The Colombian National Team continues to prepare for what will be the Copa América and, clearly, many remember with special affection what was that magical night at the El Campín stadium, in the city of Bogotá, where the national team won the first title of their story: 1-0 over Mexico and celebrate.
On July 29, 2001, the great star of the match was Iván Ramiro Córdoba, who rose into the air to head the precise cross sent by Iván López, from a free kick from the side, to make everyone shout and celebrate. a country.
This is why at Gol Caracol we remember the outstanding career of the now former central defender and we tell him what he is currently doing, because, although his retirement occurred several years ago, the Colombian does not move away from football at all.
A career full of successes: The eternal Iván Ramiro Córdoba Sepúlveda!
Photo: Atlético Nacional
Iván Ramiro Córdoba Sepúlveda was born on August 11, 1976 in Rionegro, Antioquia, and is remembered as one of the most emblematic central defenders of the Colombian National Team and international football.
His professional career developed mainly in two clubs: Atlético Nacional and Inter Milan. However, his most significant legacy is found in his outstanding participation with the Colombian National Team, as he was the great hero of the grand final of the 2001 Copa América.
Córdoba began his professional career at Deportivo Rionegro, where he stood out greatly, attracting the attention of Atlético Nacional in 1996, where he proved to be a solid and promising defender.
His talent took him to Argentina in 1998, where he played for San Lorenzo. In 2000, he made the leap to European football, joining Inter Milan.
With the ‘Neroazzurros’, he won numerous titles, including five Serie A titles, four Italian Cups, four Italian Super Cups, one Champions League and one Club World Cup.
He became an icon of the club and is remembered as one of the best defenders of his generation.
Photo: AFP
But it wasn’t just at the club level, as he also had an outstanding career with the Colombian National Team. He debuted with the senior team in 1997 and quickly established himself as a pillar in the defense of the national team, participating in the Copa América in 1997 and 1999, as well as in the South American Qualifiers for the 1998 and 2002 World Cups.
One of the highest points, if not the most, came in the 2001 Copa América, held in Colombia. In a tournament in which the host team was brilliant, the Antioqueño played a fundamental role in the defense and that remembered July 29, 2001, in the final against Mexico, Iván Ramiro Córdoba scored the only goal of the match, a header in the 65th minute, giving Colombia its first and only Copa América title.
Photo: AFP
In addition to the 2001 Copa América, the right back also played in the Copa América in 1997, 1999, 2004 and 2007. He was also part of the team that competed in the 1998 FIFA World Cup in France. He participated in the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games, in some Gold Cups and South American Qualifiers.
Córdoba retired from professional football in 2012after a laudable career both at the club and national team level, even being considered one of the best defenders in the history of Colombian football, not only for his skills on the field, but also for his leadership and professionalism inside and outside from the field.
Photo: AFP
Iván Ramiro Córdoba, from the fields to the high command: this is what the hero of the Copa América dedicates himself to
Photo: AFP
After his retirement in 2012, the man from Antioquia, now 47 years old, did not leave the world of football. Unlike some of his colleagues who leaned towards technical direction; Iván Ramiro Córdoba opted for a leadership path.
For several years, the Antioquian has played the role of sports director and co-owner of Venezia FC, a team that until recently played in the second division of Italian football. However, the club managed to be promoted to Serie A recently after beating Cremonese in the playoffs with an aggregate score of 1-0, allowing them to reach the top flight of Italian football.
On his official Instagram account, the former central defender and captain of the Colombian National Team shared several videos in which he is seen celebrating with club members and fans.
In addition to this, he has participated in several charity matches and some others, being one of the main attractions for what he was and what he continues to be.
In addition to this, he has a card in the soccer video game EA Sports FC, for the Ultimate Team game mode, where he is considered one of the best defenders in the game, being one of the most loved soccer players by the soccer simulator community.
