Adolfo Valencia

Adolfo Jose Valencia Mosquera is a former Colombian footballer who played as a striker and is regarded as one of the legends of Colombian football. He was born on 6 February 1968 in Buenaventura, Colombia.

Valencia was a fearsome striker with a powerful physique. He could break through the opposition's defence with an unmatched speed as defenders had a hard time in keeping a check on him.

Background

Valencia started his football career with Independiente Santa Fe in 1988 and grew into an incredible centre forward earning praises from all corners.

Owing to his impressive performances at the Santa Fe, Valencia was transferred to Bundesliga club Bayern Munich in July 1993.

He played for the Munich for one season only but his significant contributions resulted in Munich winning the Bundesliga in the 1993-94 season.

Valencia scored a staggering 11 goals and provided 2 assists in the 26 appearances he made for Munich in the Bundesliga. He made a total of 34 appearances for Munich while scoring 13 goals and providing 3 assists in them.

Debut

Valencia made his international debut for Colombia in a Friendship Cup match against the United States on 31 July 1992 at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. He scored the only goal in the match.

Club Career

Valencia played for many clubs throughout his career. In the 1994-95 season, he moved to Atletico Madrid where he made 4 appearances while scoring one goal in an underperforming stint due to a feud with the club president.

He then played for the Italian club AC Reggiana 1919 in the 1996-97 season and made 25 appearances while scoring 5 goals in them.

He went on to represent Club Atletico Independiente, CD America de Cali, Independiente de Medellin, PAOK Thessaloniki, New York Red Bulls and UA Maracaibo.

Records

Valencia made 38 appearances for Colombia at the international level and scored 14 goals in them. He represented Colombia at the 1994 and 1998 FIFA World Cups.