• 2019: Tacoma Defiance (loan)
• 2020: Inter Miami
• 2020: Seattle Sounders FC
• 2021: Cartaginés
• 2005: Panama
• *Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 3 May 2021, ‡ National team caps and goals, correct as of 8 July 2022

Román Torres is a Panama international and centre back who has played for both Cartaginés and the national team. He made his professional debut with Cartaginés in 2006, before helping them win promotion to Liga Nacional de Futbol in 2009.

Torres joined Atlético Madrid on loan in 2011, but returned to Panamanian sideCartaginés after just one month because of injury problems. In 2013 he helped Panama reach the quarter-finals of the CONCACAF Gold Cup, before joining Villarreal CF on a five-year deal that same year.

After making 73 appearances for Villarreal over five seasons, Torres signed for Deportivo Alaves in July 2018. On 7 September 2018 he scored his first goal for Alaves against Valencia CF, and was subsequently named LaLiga Player of the Month for September. 

He was also named as part of Panama’s squad for the 2019 FIFA World Cup which they hosted. Román Torres finished as tournament's joint top scorer with 4 goals from 6 matches including 2 assists.

Also Played For: panama football team

35. Aquivaldo Mosquera

Defender

Career

• Years: Team: Apps: (Gls)
• 2000–2005: Atlético Nacional: 154: (13)
• 2005–2007: Pachuca: 77: (7)
• 2007–2009: Sevilla: 41: (0)
• 2009–2014: América: 180: (7)
• 2014–2016: Pachuca: 54: (3)
• 2016: Deportivo Cali: 12: (1)
• 2017: Chiapas: 10: (0)
• 2000–2013: Colombia: 29: (1)
• *Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 6 May 2017, ‡ National team caps and goals, correct as of 13 October 2013

Mosquera started his career with América before moving to Europe in 2006. Mosquera has made over 200 appearances for Colombia and was part of the side that won the Copa America in 2015.

He is now a regular for Club Atlético Nacional in Argentina, having joined them from Colón de Santa Fe at the start of 2017 season. Mosquera has represented Colombia at both World Cups (2006 & 2014) as well as Euro Championships (2008, 2012).

Aquivaldo Mosquera is also an accomplished defender on club level, winning multiple titles with América Medellín, Colón de Santa Fe and Atlético Nacional respectively Aquivaldo Mosquera started his career with Atlético Nacional in 2000. He would go on to play for Pachuca and Sevilla before joining America in 2014.

Mosquera had a successful international career, playing 29 times for Colombia over the course of 10 years. After leaving America, Mosquera joined Chiapas in 2017 where he has continued to be a key player for them domestically and internationally.

36. Jorge Rojas

Career

• 1994: Universidad de Los Andes
• 1995: Unicol
• 1996: Mineros de Guayana
• 1997: Boca Juniors
• Years: Team: Apps: (Gls)
• 1998–1999: Estudiantes Mérida: :
• 1999: Universidad de Los Andes: :
• 2000–2002: Caracas FC: 27: (7)
• 2003: Emelec: 39: (2)
• 2004: Caracas FC: 18: (4)
• 2004–2006: Atlético Nacional: 52: (3)
• 2006–2007: Caracas FC: 49: (10)
• 2007: América de Cali: 22: (4)
• 2008: UA Maracaibo: 21: (3)
• 2008–2009: New York Red Bulls: 32: (2)
• 2010–2011: Deportivo Táchira: 12: (3)
• 2011–2013: Mineros de Guayana: 85: (15)
• 2013: Aragua: 21: (1)
• 2014: Metropolitanos: 17: (7)
• 2015–2017: Deportivo Táchira: 93: (20)
• 2018: ULA: :
• 2018–2019: Metropolitanos: 31: (7)
• 2019: Yaracuy FC: :
• 1999–2009: Venezuela: 91: (3)
• *Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 16:59, 30 November 2019 (UTC)

Jorge Rojas was born in 1977 and played for Caracas FC from 2000-2002. He then went to play for Universidad de Los Andes where he made 27 appearances between 1999-2002.

Jorge Rojas is now a left winger/left back, playing for Estudiantes Mérida in Venezuela. Jorge Rojas began his professional career with Emelec in 2003. He spent four seasons with Caracas FC, before signing for Atlético Nacional in 2006.

Rojas enjoyed a successful spell at America de Cali, where he helped the club win 22 league titles between 2008 and 2009. In 2011, he signed for New York Red Bulls and made 32 appearances over two seasons before returning to Venezuela the following year.

Rojas has since played for Deportivo Táchira (twice), Mineros de Guayana, Aragua and Metropolitanos - all of whom have won national championships during his time with them.

37. José Manuel Rey

Career

• 1994–1995: Marítimo
• 1995–1996: Deportivo B
• 1996–2002: Caracas
• 1999: Emelec (loan)
• 2003: Emelec
• 2004–2005: Pontevedra
• 2006: Atlético Nacional
• 2006–2010: Caracas
• 2007–2008: → AEK Larnaca (loan)
• 2009: Colo-Colo (loan)
• 2011: Mineros Guayana
• 2011–2015: Deportivo Lara
• 1997–2011: Venezuela
• 2015–2016: Venezuela (assistant)
• 2017: Zamora (assistant)
• 2017–2018: Aragua
• 2018–2019: Monagas
• 2020: Zamora
• *Club domestic league appearances and goals

José Manuel Rey is a Venezuelan international footballer who has played for Deportivo B, Caracas and Emelec. Rey made his debut in 1995 with Marítimo before spending six years at Caracas between 1996 and 2002, helping the club win two Copa América titles and three Venezuelan championships.

In 2003, he signed for Ecuadorian side Emelec where he remained until 2007 when he moved to Bahrain Club as a free agent. After one season in Bahrain, José Manuel Rey returned to Venezuela to play for Zulia FC before retiring from professional football in 2011 after playing 111 games over 11 seasons.

He represented Venezuela at the 1991 FIFA U-17 World Championship as well as the 2001 Copa America tournament, both of which were won by the nation under Hugo Sánchez's management.

José Manuel Rey was also part of Rafael Santos' squad that reached the semi-finals of the 2006 World Cup qualifiers but narrowly missed out on qualification for South Africa due to an inferior goal difference against Trinidad & Tobago (1–0).

In March 2016 it was announced that José Manuel Reyes had been appointed head coach of Portuguesa Futebol Clube joining compatriot Bebe scoring 7 goals back then managing Espanyol Valencia.

38. Tressor Moreno

Midfielder

Career

• : Tuluá
• Years: Team: Apps: (Gls)
• 1999: Alianza Lima: 40: (16)
• 2000: Atlético Nacional: 34: (11)
• 2000–2004: Metz: 39: (2)
• 2002: → América de Cali (loan): 14: (5)
• 2002–2003: → Medellín (loan): 35: (9)
• 2004: Deportivo Cali: 16: (4)
• 2005: Once Caldas: 15: (3)
• 2005–2006: Necaxa: 29: (5)
• 2006: Veracruz: 30: (8)
• 2007–2010: San Luis: 89: (16)
• 2010: Medellín: 19: (3)
• 2011–2012: Santiago Wanderers: 23: (1)
• 2012: → San Jose Earthquakes (loan): 12: (0)
• 2013: Atlético Huila: 14: (5)
• 2013: Atlético Junior: 16: (0)
• 2014: Itagüí: 15: (2)
• 2014: Fortaleza: 10: (1)
• 2015: Celaya: 22: (2)
• 2016: Nacional-AM: 0: (0)
• 2000–2008: Colombia: 31: (7)
• *Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 29 July 2016

Moreno currently plays for Atlético Nacional in Colombia. The 43-year-old midfielder started his career with Alianza Lima and went on to play for Metz, América de Cali (on loan), and Atlético Nacional before retiring from football in 2016.

Moreno is known as a creative attacking midfielder who can set up goals for teammates with precise passing abilities. He was part of the Colombian team that won the Copa America in 2015 and played at the World Cup later that year where he made one appearance as a substitute against England.

Moreno has been capped over 100 times by his country, scoring 15 goals along the way, making him an important player within Colombian football circles Tressor Moreno is a Colombian talent who has been in the game for quite some time now. 

He started his career at club Medellín before moving on to play for Deportivo Cali and Once Caldas.

It was with Necaxa that he really made an impact, scoring 29 goals over the course of five years. In 2010, Tressor moved on to San Luis where he continued his good form, helping them win promotion to Liga MX soon after signing. 

The following year saw him join Santiago Wanderers in Indonesia but only managed 23 appearances due to injury problems; however, he still bagged one goal during that spell too.

After returning home in 2013, Tressor signed for Atlético Huila before joining Fortaleza the following season and finally Celaya last year - making 34 total appearances and netting 22 goals along the way.

39. Iván Hurtado

Career

• 1992–1996: Emelec
• 1996–1999: Celaya
• 1999–2001: Tigres
• 2001: Emelec
• 2001–2002: Querétaro
• 2002–2004: Barcelona SC
• 2004: Murcia
• 2004–2005: Pachuca
• 2005–2006: Al Arabi
• 2006: Al-Ahly
• 2007: Atlético Nacional
• 2008: Barcelona SC
• 2008–2009: Millonarios
• 2009–2010: Deportivo Quito
• 2011: Barcelona SC
• 2012: Grecia
• 2015: Deportivo Echeandía
• 1992–2014: Ecuador
• *Club domestic league appearances and goals

Iván Hurtado is a retired Ecuadorian footballer who played for Emelec and Celaya in his country's top division. Iván Hurtado made his professional debut with Emelec in 1992, aged just 18.

He spent six seasons with the club before joining Celaya in 1999. After leaving Celaya, Hurtado had spells at Tigres (2001-2002) and Querétaro (2002). His final appearance came on 14 March 2002 against UANL Laguna in Mexico City's Liga MX.

Iván Hurtada announced his retirement from football after playing his last game for Querétaro on 20 November 2001. 

In total, Iván Hurtado made 102 appearances for Emelec and 89 for Celaya – scoring two goals during that time span. Currently, Iván lives in Spain with his wife and three children.

Iván has been working as a scout since retiring from football,[5] helping to identify young talent across Europe and Latin America.

Also Played For: ecuador national team

40. Miguel Calero

Goalkeeper

Career

• 1986–1988: Deportivo Cali
• 1988–1997: Deportivo Cali
• 1987–1992: Sporting de Barranquilla (loan)
• 1998–2000: Atlético Nacional
• 2000–2011: Pachuca
• 1995–2009: Colombia
• 2011–2012: Pachuca (Goalkeeper Trainer)
• *Club domestic league appearances and goals

Miguel Ángel Calero was born on April 14th, 1971 in Ginebra, Colombia. He started his career with local side Atlético Bucaramanga before moving to Mexican club Pachuca in 1996.

In 2006 he signed for Spanish side Racing Santander and helped the team qualify for the UEFA Champions League after a successful campaign. 

Miguel Calero played for clubs such as Real Madrid, Valencia and SD Eibar before retiring from professional football in 2011 at the age of 38 due to knee injuries sustained during a match against Levante UD. 

Miguel Ángel Calero passed away on December 4th 2012 after suffering a cardiac arrest while playing squash. Miguel Calero is a Colombian goalkeeper who played for Deportivo Cali and Atlético Nacional in his career.

Miguel has captained both of Colombia's national teams, the Under-20s and the senior side, during his time playing internationally. He was announced as Pachuca's new goalkeeping trainer in November 2011, following the resignation of Ariel Ortega. 

Miguel made his professional debut with Deportivo Cali in 1988 and went on to make 670 appearances for them before joining Atlético Nacional two years later. 

After spending two seasons at Atlético Nacional he joined Pachuca permanently where he continued to play until retiring in 2012 at the age of 38 years old.

In total Miguel represented Colombia 50 times between 1995 and 2009 including their World Cup campaigns in 2002 and 2006 where they reached the semi finals respectively.

Following his retirement from football Miguel became a coach, starting out with local team Pasto before taking charge of Unión Magdalena de Córdoba last year.

Also Played For: c.f. pachuca

41. Juan Fernando Quintero

Midfielder

Juan Fernando Quintero is a Colombian professional footballer who plays as an attacking midfielder for Atlético Nacional and the Colombia national team.

Originally from Medellín, Quintero began his career with local side Independiente Cali before moving to Europe to play for Serie A side Udinese in 2009. 

He then spent three seasons with Spanish club Valencia, helping them win the La Liga title in 2012–13 and being named the league's Best Player of the Year that season.

In January 2015, he joined Bundesliga side Schalke 04 on a five-and-a-half year contract; he scored on his debut two months later against Borussia Dortmund in a 5–1 victory.

Setting up goals for Max Kruse and Jermaine Jones en route to scoring Schalke's fifth goal of their 7th round German Cup match victory over Arminia Bielefeld At the international level.

Quintero has represented Colombia at every age group from U16 through to senior level since 2007, making him one of the most capped players in Colombiana history He made his full international debut aged just 18 during a 2014 FIFA World Cup qualification match against Peru which ended 1–1 stalemate.

42. Aldo Leão Ramírez

Midfielder

Career

• : Atlético Nacional
• Years: Team: Apps: (Gls)
• 1999–2005: Santa Fe: 192: (22)
• 2005–2007: Atlético Nacional: 78: (11)
• 2008–2014: Morelia: 196: (12)
• 2009: → Atlético Nacional (loan): 15: (1)
• 2014–2016: Atlas: 52: (2)
• 2016: → Cruz Azul (loan): 31: (2)
• 2017–2019: Atlético Nacional: 86: (10)
• 2019–2020: Rionegro Águilas: 30: (2)
• 2001: Colombia U20: 8: (1)
• 2002–2014: Colombia: 30: (1)
• *Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 18:05, 17 January 2021 (UTC)

Aldo Leão Ramírez is a central midfielder who has played for Atlético Nacional, Valencia CF and Sporting CP in his career. He was born on 18 April 1981 in Santa Marta, Colombia.

Aldo Leão Ramírez started his youth career at Atlético Nacional before moving to Valencia CF and then Sporting CP in 2004. In 2009, he joined Deportivo Cali of the Colombian First Division (Apertura).

After one season with Cali, Aldo moved to FC Twente of the Dutch Eredivisie during the winter transfer window of 2010–11 where he stayed until January 2013 when he transferred to CSKA Moscow also in Russia's top-flight league Premier League .

On 4 July 2016, it was announced that Aldo had signed with Brazilian club Goiás on a three-year deal worth €1 million euros per year. 

Aldo Leão Ramírez is a Colombian professional footballer who plays as a goalkeeper for Atlético Nacional. He has played for Atlético Nacional since 2008, and made his international debut in 2001.

Aldo Leão Ramírez was part of the Colombia squad that reached the quarter-finals of the 2014 FIFA World Cup. In July 2019, Aldo Leão Ramírez joined Mexican club Cruz Azul on a season-long loan deal. 

He is also eligible to play for Ecuador and Peru due to his parents' heritage, but has not received an offer from either country yet.

43. Andrés Escobar

Career

• 1985–1986: Atlético Nacional
• Years: Team: Apps: (Gls)
• 1986–1989: Atlético Nacional: 78: (0)
• 1989–1990: Young Boys: 8: (0)
• 1990–1994: Atlético Nacional: 144: (0)
• Total: : 230: (0)
• 1988–1994: Colombia: 51: (1)
• *Club domestic league appearances and goals

Andrés Escobar was one of the most successful Colombian footballers ever. He played for several clubs, including Manchester United and Barcelona, before his death in 1994 at the age of 27.

Escobar was known as one of the best defenders of his generation and is regarded as one of Colombia's greatest-ever players. His goalscoring record for club and country is unsurpassed. Andres Escobar's death at the height of his career led to a period of mourning in Colombia which has never been forgotten.

The national stadium in Bogotá is now officially called "Andres Escobar Stadium". Andrés Escobar remains an inspiration to young Colombians who love football and look up to him as a role model Andrés Escobar was a Colombian World Cup-winning striker. 

He is the all-time leading goal scorer for Atlético Nacional and one of the most iconic players in Colombian football history.

ESCOBAR played his entire career at Atlético Nacional, where he made 230 appearances and scored 144 goals between 1989 and 1994. 

After winning the World Cup with Colombia in 1990, he moved to Europe to play for Young Boys in Switzerland before returning home to finish his career with Atlético Nacional. Andres Escobar died on January 9th, 2014 after a long battle with cancer at the age of 38 years old.

44. Yerson Candelo

Midfielder

Career

• : Deportivo Cali
• Years: Team: Apps: (Gls)
• 2010–2015: Deportivo Cali: 119: (3)
• 2015–2018: Querétaro: 85: (7)
• 2018–: Atlético Nacional: 89: (5)
• 2022–: Colombia: 1: (0)
• *Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 19:14, 7 September 2021 (UTC), ‡ National team caps and goals, correct as of 11:46, 19 January 2022 (UTC)

Yerson Candelo is a Colombian winger who currently plays for Atlético Nacional. He made his debut in 2011 with the club and since then has become an important part of their squad, scoring 16 goals in all competitions.

In 2013 he was named captain of the Colombia national team and went on to make his international debut that year. Yerson Candelo is known for being fast and strong, as well as being able to score goals from range or close up.

Yerson Candelo is a Colombian international footballer who currently plays for Atlético Nacional. Candelo made his professional debut with Deportivo Cali in 2010 and has since played for Querétaro, Atlético Nacional, and Colombia.

Candelo is known for his powerful shot and defensive skills; he has also been described as an “outstanding” goalkeeper. In 2018, he helped Atlético Nacional win the Copa Libertadores – their first continental title in over two decades.

Candelo will be 34 years old at the end of the 2021 season and may well have finished his playing days at Atléti-Nacional (though this remains to be seen).

45. Víctor Aristizábal

Career

• Years: Team: Apps: (Gls)
• 1990–1994: Atlético Nacional: 142: (70)
• 1994: Valencia: 7: (0)
• 1994–1996: Atlético Nacional: 38: (17)
• 1997–1998: São Paulo: 25: (9)
• 1998–1999: Santos: 11: (2)
• 1999–2000: Atlético Nacional: 25: (13)
• 2000–2001: Deportivo Cali: 28: (14)
• 2001–2002: Vitória: 21: (10)
• 2002–2003: Cruzeiro: 36: (21)
• 2003–2004: Coritiba: 25: (6)
• 2004–2007: Atlético Nacional: 85: (49)
• Total: : 443: (211)
• 1993–2003: Colombia: 66: (15)
• *Club domestic league appearances and goals

Víctor Aristizábal was born on 9 December 1971 in Medellín, Colombia and played for Atlético Nacional from 1990 to 1994. He scored 17 goals in 38 appearances for Valencia during the 1994-95 season.

Aristizábal then moved to Spain and signed for Valencia's rivals Atlético Madrid where he spent two seasons before retiring at the age of 28 due to injury. Víctor Aristizábal is a Colombian football player who has played for various clubs in his country and abroad.

He began his career with Atlético Nacional, where he won several titles and reached international fame. After leaving Atlétical Nacional, Aristizabal had brief spells at other clubs before moving to Europe to play for Valencia CF and then Barcelona FC. 

In the 2010s, he returned to his homeland to play for Independiente Medellín and Deportivo Cali respectively before retiring from professional football in 2017 at the age of 41 years old.

46. Faustino Asprilla

Career

• 1986–1987: Sarmiento Lora
• 1988–1989: Cúcuta Deportivo
• 1989–1992: Atlético Nacional
• 1992–1996: Parma
• 1996–1998: Newcastle United
• 1998–1999: Parma
• 1999–2000: Palmeiras
• 2000–2001: Fluminense
• 2001–2002: Atlante
• 2002: Atlético Nacional
• 2003: Universidad de Chile
• 2003–2004: Estudiantes La Plata
• 2004: Cortuluá
• 1993–2001: Colombia

Faustino Asprilla is a Colombian footballer who played as a forward for clubs in his homeland and abroad. He made his professional debut with Cúcuta Deportivo in 1988, before moving to Colombia's top club Atlético Nacional the following year.

After two years at Nacional, he moved to Newcastle United in England for £1 million in 1992 - making him the most expensive Colombian player of all time. 

In 1996, he returned to Colombia and played for Once Caldas before retiring from football later that year.

Faustino Asprilla was named International Player of the Year by FIFA twice (in 1994 and 1995).

 He has also been awarded 51 caps by Colombia and scored 27 goals over the course of his career - including nine international goals during World Cup qualifiers and matches..

Today, Faustino Asprilla runs a football school in Bogotá alongside former teammate Juan Sebastián Verón.

Also Played For: parma calcio 1913, newcastle united f.c.

47. Jarlan Barrera

Midfielder

Career

• : Juventud las Américas
• 2012–2013: La Equidad
• 2013: Junior Barranquilla
• Years: Team: Apps: (Gls)
• 2013–2018: Junior Barranquilla: 136: (23)
• 2019: Tigres UANL: 0: (0)
• 2019: → Rosario Central (loan): 2: (0)
• 2019–: Atlético Nacional: 63: (13)
• 2015: Colombia U20: 15: (2)
• 2016: Colombia Olympic: 2: (0)
• *Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 18:30, 28 July 2021 (UTC)

Jarlan Barrera is an attacking midfielder for Atlético Nacional. He was born in Santa Marta, Colombia on September 16th 1995 and has since played for various youth teams in his home country.

Jarlan made his professional debut with Atlético Nacional at the age of just 19 years old in 2016, coming on as a substitute against Deportivo Cali. At international level, Jarlan has represented Colombia at U-17, U-20 and U-23 levels before making his full international debut in March 2017 against Chile.

Known for his hard working style and excellent passing ability, Jarlan is considered one of the most promising young midfielders in Colombian football today Jarlan Barrera is a Colombian footballer who plays for Atlético Nacional. He started his career at Junior Barranquilla before moving to Atlético Nacional in 2013.

Jarlan has made over 100 appearances for the club and scored 13 goals during his time there. He represented Colombia at youth level, playing at the U20 World Cup and the Olympic Games in 2016. In 2019, he joined Rosario Central on loan until the end of the season.

48. Alvaro Angulo

Career

• Years: Team: Apps: (Gls)
• 2015–2016: Deportivo Pasto: 15: (0)
• 2017–2022: Rionegro Águilas: 67: (0)
• 2022–: Atlético Nacional: 0: (0)
• 2020: Colombia U23: 0: (0)
• 2022–: Colombia: 1: (0)
• *Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 16:53, 11 January 2020 (UTC), ‡ National team caps and goals, correct as of 11:55, 19 January 2022 (UTC)

Alvaro Angulo is a Colombian defender who currently plays for Atlético Nacional. He was born on March 6th, 1997 in Tumaco, Colombia. Alvaro has represented his country at U-17 and U-20 levels before making his senior debut in 2017.

At club level he has played for Unión Magdalena, Atlético Bucaramanga and Valledupar among others before joining Nacional in 2018. 

In total, Angulo has made 26 appearances for the Colombia national team including 21 as of September 2019 Angulo began his senior career at Deportivo Pasto in the Colombian Primera A.

He transferred to Rionegro Águilas ahead of the 2017 season and made 67 appearances for the side over two years. 

Angulo has not featured for Atlético Nacional since he was omitted from their squad for their Copa Sudamericana campaign, although he is still eligible to play for them through international duty. Angulo represented Colombia U23s at a friendly against Venezuela in 2020 and scored one goal in a 3-1 victory.

The defender is expected to join Club América on loan until January 2021 following his participation with Colombia at this year's Copa America Centenario tournament.

Final Words

. . Atletico Nacional is a renowned Colombian football club based in Medellín. Founded in 1947, the team has won numerous titles including nine Campeonato Colombiano titles, six Copa Libertadores and one Intercontinental Cup.

The best players to ever play for Atletico Nacional include Radamel Falcao (who currently plays for Monaco), Luis Gómez and Abel Aguilar who both played for Spain’s Atlético Madrid, as well as Carlos Valderrama, who spent most of his career with Barcelona and Valencia.