Carlos Valderrama (soccer player)

Carlos Alberto Valderrama Palacio (born September 2, 1961 in Santa Marta) is a Colombian soccer player, often considered the best Colombian player of all time.

Related Topics:
September 2 - 1961 - Santa Marta - Colombia - Soccer

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Nicknamed El Pibe ("The Kid"), Valderrama is recognizable for his enormous blond bush of hair and is known for his skillful passing and shielding. Valderrama captained Colombia during the 1990, 1994, and 1998 World Cups, before announcing his international retirement after the 1998 competition having received 111 caps and scored 11 times.

Related Topics:
Colombia - 1990 - 1994 - 1998 World Cups

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He began his career at Union Magdalena of the Colombian First Division in 1981. He also played for Millonarios and Deportivo Cali before joining Montpellier of the French First Division in 1988. He was transferred to Spanish side Real Valladolid in 1990 before returning to Colombia in 1992 to play for Independiente Medellín and Atlético Junior from 1993-96 before going to the US in 1996 to play for the Tampa Bay Mutiny (1996-97, 2000-01), Miami Fusion (1998-99), and Colorado Rapids (2001-02). In Major League Soccer, Valderrama scored relatively few goals (16) for a midfielder, but is the league's all-time leader in assists (114).

Related Topics:
Union Magdalena - Millonarios - Deportivo Cali - Montpellier - French First Division - Spanish - Real Valladolid - Independiente Medellín - Atlético Junior - Tampa Bay Mutiny - Miami Fusion - Colorado Rapids - Major League Soccer

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In February 2004, Valderrama ended his 22-year career in a tribute match with some of the most important football players of South America, such as Diego Maradona (he couldn't play), Enzo Francescoli and José Luis Chilavert.

Related Topics:
Diego Maradona - Enzo Francescoli - José Luis Chilavert

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He is married and has five children. Valderrama was the only Colombian to feature in Pele's 125 Top Living Football Players list in March 2004.

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