Colombian · Tuluá, Colombia · Born 10 November 1969Explosive and unpredictable Colombian forward whose extravagant skill and powerful finishing lit up the Premier League at Newcastle United.
Faustino Hernán Asprilla Hinestroza was born on 10 November 1969 in Tuluá, in Colombia's Valle del Cauca department, and began playing football at the well-regarded Carlos Sarmiento Lora academy. After failing trials with Cali's two big clubs, he began his professional career with Cúcuta Deportivo in 1988 before moving to Atlético Nacional, where he scored 35 goals in 78 games that attracted attention from Italian clubs. Asprilla joined Parma in 1992, becoming part of one of Serie A's most talented squads alongside Gianfranco Zola and later Hernán Crespo, and won the UEFA Cup Winners' Cup, Coppa Italia, and UEFA Super Cup during his time in Italy. Newcastle United signed him in 1996, and he quickly became a cult hero at St James' Park, memorably scoring a hat-trick against Barcelona in the Champions League. Asprilla returned to Parma in 1998 before playing in Brazil for Palmeiras and Fluminense, and finished his career with spells in Mexico, Chile, and Argentina, including a return to Estudiantes La Plata alongside former teammate Juan Sebastián Verón. Asprilla earned dozens of caps for Colombia, representing his country at the 1994 and 1998 World Cups, and remains one of the most flamboyant and fondly remembered South American players to have graced English football during the 1990s.
Hat-trick against Barcelona in Champions League 1997
He scored a stunning hat-trick against Barcelona in the 1996-97 Champions League — arguably the finest individual performance by a Newcastle player in the club's history.
Did You Know?How They Played
Explosive striker with pace, flair and spectacular finishing ability
Lasting Impact
One of Colombia's most iconic players, known for his unpredictable style
Career Honours
- UEFA Cup 1995
- Copa Italia 1992, 1993
- Copa Italia 1992
- Copa Italia 1999
| Club | Period | Fee | Apps | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cúcuta Deportivo | 1988–1989 | — | 36 | 17 |
| Atlético Nacional | 1989–1992 | £7m | 75 | 32 |
| Parma | 1992–1996 | £7m | 84 | 25 |
| Newcastle United | 1996–1998 | £7.5m | 48 | 9 |
| Parma | 1998–1999 | £7m | 12 | 1 |
| Palmeiras | 1999–2000 | — | 12 | 2 |
| Fluminense | 2000–2001 | — | 12 | 8 |
| Atlante | 2001–2002 | — | 12 | 3 |
| Atlético Nacional | 2002–2002 | £7m | 11 | 3 |
| Universidad de Chile | 2003–2003 | — | 13 | 5 |
| Estudiantes La Plata | 2003–2004 | — | 2 | 0 |
| Cortuluá | 2004–2004 | — | 1 | 0 |
 Colombia | — | — | 57 | 20 |
Colombian Athletes