Radamel Falcao García is considered by many as the best Colombian footballer in history.
Radamel Falcao Garcíaborn the February 10, 1986 in Santa MartaColombia, celebrates its 39th birthday today. Known as “El Tigre”, Falcao has left an indelible mark on international football, being considered by many as the best Colombian footballer in history.
Beginnings and Ascent in River Plate
Falcao began his professional career in Lancers Boyacá, Debuting at age 13 in the Second Colombian Division, which made him the youngest player to debut in Colombian professional football. In 2001, he joined the lower divisions of River Plate In Argentina. His debut in the first team occurred in 2005, and for 2008 it was already a key piece, contributing significantly to the conquest of the Clausura 2008 Tournament. During his stage in River, he played 90 games and scored 34 goals.
Consecration in Europe: Porto and Atlético de Madrid
In 2009, Falcao was transferred to FC Porto de Portugal. There, its scoring capacity shone intensely, especially in the UEFA Europa League 2010-2011, where he established a record by scoring 17 goals in a single edition, taking the porto to the European title. During his stay, he won the Primeira Liga, the Portugal Cup and the Portugal Super Cup.
His success in Portugal caught the attention of Atlético de Madrid, who signed it in 2011. With the “mattresses”, Falcao continued his scoring streak, conquering the UEFA Europa League 2011-2012, where the top scorer was again. In addition, it was fundamental in obtaining the UEFA 2012 Super Cup, marking a triplet against the Chelseaand in the Copa del Rey 2012-2013, surpassing Real Madrid in the final.
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Challenges and Resurgence: Monaco, England and Türkiye
In 2013, Falcao joined the As Monaco In France. Although a ligament injury in 2014 separated him from the courts and prevented him from participating in the World Cup in Brazil, returned strongly to lead Monac 2016-2017.
Subsequently, he had brief steps for the English Premier League, playing for him Manchester United and Chelsea, where injuries limited their performance. In 2019, he moved to Galatasaray from Türkiye, where he recovered part of his level, scoring 19 goals in 34 games.
Return to Spain and sleep fulfilled in Millionaires
In 2021, Falcao returned to the Spanish League with the Ray Vallecano, contributing experience and goals to the Madrid team. Finally, in 2024, he fulfilled his desire to play in Colombian football by joining Millionairesteam of which he is a fan since childhood. His arrival generated enormous expectation, and although the injuries have been a constant in recent years, his professionalism and leadership have been evident.
It may interest you: [VIDEO] Falcao received new ovation from Millionaire fans in Campín
Legacy in the Colombia National Team
With the national team, Falcao is the Maximum historical scorer, with 36 goals in 104 games. It was a key piece in the 2014 World Cup classification, although an injury prevented him from participating. In 2018, he debuted in a World Cup, scoring his first World Cup goal against Poland. In addition, he has represented Colombia in several editions of the Copa América, being a reference and captain on multiple occasions.
Titles and recognitions
Throughout his career, Falcao has accumulated 12 official titles:
- River Plate: Closing Tournament 2008.
- FC Porto: Primeira Liga (2010-2011), Cup of Portugal (2009-2010, 2010-2011), Supercopa de Portugal (2010, 2011), UEFA Europa League (2010-2011).
- Atlético de Madrid: UEFA Europa League (2011-2012), UEFA Super Cup (2012), Copa del Rey (2012-2013).
- As Monaco: Ligue 1 (2016-2017).
Individually, it has been recognized on multiple occasions, highlighting its inclusion in FIFA/Fifpro World XI in 2012, being the only Colombian to achieve it to date.
An icon of Colombian football
Radamel Falcao García has not only left an indelible brand in the clubs he has passed, but has also been a Colombian football ambassador to the world. His professionalism, dedication and ability to overcome adversities have made him an example for new generations. At 39, “El Tigre” continues to demonstrate his love for sport and his country, consolidating a legacy that will endure in the history of football.
