Carlos Valderrama Biography

Carlos Alberto Valderrama Palacio, known as 'El Pibe,' is a Colombian former professional footballer born on 2 September 1961. As an attacking midfielder, he has been recognized as one of the greatest South American players in history and was named in Pelé's FIFA 100 list. He represented Colombia in 111 full internationals between 1985 and 1998, scoring 11 goals for his national team. Valderrama has played club football in South America and Europe, and he joined Major League Soccer during its inaugural season. He began his Major League Soccer career with the Tampa Bay Mutiny in 1996, the league's first season. He returned to Tampa Bay in 2000, spending two additional seasons with the club. In the 2000 MLS season, the 38-year-old recorded 26 assists, a single-season record that remains unmatched.