Who reigns supreme in Colombian sports?
From the soccer fields to the cycling tracks, who makes the greatest impact?
Discover the most popular athletes from Colombia and witness how they’ve transformed their respective disciplines.
Also check out our post about the most popular soccer players from Colombia.
Most popular athletes from Colombia:
- James Rodríguez
- Nairo Quintana
- Radamel Falcao
- Mariana Pajón
- Caterine Ibargüen
- Juan Sebastián Cabal
- Carlos Bacca
- Rigoberto Urán
- Juan Guillermo Cuadrado
- Édgar Rentería
- Robert Farah
- Oscar Figueroa
- Fredy Guarín
Table of Contents
#1 James Rodríguez
- 🏆Sport(s): Soccer
- 🎂 Born in: 1991
- 🥇 Biggest Achievement: Top Scorer at the 2014 FIFA World Cup
James Rodríguez, widely known for his outstanding performance at the 2014 FIFA World Cup, has become a key figure in Colombian soccer. His incredible skills and vision on the field have earned him international recognition and admiration from fans all over the globe.
Off the pitch, James is involved in charitable work, further cementing his status as a role model for upcoming generations.
#2 Nairo Quintana
- 🏆 Sport(s): Cycling
- 🎂 Born in: 1990
- 🥇 Biggest Achievement: 2014 Giro d’Italia and 2016 Vuelta a España Wins
Nairo Quintana, a world-class cyclist, has brought pride to Colombia with his success in multiple Grand Tours. His persistence, tactical brilliance, and climbing abilities have established him as one of the best cyclists of his generation.
Quintana’s humble beginnings and determination to succeed make him an inspiration to many Colombians and cycling enthusiasts around the world.
#3 Radamel Falcao
- 🏆 Sport(s): Soccer
- 🎂 Born in: 1986
- 🥇 Biggest Achievement: Top Scorer in the UEFA Europa League for Two Consecutive Seasons
Radamel Falcao, nicknamed “El Tigre,” is a renowned Colombian soccer player. His goal-scoring prowess and leadership qualities have played an instrumental role in the success of both his club and national teams.
Falcao’s comeback from severe injuries demonstrates his resilience and fortitude, inspiring fans and athletes alike.
#4 Mariana Pajón
- 🏆 Sport(s): BMX Racing
- 🎂 Born in: 1991
- 🥇 Biggest Achievement: 2 Olympic Gold Medals
Mariana Pajón, fondly known as the “Queen of BMX,” is a beloved figure in Colombian sports. Her exceptional talent, perseverance, and dominance in the world of BMX racing have led her to become a two-time Olympic gold medalist.
Mariana’s dedication to her sport and her country have made her an exemplary role model for young athletes in Colombia and beyond.
#5 Caterine Ibargüen
- 🏆 Sport(s): Track and Field
- 🎂 Born in: 1984
- 🥇 Biggest Achievement: 2016 Olympic Gold Medal in Women’s Triple Jump
Caterine Ibargüen, famed for her exceptional performances in triple jump and long jump events, has made Colombia proud numerous times on the international stage. Her powerful jumps and unwavering determination have earned her an Olympic gold medal and multiple World Championship titles.
Caterine’s excellence in athletics and her commitment to making a difference in the lives of others make her an inspiring figure in Colombian sports.
#6 Juan Sebastián Cabal
- 🏆 Sport(s): Tennis
- 🎂 Born in: 1986
- 🥇 Biggest Achievement: 2019 Wimbledon and US Open Doubles Championships
Juan Sebastián Cabal, a talented tennis player, has been a force in men’s doubles alongside his partner Robert Farah. Their exceptional teamwork and strong performances have led them to win two Grand Slam titles in 2019.
Off the court, Cabal is an advocate for developing tennis in Colombia and serves as a role model for aspiring tennis players in his home country.
#7 Carlos Bacca
- 🏆 Sport(s): Soccer
- 🎂 Born in: 1986
- 🥇 Biggest Achievement: 2015 UEFA Europa League Top Scorer
Carlos Bacca, a skillful and tenacious striker, has left his mark on both club and international soccer. His goal-scoring talents have contributed to the success of various teams and earned him individual accolades, notably the 2015 UEFA Europa League Top Scorer award.
His journey from humble beginnings to the heights of professional soccer demonstrates the value of hard work and perseverance, inspiring fans and aspiring athletes across Colombia.
#8 Rigoberto Urán
- 🏆 Sport(s): Cycling
- 🎂 Born in: 1987
- 🥇 Biggest Achievement: 2nd Place in the 2017 Tour de France
Rigoberto Urán, an accomplished Colombian cyclist, has made a name for himself on the international stage with multiple strong performances in Grand Tours. His memorable 2nd place finish at the 2017 Tour de France showcased his talent and determination.
Urán’s commitment to the sport and his country have made him a respected figure among Colombian sports fans and upcoming cyclists.
#9 Juan Guillermo Cuadrado
- 🏆 port(s): Soccer
- 🎂 Born in: 1988
- 🥇 Biggest Achievement: 2015 and 2017 Coppa Italia Titles with Juventus
Juan Guillermo Cuadrado, a versatile soccer player, has enjoyed success at both club and international levels. Known for his speed, agility, and technical skills, he plays an essential role in the teams he represents, including the Colombian national team.
His accomplishments in soccer, combined with his philanthropic activities, make Cuadrado an influential figure among Colombian athletes and fans alike.
#10 Édgar Rentería
- 🏆 Sport(s): Baseball
- 🎂 Born in: 1975
- 🥇 Biggest Achievement: 2010 World Series MVP
Édgar Rentería, a former MLB shortstop, is one of the most successful Colombian baseball players. His exploits on the field, including clutch hits and outstanding fielding, helped his teams achieve success, most notably the San Francisco Giants during their 2010 World Series championship run.
Rentería’s professional success, combined with his efforts to nurture baseball talents in Colombia, cements his status as a sports icon in the country.
#11 Robert Farah
- 🏆 Sport(s): Tennis
- 🎂 Born in: 1987
- 🥇 Biggest Achievement: 2019 Wimbledon and US Open Doubles Championships
Robert Farah, a world-class tennis player, has been instrumental in achieving doubles success with his partner Juan Sebastián Cabal. Their powerful partnership earned them two Grand Slam titles in 2019, bringing pride to Colombia in the world of tennis.
Farah’s dedication to tennis and his efforts to develop the sport in Colombia make him an influential and respected athlete.
#12 Oscar Figueroa
- 🏆 Sport(s): Weightlifting
- 🎂 Born in: 1983
- 🥇 Biggest Achievement: 2016 Olympic Gold Medal in Men’s 62 kg Weightlifting
Oscar Figueroa, a celebrated weightlifter, has brought glory to Colombia with his exceptional performances on the international stage. His crowning achievement, an Olympic gold medal in the men’s 62 kg weightlifting event in 2016, marked the pinnacle of his career.
Through his resilience in overcoming career injuries, Figueroa has become an inspiring figure among aspiring athletes in Colombia.
#13 Fredy Guarín
- 🏆 Sport(s): Soccer
- 🎂 Born in: 1986
- 🥇 Biggest Achievement: 2011 Copa America Top Scorer
Fredy Guarín, a highly skilled central midfielder, has made significant contributions to the success of various soccer teams, both at the club level and the Colombian national team. His powerful shots and exceptional vision on the field have played a crucial role in his teams’ achievements.
Guarín’s dedication to soccer and his ability to overcome obstacles make him a respected figure among Colombian athletes and soccer enthusiasts.
FAQ
Who is the greatest athlete in the history of Colombia?
Soccer player Carlos Valderrama is often considered the greatest athlete in Colombia’s history.
Who is the most popular female athlete from Colombia?
Speed-skater Cecilia Baena is the most popular female athlete from Colombia.
Which sport has the most popular athletes from Colombia?
Soccer is known to produce the most popular athletes in Colombia.
Which athlete from Colombia is most popular internationally?
Professional soccer player, James Rodriguez, is the most internationally recognized Colombian athlete.
