Biography
Who is Juan Fernando Quintero?
Early life and professional beginnings
Juan Fernando Quintero Paniagua was born in Medellín, Colombia. He started his football path in his home city. He joined the youth academy for Envigado after playing well in a local tournament in Medellín. He began his professional career there in 2009.
By the end of the 2010 season, he helped his team stay in the top league. He scored the only goal in a crucial relegation play-off match against Deportivo Pasto. Despite suffering a tibia fracture later, he recovered and helped his club maintain its position. He moved to Atlético Nacional in early 2012.
European career and development
In 2012, the midfielder moved to Italy to join Pescara. He scored his first goal for the club against Bologna with a free kick. By 2013, he transferred to FC Porto in Portugal. He signed a four-year contract with the team. During his time in Portugal, he won the Supertaça Cândido de Oliveira.
He provided assists in various league matches, including against Vitória de Setúbal. Later, he went on loan to the French club Rennes for the 2015 to 2016 season. He scored his first goal for Rennes in a match against SM Caen. In 2013, he gained significant recognition while playing for the Colombia under-20 national team. He won the South American Youth Championship and earned the Most Valuable Player award. He scored five goals and provided four assists during that tournament, establishing his reputation as a top young talent.
Success with River Plate and international play
A major turning point occurred when he joined River Plate in Argentina on loan in 2018. During the 2018 Copa Libertadores final against Boca Juniors, he scored a decisive goal in extra time. This performance helped his team secure the championship title. He also played for the Colombia national team.
He made his senior debut in 2012. During the 2014 World Cup, he scored his first tournament goal against Ivory Coast. In the 2018 FIFA World Cup, he scored against Japan. This made him the first Colombian player to score in two separate FIFA World Cup competitions. He also participated in the 2024 Copa América.
Recent transfers and club movements
His career included a spell in China with Shenzhen FC starting in 2021. He returned to River Plate in 2022. By 2023, he joined Atlético Junior and then moved to Racing Club. With Racing Club, he secured the Copa Sudamericana title in 2024.
He briefly joined América de Cali in 2025 before returning to River Plate once more. In July 2026, he moved back to Independiente Medellín. Throughout his travels, he remained a key figure for the Colombia national team at the youth and senior levels. His height is 169 cm.
Birthday and age
Juan Fernando Quintero was born on January 18, 1993, which makes Juan 33 years old today. That birthday falls under the Capricorn sign. Juan shares the date with 47 other famous people.
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