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The Copa América is the stage where many legends of South American football have been forged. Today we want to remember the players who are in the Olympus of Colombia’s top scorers in this prestigious tournament. Over the years, several Colombian footballers have left their mark with their goals, and here we highlight the most prolific.
Arnoldo Iguarán: The Top Scorer
Contrary to what many might think, Colombia’s top scorer in the Copa América is not Radamel Falcao, the national team’s all-time leading scorer, but Arnoldo Iguarán. Affectionately known as ‘El Guajiro’, Iguarán scored 10 goals in five editions of the tournament (1979, 1983, 1987, 1989 and 1991).
1979: He began his participation in the Copa América, beginning to build his legacy.
1983: Although he passed blank, his persistence and talent would become evident in the following years.
1987: He was the scorer of the tournament with 4 goals in 4 games, establishing himself as a forward feared by his rivals.
1989 and 1991: He continued to add to his personal tally, reaching an impressive 10 goals.
Víctor Hugo Aristizábal: The paisa goalscorer
In second position in this prestigious ranking is Víctor Hugo Aristizábal, who scored a total of eight goals in three editions of the Copa América.
1993: He scored his first goal in the Copa América.
1997: He added another goal, remaining on the tournament’s top scorers list.
2001: He was the tournament’s top scorer with 6 goals, a memorable performance that helped Colombia win its first and only Copa América title to date.
Delio ‘Maravilla’ Gamboa: The historic gunner
Delio ‘Maravilla’ Gamboa is third with six goals. His nickname, “Maravilla”, perfectly reflects his ability on the field.
1957: Scored 3 goals, demonstrating his scoring ability early on.
1963: He contributed 2 goals in another outstanding participation.
1967: He closed his Copa América account with one more goal, reaffirming his place in the history of Colombian football.
Ernesto Díaz: Fourth place
Ernesto Díaz is in fourth position with five goals in two editions of the tournament.
1975: He was particularly prolific, scoring 4 goals.
1979: Added another goal to his personal tally, cementing his place among Colombia’s best scorers in the Copa América.
Freddy Rincón: closing the top 5
The legendary Freddy Rincón closes the top 5 of Colombia’s top scorers in the Copa América with four goals.
1993: He scored his first goal in the Copa América.
1995: He had an outstanding performance, adding 3 more goals to his personal tally.
These five players have left an indelible mark in Colombia’s history in the Copa América. His goals have not only contributed to the successes of the national team, but have also inspired generations of footballers and fans. Arnoldo Iguarán, Victor Hugo Aristizábal, Delio ‘Maravilla’ Gamboa, Ernesto Díaz and Freddy Rincón are names that will always be remembered with admiration and respect in Colombian football.
