Full Name
Carlos Alberto Valderrama Palacio
Position
Centre Midfielder
Born
2 September 1961
Country
Colombia
Clubs
Unión Magdalena (Colombia)
Millonarios (Colombia)
Deportivo Cali (Colombia)
Montpellier (France)
Real Valladolid (Spain)
Independiente Medellin (Colombia)
Atlético Junior (Colombia)
Tampa Bay Mutiny (USA)
Miami Fusion (USA)
Colorado Rapids (USA)
Professional Career
1981-2002
International Caps/Goals
111 caps/11 goals
Honours
2 Colombian championship (Atlético Junior)
1 French Cup (Montpellier)
1 MLS Supporters’ Shield (Tampa Bay Mutiny)
Nicknamed El Pibe (“The Kid”) in his native country, and also “Golden Hair Lion King” by the Asian fans, Carlos Valderrama was one of the most popular players during the World Cups, especially when the tournaments were starting to be widely telecast on TVs around the world. His eye-catching iconic hairstyle and stylish and composed playmaking skills in the middle of the field were easily recognisable, making him a favourite among the fans. In his international career, Valderrama had captained the Colombian national team for three straight World Cups from 1990 to 1998.
Playing club football for more than two decades, Valderrama largely played in his native Colombia league, although he had a brief couple of years in France and Spain. For twice in 1987 and 1993, he won the South America Footballer of the Year awards. Valderrama did have a considerable large impact to the USA Major League Soccer (MLS), when he joined as one of its earliest stars and helped to popularise the new league in the nineties. In 2005, Valderrama was honoured as part of MLS’s All-time Best XI.
Best 100 Footballers in the World 