Radamel Falcao

Falcao's journey with the Colombian national teams began at the youth level, where he showcased his talent and potential. He participated in the 2001 South American U-17 Championship, featuring in four matches and finding the net once against Bolivia. Although he was called up for the 2003 FIFA U-17 World Championship, an unfortunate injury sidelined him before the tournament commenced.
His progression continued with the under-20 team, earning his first call-up for the Copa Simón Bolívar tournament in 2003. Falcao notably featured in the 2005 South American U-20 Championship, where he played a crucial role in Colombia's championship victory, scoring a goal against Argentina. He further demonstrated his prowess in the 2005 FIFA World Youth Championship, scoring twice against Canada and Syria.


Falcao made his senior team debut on 7 February 2007, marking the beginning of his illustrious international career. He scored his first goal against Montenegro in the Kirin Cup on 3 June. His competitive debut came on 13 October against Brazil, in a match that ended in a 0–0 draw.
Despite facing setbacks due to injuries, Falcao made significant contributions to Colombia's 2010 World Cup qualifying campaign. He returned to action with a goal against Nigeria in a friendly match on 19 November 2008. Notably, he scored the decisive goal in a World Cup qualifying match against Peru on 10 June 2009, securing victory for Colombia.
Throughout the qualifying campaign, Falcao showcased his scoring prowess, appearing in 10 games and finding the net once. His impact on the national team highlighted his importance as a key player in Colombia's quest for success on the international stage.


Falcao's international career saw him make significant contributions to Colombia's campaigns in major tournaments, starting with the 2011 Copa América in Argentina. Despite missing the 2007 edition due to injuries, Falcao made his mark in the tournament by scoring both goals in Colombia's 2–0 victory against Bolivia, leading his team to top their group. However, his missed penalty kick against Peru in the quarter-finals proved costly, as Colombia was eliminated after conceding two goals in extra time.


His journey continued in the 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, where he played a pivotal role under the management of José Pékerman. Falcao showcased his scoring prowess with crucial goals against Bolivia, Uruguay, Chile, and Paraguay, helping Colombia secure important victories and climb up the qualifying table. Notably, his brace against Chile, including two penalty kicks, played a crucial role in securing a 3–3 draw and ensuring Colombia's qualification for the World Cup for the first time since 1998.
Falcao's determination to recover from injuries and his unwavering commitment to representing his country were evident throughout the qualifying campaign. Despite facing setbacks, he emerged as Colombia's top scorer in the 2014 FIFA World Cup qualification campaign, further solidifying his status as a key figure in the national team setup.


Falcao's journey leading up to the 2014 FIFA World Cup was marked by a significant setback due to a severe ACL injury. Despite initial doubts surrounding his participation in the tournament, Falcao remained optimistic about his recovery, supported by a worldwide social media movement and well-wishes from various figures, including professional athletes like Pau Gasol.
Although included in José Pékerman's initial 30-man squad for the World Cup, Falcao ultimately made the difficult decision to withdraw from the squad, recognizing that he wasn't fully match-fit and didn't want to take up a position without being at his best. This decision showcased his commitment to the team's success and his integrity as a player.


Following his recovery, Falcao returned to the field for Colombia and quickly resumed his goal-scoring form, eventually equaling Colombia's all-time top scorer record. His leadership and scoring prowess played a crucial role in Colombia's qualification for the 2018 FIFA World Cup, where he continued to make significant contributions to the national team's success.
However, his journey wasn't without controversy, as allegations surfaced regarding a possible pact between Colombia and Peru during their World Cup qualifying match. Despite the speculation, Falcao denied any involvement in such an arrangement, emphasizing the integrity of the game and his commitment to fair play.


Throughout his international career, Falcao's resilience, leadership, and goal-scoring ability have solidified his legacy as one of Colombia's greatest footballers, inspiring fans and teammates alike with his determination and passion for the game.
Falcao's World Cup debut in 2018 marked a significant moment in his international career, as he showcased his goal-scoring prowess with a memorable performance against Poland. His goal not only contributed to Colombia's victory but also earned him praise from fans and colleagues, reaffirming his status as a symbol of Colombian football.


Despite Colombia's eventual elimination from the tournament after a tense match against England in the round of 16, Falcao's leadership and contributions on the field were evident, including his successful penalty conversion during the shootout.
In the 2019 Copa América, Falcao represented Colombia once again but had a relatively subdued performance, failing to register any goals or assists throughout the tournament. Colombia's quarter-final exit against Chile marked a disappointing end to their campaign, despite Falcao's efforts on the field.
Reaching the milestone of 100 international matches with Colombia in a friendly against Guatemala on 24 September 2022 is a testament to Falcao's enduring commitment and dedication to representing his country. Throughout his career, he has remained a key figure in Colombian football, inspiring teammates and fans alike with his talent and passion for the game.


Falcao's impact on the world of football goes far beyond his impressive goal-scoring record. Known for his natural ability to find the back of the net, he has earned praise from teammates, opponents, and coaches alike for his exceptional skills and professionalism on and off the field.
His versatility as a striker, adeptness with both feet, and proficiency in various goal-scoring techniques have made him a formidable force in front of goal. Whether it's powerful shots from distance, precise finishes, or aerial prowess, Falcao consistently delivers when it matters most.


Widely regarded as one of the greatest strikers of his generation, Falcao's influence extends beyond his playing career. His leadership qualities and dedication to the game have inspired younger players, such as Kylian Mbappé, who have looked up to him as a mentor and role model.
Throughout his career, Falcao has earned the respect and admiration of footballing legends like Lionel Messi and Pep Guardiola, who have recognized his exceptional talent and contribution to the sport. His impact on Colombian football is undeniable, cementing his legacy as one of the country's greatest players of all time.
Despite facing challenges such as injuries, Falcao's passion for the game and relentless pursuit of excellence have earned him a place among football's elite, leaving a lasting impression on the sport and inspiring future generations of players.

References

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9. ^ "Fluminense admite interés por el colombiano Falcao García". Caracol Radio (in Spanish). 8 December 2007. Retrieved 21 September 2021.
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11. ^ "FALCAO KEEN ON ARSENAL". Eurosport. 7 July 2008. Retrieved 21 September 2021.