Mario Yepes

Mario Yepes is a former Colombian footballer is regarded as one of PSG’s best defenders off all time. Born on 13th January 1976 in Cali, the Columbian has played more than a hundred matches for his country and carried them to a victory in the 2001 Copa America. Dubbed as ‘Super Mario’ by fans, Yepes retired in 2015, putting an end to a career of more than 20 years and 9 clubs.

Early days and debut

Mario Yepes is a product of the Columbian second division team, Cortuluà and initially began as a striker. However in lieu of lack of speed as well as his big and rangy built, Yepes was converted into a sweeper or defender by Cortuluà manager, Reynaldo Rueda. Mario debuted with the senior team in 1994, where Mario helped his team gain promotion to the First division.

Rise to glory

Following a successful three year campaign with Cortuluà, Mario joined first division team, Deportivo Cali in 1997 and carried them to a league trophy in 1998 and a second position in the 1999 Copa Libertadores.

1999 also saw the player make his international debut for Columbia and then went on to play in the 1999 Copa America as well. Mario secured his spot in the first time right after his debut and carried his team to victory in his second Copa America in 2001

Mario decided to move to Argentina in 1999, when he joined Argentine Primera División team, River Plate. Making 76 appearances for the team, Mario scored on 6 occasions and carried the team to two Argentine Primera Championships.

After conquering Argentina, Mario decided to move to France in 2002 where he joined first division team Nantes. Mario ended his association with the team after two seasons, making 73 appearances for the team.

Mario Yepes joined PSG in 2004 and till date is regarded as one of the best defenders of the squad. During his time with the club, Mario carried his team to victories in the 2005-06 Coupe de France and 2007-08 Coupe de la Ligue. Mario played for the club for a period of four season, making 115 appearances while netting the ball 8 times.

Following a successful campaign in France, Mario Yepes moved to Italian top division club, Chievo in 2008 for a period of two years. Making 63 appearances across all competitions, Yepes scored one goal. The 2010 season saw the player moving to Italian giants, A.C. Milan. Although being irregular for the team, Mario was part of the squad that won the League title in 2010-11 season and the 2011 Supercoppa Italiana. Mario Yepes spent the remaining two years of his career joining Italian team Atlanta in 2013 and Argentine club San Lorenzo in 2014.

Mario remains the second most capped Colombian player of all time playing 102 matches over a period of 15 years. In 2014, Mario carried his team to their best ever campaign in the World Cup when they reached the quarter finals for the first time.

Captaincy

Mario was handed the onus of captaincy of the Colombian national team in 2008 and served till 2014, also leading the team in the World Cup.

Retirement

Mario Yepes retired from professional football on 20 January 2016 to join as the manager of Deportivo Cali.