Top 10 Colombia Best Football Player - 2025 (Ranked)

Colombia has always been a breeding ground for talented footballers, nurtured in a land of flair, skill, and rhythm. From the streets of the notorious war-ridden Medellin to the iconic stadiums of Barranquilla, the Latin American country has a long tradition of producing talented youngsters and helping them later to produce magic on the pitch wherever they play - be it in the FIFA World Cup or in a European tournament, or in any major league across the world.
Colombia's talent pool is as colourful as its culture. From skilful midfielders pulling the strings and highly-rated attackers finding the net to solid defenders building a defensive wall, the country continues to leave marks in world football with a team that has a perfect blend of legendary veterans and energetic young figures who are eager to rise to fame. Players like Luis Diaz, James Rodriguez and Yerry Mina are already inspiring millions with their aura and presence. On that note, let's take a look at who is the best football player in Colombia currently and who follows next.

List of Best Colombian Footballers

Here is the list of the top 10 best Colombian footballers in 2025. From clinical attackers to rock-solid defenders, all important figures in La Tricolour are present here.

How we Ranked the Best Colombian Football Players in 2025?

To choose and rank the best Colombian football players in 2025, we have not only looked at their individual performances across leagues, but also focused on their influence on their respective teams’ performances across all competitions. It’s not always about skills and talents; it’s about what matters most.

• Performance Stats: Goals, assists, saves, expected goals (xG), and many more raw stats highlight players' consistency. Their performance stats make them standout outfits amongst the rest.
• Consistency: If a player delivers constantly on the pitch, he is considered a world-class individual. We have preferred those who have always shone at the highest level.
• Playing Position: Football is a team game. The best Colombian players, according to us, have contributed in all departments - attack, midfield and defence.
• Impact in Key Matches: Great Colombian football players always rise to the occasion in key matches. From World Cup qualifiers to Copa America, from UEFA Champions League games to Copa Libertadores, performances in these tournaments have been considered to choose the best ones.
• Trophies/Achievements: Like any other sport, success in football means silverware. Players with the most domestic Leagues, international title victories and individual accolades have been ranked higher.

Who is the Best Football Player in Colombia in 2025?

In case you are wondering who is the best Colombia football player in 2025, then you will find the answer below in this article. Stars like Luis Diaz and James Rodriguez have already established themselves as elite figures in the game and still continue to shine alongside other megastars in the national side.

10. Daniel Munoz (Crystal Palace)

The explosive Colombian is one of the few players who are currently representing Colombia in the Premier League. The 29-year-old Daniel Munoz has been one of the mainstays at defence for Crystal Palace since his arrival in 2024 from Genk. He is an energetic wing-back who always has his eyes set on the ball.
The Eagles clinched their famous FA Cup title victory against Manchester City in 2025, all thanks to a sublime display from the Colombian. He was the assist provider in the final showdown that found the only goal of the final.

9. Rafael Santos Borre (Internacional)

The next on our list of Colombia best player is Rafael Santos Borre, a footballer who is renowned for his sharpness in the box and a keen eye to sniff out chances. He has been in tremendous form currently for the Brazilian giants, SC Internacional, having scored four goals and one assist in just 16 Serie A games this season.
The 29-year-old is a clinical finisher who can easily beat the opponents' offside trap with his brilliant moves. Santos Borre prefers to stay near the box and loves to pop up when he is least expected.

8. Jefferson Lerma (Crystal Palace)

Another best Colombian football player currently is Jefferson Lerma, who is the second footballer from the Latin American nation playing for Crystal Palace in the English Premier League right now. The 30-year-old professional footballer is the one who is deployed to execute all the dirty work for the Eagles, either in the middle of the park or at defence.
Tackles, keeping possession, box-to-box man marking or double-pivoting, you name it. Lerma is there to pull off all those with no question being asked.

7. Davinson Sanchez (Galatasaray)

One of the most elite defenders in Europe, Davinson Sanchez, has made it to our list of the best Colombian football players in 2025. Despite his consistency, the Galatasaray centre-back has always been under the radar. The former Tottenham Hotspur and Ajax defender has already settled down at the Turkish club in less than two years, proving his mettle in important matches.
His physical strength, agility, athleticism and calmness under pressure have made him the backbone of Galatasaray's back line. Despite not winning many silverware, his influence in both club and international Football will always bring his name whenever there is a discussion regarding the best Colombian footballers.

6. Juan Cuadrado (Pisa)

The 37-year-old Juan Cuadrado's inclusion in Colombia best football player list might look like a surprise, but in reality, the story gives you a reality check. Eight years with Juventus and a few more years with Chelsea, Inter Milan and Atalanta have shown why he is a symbol of vintage Colombia. Sharp eyes, trickery, dribbling skills, crossing and pace keep Cuadrado still going at this age.
Whether it's the wing-back role or the winger position, he brings energy and life whenever he takes to the arena. The former teammate of Cristiano Ronaldo at Juventus continues to inspire millions of youngsters, serving as a leader for Pisa.

5. Jhon Arias (Wolves)

Guess who else pops up in our search for the Colombia best football player? It's the creative wand Jhon Arias, who has turned the heads of millions with his scoring prowess. The former fan favourite of Fluminense, the attacking midfielder has recently joined the Premier League club Wolverhampton Wanderers after helping his former club in Brazil to lift the 2023 Copa Libertadores and Recopa Sudamericana in 2024.
His standout performance with Fluminense at the recently concluded FIFA Club World Cup 2025, where the Serie A outfit reached the semifinals, has already sealed his reputation as a threatening attacking star in Europe.

4. Yerry Mina (Cagliari)

A legend who still continues to deliver at the big stage in his 30s. Yerry Mina, a towering figure at defence, a worthy name on the list of the best Colombian footballers in 2025, has already etched his name in the folklore of the game despite witnessing ups and downs in his professional career. After spells at Barcelona and Everton, he somehow disappeared from European football. A move to Cagliari in 2024 has put him back in the fray amongst the best defenders in club football.
The tenacious and energetic Yerry Mina is not only a cog in the defence for his side, but also a chaotic presence in the attacks, thanks to his ability to find the net through bullet headers.

3. Richard Rios (Benfica)

Colombia has found a gem of an attacking midfielder in the form of Richard Rios, who is touted to be the next James Rodriguez in the country's national team. The 25-year-old playmaker caught the attention of the world when he rose to fame at Palmeiras, having won two major titles, including the Brasileiro Serie A 2023. Benfica broke the bank to secure his signature in 2025, and thus, he came under the big lights of European football.
Despite playing as both a build-up and defensive figure mostly, he has managed four goals and as many assists. Rios was one of the hottest topics during the Club World Cup 2025, with him garnering transfer interest from the likes of Manchester United and AS Roma. The way he is turning himself into a midfield maestro, he is well in contention to become Colombia best football player in the near future.

2. James Rodriguez (Club Leon)

If anyone deserves to be the best Colombian football player, it's James Rodriguez, the once golden boy of the country. Forget about what he has achieved in the past, forget about his two Champions Leagues, over seven domestic leagues across Europe, UEFA Super Cup and Club World Cup victories. Let's talk about the present. The left-footed magician is currently chilling in Mexico's Liga MX, toying with defences with his flawless moves and passes for Leon.
Seeing James play is like witnessing magic unfolding in front of your very eyes, with the Colombian dishing out assists like a dream.
Why James Rodriguez deserves to be on our list of the best Colombian footballers is his stats across competitions, especially in World Cup qualifiers. He is the top scorer and top assist provider, and no one comes close to challenging him. Now you know why he is the best.

1. Luis Diaz (Bayern Munich)

Bayern Munich's latest recruit Luis Diaz is our pick for the best Colombian football player in 2025. And it was no hard decision for us, given his recent form with the defending Premier League champions Liverpool and with his current club, Bayern Munich. His flair, creativity, and speed have made him a nightmare for the defenders. His ability to change the rhythm of a game forced the Bavarians to swoop in for him in a big-money move this year.
For La Tricolour, Diaz is not just a common attacker. He is also a leader who leads his team's attack from the front with tenacity. Whether scoring crucial goals or providing assists, the Bayern Munich star forward has always represented his country with pride. His consistency and performance have made him an inevitable face as the Colombia best football player in 2025.