Colombian · Buenaventura, Colombia · Born 14 August 1966 · Died 2022-04-13Powerful and energetic Colombian midfielder whose stunning goal against Germany at the 1990 World Cup remains one of the tournament's most celebrated strikes.
Freddy Eusebio Rincón Valencia was born on 14 August 1966 in Buenaventura, Valle del Cauca, Colombia, and began his career with local club Atlético Buenaventura before moving to Santa Fe and then América de Cali, where he developed into one of the most powerful and dynamic box-to-box midfielders of his generation. Rincón's signature moment came at the 1990 World Cup in Italy: with Colombia trailing West Germany and facing elimination, he scored a dramatic late equaliser in the San Siro to secure a 1-1 draw, sending Colombia through to the knockout stage for the first time in 28 years. He also scored twice in Colombia's famous 5-0 victory over Argentina in Buenos Aires during 1993 World Cup qualifying, a result still celebrated as one of the greatest in Colombian football history. Rincón moved to Brazil's Palmeiras in 1993, with a loan to Italy's Napoli, before joining Real Madrid in 1995, becoming the first Colombian footballer to play for the Spanish giants. He found his greatest club success back in Brazil with Corinthians, whom he captained to the 2000 FIFA Club World Cup title with victory over Vasco da Gama at the Maracanã. Rincón earned 84 caps for Colombia, scoring 17 goals, and represented his country at three consecutive World Cups — 1990, 1994, and 1998. After retiring, he moved into coaching in Brazil. On 11 April 2022, Rincón was critically injured in a car collision with a bus in Cali; he died two days later, on 13 April 2022, at the age of 55, prompting tributes from across South American football.
Scoring crucial equalizer against West Germany in 1990 World Cup
His last-minute equaliser against West Germany at the 1990 World Cup — struck with his left foot from outside the box — sent Colombia through and is considered the most important goal in Colombian football history.
Did You Know?How They Played
Box-to-box midfielder with exceptional physical presence, aerial ability, and leadership qualities
Lasting Impact
One of Colombia's greatest midfielders and first Colombian to succeed in European football
Career Honours
- Copa América 2001
- Campeonato Paulista 1996
| Club | Period | Fee | Apps | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Atlético Buenaventura | 1986–1988 | — | 77 | 18 |
| Santa Fe | 1988–1990 | — | 82 | 20 |
| América de Cali | 1990–1993 | — | 177 | 54 |
| Palmeiras | 1993–1995 | — | 28 | 12 |
| Napoli | 1994–1995 | loan | 28 | 7 |
| Real Madrid | 1995–1997 | — | 21 | 0 |
| Palmeiras | 1996–1997 | loan | 17 | 7 |
| Corinthians | 1997–2000 | — | 151 | 37 |
| Santos | 2000–2000 | — | 20 | 1 |
| Cruzeiro | 2001–2001 | — | 16 | 1 |
| Corinthians | 2004–2004 | — | 7 | 2 |
 Colombia | — | — | 84 | 17 |
Colombian Athletes