Arsenal 19yo to represent Colombia at South American U20 Championship | OneFootball

Alexei Rojas, the 19-year-old Arsenal goalkeeper, is set to represent Colombia at the 2025 South American U20 Championship in Venezuela.

Born in England to a Russian mother and Colombian father, Rojas has embraced his Colombian heritage, committing to the Cafeteros despite holding triple nationality.

Photo via Rojas on Twitter

Rojas has been a standout performer in Arsenal’s youth setup and has already tasted first-team involvement, having served as a substitute in the Carabao Cup game against Bolton. His growth and consistent displays have positioned him as a key figure in Colombia’s U20 squad, with high expectations for him to secure the starting goalkeeper role in a tournament renowned for showcasing South America’s brightest young talents.

Photo via Instagram

Colombia’s squad boasts attacking stars like Jordan Barrera, but Rojas’ inclusion brings an added layer of quality and defensive assurance. This will not be his first experience at the South American U20 Championship, as he was part of the squad for the 2023 edition, though he did not feature on the pitch.

This time, however, the Arsenal prospect is expected to compete fiercely for the No. 1 jersey.

The 2025 South American U20 Championship, hosted in Venezuela, runs from January 23 to February 16 across five venues in four cities. The tournament is not only a platform for young players to shine but also a critical stepping stone toward qualification for the FIFA U20 World Cup.