20 Juan Quintero
Juan Quintero, 1993-01-18, Midfielder for Colombia, plays for Racing Club. 35 international caps, 5 goals. Part of Colombia's 2026 World Cup Group K squad.
Biography
Colombian midfielder who scored a memorable free-kick against Japan at the 2018 World Cup. Currently plying his trade at Racing Club, an industrious midfielder, Juan Quintero excels at dictating tempo and linking defense to attack, acting as the creative engine for Colombia. Has earned 35 international caps, scoring 5 goals. Set to compete with Colombia at the 2026 World Cup, building on the team's 6 previous tournament appearances.
Career Timeline
He later featured at the 2024 Copa América, helping Colombia reach the final where they finished as runners-up to Argentina.
In 2017, he joined River Plate, initially on loan and then permanently, winning the Supercopa Argentina in 2017, the Copa Libertadores in 2018—scoring a decisive extra-time goal in the final against Boca Juniors—and the Copa Argentina in 2019.
In the 2018 FIFA World Cup he scored against Japan, becoming the first Colombian to score in two FIFA World Cup competitions.
He made his senior debut for the Colombia in 2012 and went on to represent Colombia in the 2014 World Cup, where he scored his first world cup goal against Ivory Coast.
At youth level, Quintero won the South American Youth Championship in 2013, where he was named Most Valuable Player, and also took part in the 2013 U-20 World Cup, where he gained more praise for his talents after making a huge impact in the tournament.
Quintero first received attention at age 19 due to his performances in the 2013 South American Youth Championship, where Colombia won the title.