RADAMEL FALCAO GARCIA

Synopsis

Born on February 10, 1986, in Santa Marta, Colombia, Radamel Falcao began his soccer career in Colombia at age 13. He continued his development with Argentina's Club Atlético River Plate, overcoming a serious knee injury to become a top scorer. Falcao later earned renown for his performances with F.C. Porto in Portugal and Atlético Madrid in Spain, finishing fifth in the Ballon d'Or voting in 2012.

Early Years and Career

Radamel Falcao García Zárate was born on February 10, 1986, in Santa Marta, Colombia, the son of former pro soccer player Radamel García Sr. After a tryout with Amsterdam's AFC Ajax at age 11, the talented youngster made his debut with Colombian second-tier club Lanceros Boyacá as a 13-year-old. He joined the youth system of Club Atlético River Plate in Buenos Aires, Argentina, at age 15, where his tenacity earned him the nickname "El Tigre" ("The Tiger") from teammates.

Lethal Scorer

Named to River Plate's senior team in 2005, Falcao began the 2005-06 season with seven goals in as many games. But the young striker tore an anterior cruciate ligament that November, a devastating injury that knocked him out of action for almost a year.

Finally back to full health in 2007, Falcao displayed the goal-scoring wizardry that had surfaced before his injury. Despite standing a modest 5'10", the striker excelled at rising above defenders on corner kicks. He scored a total of 45 goals in just over 100 games for River Plate, his play helping the club win the Argentine first division in 2008.