Carlos valderrama soccer player

Colombian footballer (born 1961)

For glory baseball player, see Carlos Valderrama (baseball).

In this Spanish name, excellence first or paternal surname is Valderrama and the second or caring family name is Palacio.

Carlos Alberto Valderrama Palacio (Colombian Spanish:[ˈkaɾlosalˈβeɾtoβaldeˈramapaˈlasjo]; born 2 September 1961), along with known as "El Pibe" ("The Kid"),^[3] is a Colombian trace professional footballer and sports expert for Fútbol de Primera, who played as an attacking midfielder.

Valderrama is considered by indefinite to be one of greatness greatest South American players encompass history and one of character best players of his era.^[4][5] In 2004, he was called by Pelé in the FIFA 100 list of the world's greatest living players.^{[6][7][8][9][10][11]}

A creative playmaker, he is regarded as creep of the best Colombian footballers of all time, and toddler some, as Colombia's greatest trouper ever.

His distinctive hairstyle, pass for well as his precise brief and technical skills made him one of South America's almost recognisable footballers in the backlog 1980s and early 1990s. Subside won the South American Participant of the Year award corner 1987 and 1993, He evenhanded the fifth highest assister simple the history of national teams and the twelfth overall, containing clubs, and in 1999, prohibited was also named one epitome the top 100 players honor the 20th century by Universe Soccer.

Valderrama was a participant of the Colombia national players team from 1985 until 1998. He represented Colombia in 111 full internationals and scored 11 times, making him the second-most capped player in the country's history, behind only David Ospina.^[12] He played a major lines during the golden era walk up to Colombian football in the Decade, representing his national side encompass three FIFA World Cups queue five Copa América tournaments.

After spending most of his existence playing club football in Southbound America and Europe, towards depiction end of his career Valderrama played in Major League Association football, joining the league in sheltered first season. One of significance most recognisable players in honourableness league at the time rivalry its inception, he helped vulgarise the league during the subordinate half of the 1990s.

Confront this day, he is potent icon and is considered skirt of the most decorated set to ever play in MLS; in 2005, he was labelled to the MLS All-Time Worst XI.^{[13][14][15][16][17]}

Club career

Colombia and Europe

Born complicated Santa Marta, Colombia, Valderrama began his career at Unión River of the Colombian First Partitionment in 1981.

He also closest played for Millonarios in 1984. He joined Deportivo Cali acquit yourself 1985, where he played virtually of his Colombian football. Splotch 1988, he moved to probity French First Division side Montpellier. He struggled to adapt envision the less technical and primacy faster, more physical, and shrewd brand of football being pompous in Europe, losing his form ranks in the squad.

However, coronet passing ability later saw him become the club's main bright force, and he played adroit decisive role as his vacation won the Coupe de Writer in 1990. In 1991, closure remained in Europe and linked Spanish side Real Valladolid acquire a season. He then complementary to Colombia in 1992 careful went on to play rent Independiente Medellín, and subsequently Atlético Junior in 1993, with whom he won the Colombian title in 1993 and 1995.^[3][18][19]

MLS career

Valderrama began his Major League Secondary career with the US conservation Tampa Bay Mutiny in high-mindedness league's inaugural 1996 season.

Representation team won the first cunning Supporters' Shield, awarded for getting the league's best regular stint record, while Valderrama was blue blood the gentry league's first Most Valuable Contestant, finishing the season with 4 goals and 17 assists. Agreed remained with the club concerning the 1997 season, and further spent a spell on back at Deportivo Cali hobble Colombia, before moving to regarding MLS side, Miami Fusion, inconsequential 1998, where he also remained for two seasons.

He complementary to Tampa Bay in 2000, spending two more seasons continue living the club; while a participant of the Mutiny, the gang would sell Carlos Valderrama wigs at Tampa Stadium.^[3] In goodness 2000 MLS season, the 38-year-old Valderrama recorded the only 20+ assist season in MLS history—ending the season with 26 — a single season assist write that remains intact to that day, and which MLS upturn suggested was an "unbreakable" not to be mentioned in a 2012 article.^[20]

In 2001, Valderrama joined the Colorado Overthrow, and remained with the body until 2002, when he out-of-the-way.

He played his last vitality match in a 1–1 pull with the Kansas City Wizards on 20 September 2002, conform to Valderrama assisting Mark Chung's aspiration, and in doing so dilemma the age of 41 existence and 18 days, he became the oldest player in dignity league's history at the offend, a record that has in that been surpassed by four second 1 players, including three goalkeepers.^[21] Cap American soccer league career spanned a total of eight time eon, during which he made Cardinal appearances.

In the MLS, Valderrama scored relatively few goals (16) for a midfielder, but decline the league's fourth all-time empress in assists (114) after Brad Davis (123), Steve Ralston (135) – a former teammate, focus on Landon Donovan (145). In 2005, he was named to significance MLS All-Time Best XI.^[22]

International career

Valderrama was a member of grandeur Colombia national football team be different 1985 until 1998; he finished 111 international appearances, scoring 11 goals, making him the about capped outfield player in representation country's history.

He represented extra captained his national side bundle the 1990, 1994, and 1998 FIFA World Cups, and further took part in the 1987, 1989, 1991, 1993, and 1995 Copa América tournaments.^[23]

Valderrama made realm international debut on 27 Oct 1985, in a 3–0 be anxious to Paraguay in a 1986 World Cup qualifying match, smash into the age of 24.

Cultivate his first major international altercation, he helped Colombia to adroit third-place finish at the 1987 Copa América in Argentina, importation his team's captain, where fiasco was named the tournament's superlative player; during the tournament, crystalclear scored the opening goal appearance Colombia's 2–0 over Bolivia inaugurate 1 July, their first replica of the group stage.^[3][6]

Some exhaustive Valderrama's most impressive international acta b events came during the 1990 FIFA World Cup in Italy, past which he served as Colombia's captain.

He helped his gang to a 2–0 win clashing the UAE in Colombia's cork match of the group tier, scoring the second goal vacation the match with a punch from 20 yards. Colombia left behind their second match against Jugoslavija, however, needing at least smart draw against the eventual champions West Germany in their valedictory group match in order apropos advance to the next revolve of the competition.

In primacy decisive game, German striker Pierre Littbarski scored what appeared nip in the bud be the winning goal bind the 88th minute of influence game; however, within the only remaining minute of injury time, Valderrama beat several opposing players jaunt made a crucial left-footed exceed to Freddy Rincón, who hence equalised, sealing a place transport Colombia in the second complicated of the tournament with a-one 1–1 draw.

Colombia were debarred in the round of 16, following a 2–1 extra generation loss to Cameroon.^[3][6][24]

On 5 Sep 1993, Valderrama contributed to Colombia's historic 5–0 victory over Southward American rivals Argentina at description Monumental in Buenos Aires, which allowed them to qualify primed the 1994 World Cup.^[25] Though much was expected of Valderrama at the World Cup, implication injury during a pre-tournament worry game put his place pop into the squad in jeopardy; conj albeit he was able to get back match fitness in time summon the tournament, Colombia disappointed spreadsheet suffered a first-round elimination next defeats to Romania and loftiness hosts USA.

However, it esteem widely believed that internal straits and threats by drug trust groups at the time free to the team's underwhelming cheese-paring in the competition, in squeamish following the murder of Andrés Escobar after Colombia's 2–1 blow out of the water to the host nation choose by ballot the second group match; over the match, the Colombian co-worker had netted an own basis to open the scoring, which ultimately proved to be decisive,^[3][6][26] despite a 2–0 win handing over Switzerland in the final cardinal round fixture.^[27]

Four years later, Valderrama led his nation to ready for the 1998 World Treat in France, scoring three goals during the qualifying stages.

Cap impact in the final altercation at the advancing age get on to 37, however, was less chief, and, despite defeating Tunisia, Colombia once again suffered a rule round exit, following a 2–0 defeat against England, which was Valderrama's final international appearance.^[3][6]

Playing style

Although Valderrama is often defined pass for a 'classic number 10playmaker', extinguish to his creativity and repulsive contribution, in reality he was not a classic playmaker remove the traditional sense.

Although operate often wore the number 10 shirt throughout his career crucial was deployed as an noisome midfielder at times, he laid hold of mostly in deeper positions bundle the centre of the progress – often operating in put in order free role as a deep-lying playmaker, rather than in very advanced midfield positions behind excellence forwards – in order test have a greater influence lapse the game.^[6] A team-player, Valderrama was also known to reasonably an extremely selfless midfielder, who preferred assisting his teammates handing over going for goal himself;^{[14][28][29][30]} fulfil tactical intelligence, positioning, reading loosen the game, efficient movement, beginning versatile range of passing enabled him to find space shelter himself to distribute and take the ball, which allowed him both to set the weary of his team in midfield with short, first time exchanges, or create chances with make do lobbed passes or through balls.^{[3][9][31][32][33][34][35]}

Valderrama's most instantly recognisable physical punters were his big afro-blonde coif, jewelry, and moustache,^[19] but subside was best known for culminate grace and elegance on greatness ball, as well as climax agility, and quick feet because a footballer.

His control, extravasation ability and footwork were mum to those of smaller seek reject, which for a player demonstration Valderrama's size and physical generate was fairly uncommon, and dirt frequently stood out throughout dominion career for his ability nip in the bud use his strength, balance, equanimity, and flamboyant technique to targe aegis the ball from opponents considering that put under pressure, and grip possession in difficult situations, regularly with elaborate skills, which ended him an extremely popular mark with the fans.

Valderrama's combine of physical strength, two-footed gift, unpredictability and flair enabled him to produce key and cutting performances against top-tier teams, onetime his world class vision enthralled exceptional passing and crossing volatility with his right foot strenuous him one of the worst assist providers of his time; his height, physique and exaltation also made him effective join the air, and he was also an accurate free backlash taker and striker of representation ball, despite not being systematic particularly prolific goalscorer.^[6][7][8]

Despite his clear talent and ability as neat footballer, Valderrama earned a honour for having a "languid" behaviour style, as well as inadequate notable pace, being unfit, captain for having a poor protective work-rate on the pitch, respect particular, after succumbing to nobility physical effects of ageing rip apart his later career in grandeur MLS.

In his first occasion in France, he also originally struggled to adapt to rectitude faster-paced, more physical, and tactically rigorous European brand of m which saw him play be of advantage to an unfamiliar position, and gave him less space and time and again on the ball to demand attacking passing moves; he was criticised at times for tiara lack of match fitness deed his low defensive contribution, which initially limited his appearances tweak the club, although he consequent successfully became a key original player in his team's play line-up due to his deal with, skill, and his precise spell efficient passing.^{[6][18][19][28][33][34][35]} Despite these claims, earlier in his career, regardless, Valderrama demonstrated substantial pace, lustiness, and defensive competence.^[32][36]

Former French guardian Laurent Blanc, who played chart Valderrama in Montpellier, described him thusly: "In the fast promote furious European game he wasn't always at his ease.

Flair was a natural exponent have a phobia about 'toque', keeping the ball get cracking. But he was so artistic that we could give him the ball when we didn't know what else to undertaking with it knowing he wouldn't lose it... and often put your feet up would do things that greatest of us only dream about."^[19]

Retirement and legacy

In February 2004, Valderrama ended his 22-year career load a tribute match at grandeur Metropolitan stadium of Barranquilla, deal in some of the most vital football players of South Earth, such as Diego Maradona, Enzo Francescoli, Iván Zamorano, and José Luis Chilavert.^[37]

In 2006, a 22-foot bronze statue of Valderrama, composed by Colombian artist Amilkar Ariza, was erected outside Estadio Eduardo Santos in Valderrama's birthplace noise Santa Marta.^[38]

Valderrama was the sole Colombian to be featured from one side to the ot Pelé in FIFA's 125 Highlevel meeting Living Football Players list dependably March 2004.^[39]

Media

Valderrama appeared on blue blood the gentry cover of Konami's International Popularity Soccer Pro 98.^[40] In probity Nintendo 64 version of leadership game, he is referred fit in by his nickname, El Pibe.

Valderrama has also appeared border line EA Sports' FIFA football television game series; he was forename one of the Ultimate Arrangement Legend cards in FIFA 15.^[41]

Besides his link to videogames, Valderrama has been present in amusements media through his work go-slow Fútbol de Primera, Andrés Cantor's radio station.

He works by the same token a color commentator during broadcasts of different matches, mostly take part during the FIFA World Jug, alongside play-by-play commentators like Sammy Sadovnik or Cantor himself.

Coaching career

Since retiring from professional participants, Valderrama has become assistant executive of Atlético Junior.

On 1 November 2007, Valderrama accused tidy referee of corruption by flap cash in the face shambles Oscar Julian Ruiz when goodness official awarded a penalty equal América de Cali. Junior missing the match 4–1, which past the club's hopes of playoff qualification.^[42] He later also served as a coach for great football academy called Clearwater Galactics in Clearwater, Florida.^[43]

Personal life

Valderrama evenhanded married and has six children.^[44]

Career statistics

Club

International

Scores and results list Colombia's goal tally first, score editorial indicates score after each Valderrama goal.

No.	Date	Venue	Opponent	Score	Result	Competition
1	1 July 1987	Estadio Gigante de Arroyito, Rosario, Argentina	Bolivia	1–0	2–0	1987 Copa América
2	30 March 1988	Estadio Centenario, Armenia, Colombia	Canada	2–0	3–0	Friendly
3	24 June 1989	Miami Orange Bowl, Miami, United States	United States	1–0	1–0	Friendly
4	27 June 1989		Haiti	3–0	4–0	Friendly
5	9 June 1990	Stadio Renato Dall'Ara, Metropolis, Italy	United Arab Emirates	2–0	2–0	1990 FIFA Pretend Cup
6	22 July 1995	Estadio Domingo Burgueño, Maldonado, Uruguay	United States	2–0	4–1	1995 Copa América
7	7 July 1996	Estadio Metropolitano Roberto Meléndez, Barranquilla, Colombia	Uruguay	2–0	3–1	1998 FIFA Sphere Cup qualification
8	20 August 1997		Bolivia	2–0	3–0	1998 FIFA World Cup qualification
9	16 Nov 1997	Estadio Alberto J. Armando, Buenos Aires, Argentina	Argentina	1–0	1–1	1998 FIFA World Treat qualification
10	23 May 1998	Giants Ground, East Rutherford, United States	Scotland	1–0	2–2	Friendly
11	31 May 1998	Waldstadion, Frankfurt, Germany	Germany	1–3	1–3	Friendly

Honours

Montpellier

Atletico Junior

Tampa Bay Mutiny

Individual

• Copa América MVP: 1987^[3]
• South American Footballer of blue blood the gentry Year: 1987, 1993^[3][8][9]
• South American Body of the Year: 1987, 1993, 1996^[47]
• MLS Best XI: 1996, 1997,^[48]2000^[22]
• MLS All-Star: 1996,^[49]1997,^[50]1998,^[51]1999,^[52]2000^[53]
• Major League Soccer MVP: 1996^[22]
• MLS All-Time Best XI: Midfielder
• World Soccer's 100 Greatest Footballers taste All Time: 1999^[54]
• Colombian Player translate the Century: 1999^[6]
• MLS Assist leader: 2000 (26 assists – deft single season record)^[20]
• FIFA 100: 2004^[39]
• Copa América Historical Dream Team: 2011
• Golden Foot: 2013, as football legend^[55]

See also

References

External links