The Other Carlos

Tim Edwards diversifies a little

As our very own Carlos speeds down the wing, breezing past stricken defenders en route to goal, I thought it would be interesting to discover a bit more about the most famous Carlos of them all: the great Carlos Valderrama. One of the most visually-amusing players ever to grace the world stage, as well as being an outstanding footballer, Valderrama's eccentric hairstyle became reminiscent of Zebedee from The Magic Roundabout and shades of Tina Turner's vertically-challenged hairdo.

The Columbian talisman, born on September 2nd 1961, became famed for his performances in the middle of the park, and with his 5'9" frame, wasn't an easy fella to shrug off the ball. He weighs 161lbs (although that's debatable now!) and his home town is Santa Marta, Columbia. His last club was Athletico Junior.

The reigning captain of Columbia's National Team, Carlos has one of the most distinguished records in world soccer history and has played 94 times for his country, scored seven goals, including the second in Columbia's 2-0 1990 World Cup opening-round win over the United Arab Emirates. Carlos also played in the last five Copa Americas beginning in 1987 when he won the Outstanding Player of the Year honours from Uruguayan newspaper El Pais and was also named the Outstanding Player of the 1993 Copa America by El Pais. In addition he has been voted South American Player of the Year three times. 

Here are some of his personal facts: Married to Claribeth; the couple have three children - Alan (13), Kenni (9) and Carlos (2); he lists Colombian teammate Freddy Rincon as his favourite player; his most memorable moments have been playing in the 1990 and 1994 World Cups; his favourite other sport is baseball; favourite non-soccer team is the Chicago Bulls; he would like to meet Michael Jordan some day; lists reading and being with his family as his big hobbies; his favourite movie is The Bodyguard; favourite actor is Michael Douglas; favourite actress is Shaina Easton; lists Big Combo as his favourite musical group; his favourite food is fish; he doesn't like people who tell lies; he would like to be a coach someday; and his full name is Carlos Alberto Valderrama Palacio.