Biography
Who is René Higuita?
Early life and background
René Higuita was born on August 27, 1966, in the Castilla neighborhood of Medellín, Colombia. His parents were Jorge Zapata and María Dioselina Higuita. Following the departure of his father during his childhood and the subsequent passing of his mother, he was raised by his grandmother, Ana Felisa. This upbringing occurred in a middle-low class area of the city.
He began his professional football path with the club Millonarios before transferring to Atlético Nacional in 1986. This move marked the beginning of his most significant period in club football, where he would eventually secure multiple titles including the Copa Libertadores and the Copa Interamericana in 1989.
Professional football career
The goalkeeper became widely known for his high-risk playing style, often referred to as a sweeper-keeper approach. This strategy involved him leaving his penalty area to anticipate opposing players, dribble the ball, and participate in attacking plays. His performance during the 1990 FIFA World Cup brought this unorthodox style to a global audience for the first time. Despite his skills, he made a well-known error in that tournament while attempting to feint Cameroon striker Roger Milla, which led to a goal against Colombia.
Throughout his career, he played for several clubs including Real Valladolid in Spain, and various Colombian teams such as Junior de Barranquilla, Deportivo Independiente Medellín, and Deportivo Pereira. He also had a stint in Venezuela with Guaros FC. Across his professional appearances, he managed to score 41 goals, a feat that ranks him among the highest-scoring goalkeepers in the history of the sport.
The scorpion kick and reputation
One of the most defining moments of his career occurred on September 6, 1995, during a friendly match against England at Wembley Stadium. René Higuita performed an acrobatic clearance known as the scorpion kick, jumping forward and using his heels to clear a cross from Jamie Redknapp. The move earned significant media attention and was later ranked 94th in a 2002 list of the 100 greatest sporting moments.
His reputation as an eccentric player earned him the nickname El Loco, meaning The Madman. While he was recognized as one of the best South American goalkeepers of the 20th century, his career also faced challenges. He was imprisoned for seven months in 1993 for his involvement in a kidnapping case as a go-between, though he was released without charge. He also faced a positive drug test for cocaine in 2004 while playing for the Ecuadorian club Aucas.
Personal life and family
René Higuita is married to Magnolia, and the couple has two children named Andrés and Pamela. He also has a daughter named Cindy Carolina from his first marriage. He is a grandfather to three children. In 2005, he appeared on a reality television program called La Isla de Los famosos: Una Aventura Pirata and underwent plastic surgery to alter his appearance. In 2024, he became a brand ambassador for the online casino and sportsbook company Betsson.
Birthday and age
René Higuita was born on August 27, 1966, which makes René 60 years old today. That birthday falls under the Virgo sign. René shares the date with 31 other famous people.
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