Status: Soccer great from Colombia. Former member of Colombia’s national football team. From 1985-1998 he represented Colombia in 111 full international matches and scored 11 goals. He is the most capped player in his country’s history.
Ht: 5-9 Wt: 161
DOB: September 2, 1961 In: Santa Marta, Colombia
Soccer Inspiration: “Pele, of course.”
Nickname: “El Pibe – The Kid.”
Hobbies/Interests: “Reading, time with family, tennis.”
Favorite Movie: “The Bodyguard.”
First Job: “Selling ice cream [laughs].”
First Car: “Red Monza.”
Favorite Meal: “Fish with rice and coconut.”
Favorite Ice Cream Flavor: “Vanilla.”
Pre-Game Feeling: “Calm, prepare myself. Hope that things go well for myself and my teammates. And I think to win. Always think about winning.”
Greatest Career Moment: “A couple. World Cup games in ‘90 and ‘94. World Cup goal in ‘90 (vs. United Arab Emirates). It’s hard to choose. I’ve had a very long journey.”
Most Painful Moment: “World Cup USA ‘94. The death of (Colombian national teammate) Andres Escobar (by gunshot).”
Childhood Dream: “I always wanted to be a soccer player. And I thank God that he gave me the possibility.”
Favorite Athletes To Watch: “Michael Jordan. Dennis Rodman. Scottie Pippen. Edgar Renteria – from Colombia. Pete Sampras. Marcelo Rios. Mike Tyson. Freddy Rincon (Colombian teammate).”
Favorite Shampoo: “Any kind [laughs].”
Family: Wife, Claribeth; three children.
(Note: This Biofile was done in 1997 at Giants Stadium after an MLS soccer game.)
Topics: Capped Player, Career Moment, Carlos Valderrama, Colombia Soccer, Dennis Rodman, Edgar Renteria, Family Tennis, Giants Stadium, Hobbies Interests, Marcelo Rios, Mls Soccer, National Football Team, Pete Sampras, Santa Marta Colombia, Scottie Pippen, United Arab Emirates, World Cup Games, World Cup Goal, World Cup Usa, World Cup Usa 94
Biofile with Carlos Valderrama | 