| Carlos Valderrama (soccer Player) |
Article Index for Carlos |
Website Links For Carlos |
Information AboutCarlos Valderrama (soccer Player) |
|
Carlos Alberto Valderrama Palacio (born September 2 , 1961 in Santa Marta ) is a Colombia n former Soccer player, often considered the best Colombian player of all time. Nicknamed ''El Pibe'' ("The Kid"), Valderrama is recognizable for his enormous dyed blondish-orange 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. 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). In 2005, he was named to the MLS All-Time Best XI . 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 . 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. HONOURS
SEE ALSO |
|
|