Pedro Falcao

BIOGRAPHY

Radamel Falcao García Zárate, affectionately known as “El Tigre” (The Tiger), is a highly esteemed striker in the world of professional football. Born on February 10, 1986, in Colombia, he is recognised as one of the best attackers of his generation, and one of Colombia’s all-time great footballers. With over a hundred caps and 36 goals to his name, Falcao is the top goal scorer for the national team, having broken the previous record of 25 goals in June 2017. In his current role, he plays for La Liga’s Rayo Vallecano and represents the Colombian National team.

Falcao’s journey into professional football began back in the Argentine league with River Plate. He played with the River Plate youth academy from 2001 to 2004 and later led the team to victory at the 2007-2008 Clausura tournament. The 2009-2010 season saw him sign up with Porto. During his time with Porto, Falcao won many notable trophies, including the UEFA Europa League, the Taça de Portugal, and the Primeira Liga treble in 2011.

In August 2011, Falcao traded the Portuguese league for La Liga, joining Atlético Madrid for a club record €40 million. His key contributions in the club’s Europa League, UEFA Super Cup victories, and their victory at the 2013 Copa del Rey Final against rivals Real Madrid made him an instant fan favourite. He was also the third-highest goal scorer during his time with Atlético Madrid, only behind football greats Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.

Following these successes, Falcao made a controversial move to Ligue 1 side, Monaco, for another record fee of €60 million in 2013. Despite receiving offers from other top European clubs, Falcao sided with the newly promoted team and in his debut season, an ACL injury unfortunately sidelined him for six months. After this, Falcao had loan spells with Premier League clubs Manchester United and Chelsea, before rejoining Monaco in the summer of 2016. He regained his top form, captaining Monaco to their first Ligue 1 title in 17 years and reaching the UEFA Champions League semi-finals.

Falcao’s next move was to Turkey in 2019, signing with Galatasaray, before he returned to La Liga with Rayo Vallecano in 2021. Internationally, Falcao made quite an impact with the Colombian national team. Apart from becoming the top goal scorer for the country, he also participated in the Copa América in 2011, 2015 and 2019. He missed the 2014 FIFA World Cup due to injury but participated in the 2018 tournament in Russia. From 2015 to 2021, he even captained the national team before recurring injuries affected his football play.

His record in the UEFA Europa League is particularly notable, holding the record for the most goals scored in a single season of the tournament. In 2011, he scored 17 goals, setting a European campaign record. He was also the first player to win back-to-back Europa League titles with two teams – Porto in 2011 and Atlético in 2012. He is Porto’s top goal scorer in international club competitions, and remains Monaco’s highest goal scorer this century, having scored 83 goals.

Throughout his career, Falcao received various recognitions and accolades. He was named in the FIFA FIFPro World XI in 2012, the first and only Colombian player to ever achieve this. He also was a three-time nominee for the Ballon d’Or, finishing fifth in 2012. In the same year, he received the Globe Soccer Best Footballer award. In November 2018, Atlético Madrid fans honoured Falcao with a plaque outside the Metropolitano Stadium.

Falcao’s early career started with Lanceros Boyacá in the Colombian Categoría Primera B, making his debut at the tender age of 13 on August 28, 1999. The following year saw him playing significantly more, appearing in seven matches. His first goal for the club came at the Estadio Olímpico del Sol in Sogamoso, sealing a 2–0 win against Club El Cóndor.

In February 2001, Falcao signed with River Plate in Argentina for a $500,000 fee. He made steady progress in the youth team and finally made his professional debut on March 6, 2005, in a game against Instituto de Córdoba. His performance convinced the coach to give him regular first-team opportunities, which he repaid with consistent goal scoring and solid performances. His career trajectory in Argentina was temporarily interrupted when he injured the ligaments in his right knee in November 2005, but he made a strong comeback in September 2006.

Falcao turned down offers from a number of prestigious clubs to stay with River Plate, ultimately finishing his stint in Argentina with an impressive goal tally. In a twist of fate, he turned down a move to Benfica, which made way for a career-defining opportunity to join Porto. His career continued spiralling upwards with impressive performances in the Champions League and scoring crucial goals for Porto domestically and internationally. His record-breaking stint at the Europa League solidified his status as one of the greats and laid the groundwork for the successful career he continues to enjoy. Whether in Argentina, Portugal, Spain, or France, Falcao’s remarkable journey evidences his tremendous talent and unwavering determination.

QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

What Is Pedro Falcao's Ranking On Tapology?
The ranking of Pedro Falcao on Tapology is currently unknown.

What Is Pedro Falcao's Record On Sherdog?
As a UFC journalist, I cannot provide a concise answer about Pedro Falcao's record on Sherdog as the information is not given in the provided context.

What Is Pedro Falcao's LinkedIn Profile?
As a UFC journalist, I don't have access to specific LinkedIn profiles, including that of Pedro Falcão.

Who Is Pedro Falcao From Big Brother Brasil (BBB)?
Pedro Falcao is a former contestant on the Brazilian version of the reality TV show Big Brother.

Who Is Pedro Falcao Pinheiro?
Pedro Falcao Pinheiro was a 25-year-old survivor of Brazil's deadliest nightclub fire in decades, who tragically passed away a month after the incident, bringing the death toll to 240.

Who Is Pedro Falcao Naval?
Pedro Falcao Naval is a professional mixed martial artist who recently made his debut in the UFC.

Who Is Pedro Falcao At ISCTE?
Pedro Fontes Falcão is the co-Director of the Executive MBA at ISCTE Executive Education.

Who Is Pedro Falcao Cuf?
Unknown

Quem é Pedro Falcao, O Advogado?
Pedro Falcao é um advogado que trabalha na firma de advocacia Lee, Brock, Camargo, conforme indicado em seu perfil no LinkedIn.