Carlos Valderrama

Carlos Alberto Valderrama Palacio, commonly known simply as Carlos Valderrama, is a former Colombian international football who used to feature prominently during the 1980s and 1990s. He played as a central midfielder and is regarded as the best ever Colombian footballer. Carlos Valderrama is also the most capped Colombian player and was named by Pele in March 2004 as one of the 125 greatest living footballers.

Carlos Valderrama was known for his creativity and deadly skills. He was instantly recognizable for the mass of blond, permed hair he so flambuoyantly sported and relied on physical strength, speed and athleticism. He was a very flambuoyant character and could dictate matches at his own unassuming pace. He possessed marvelous ball control and was a deft passer of the football.

Carlos Valderrama made his professional club football debut with Union Magdalena in 1981 and subsequently went onto play for clubs such as Deportivo Cali, Montpellier, Atletico Junior and Tampa Bay Mutiny. He won the Colombian championship with Atletico in 1993 and 1995. He made his international debut for Colombia in 1985 and made a total of 111 international appearances for his nation, scoring 11 goals. He inspired Colombia to the second round of the 1990 World Cup finals and also played at the 1994 and 1998 World Cup finals.