Julián Quiñones, from Colombia’s ground zero to World Cup acclaim | OneFootball

Julián Quiñones announced himself, scoring the first goal of the World Cup and taking MVP in the opener. His journey runs from Magüí Payán, southern Colombia, to football’s centre stage. He also leads the Saudi Pro League with 33 goals, ahead of Ivan Toney and Cristiano Ronaldo.

According to El Periódico Mediterráneo, he was born in Magüí Payán, a neglected Nariño community often described as the drug trade’s ground zero, where many children play barefoot and choices can be brutal.

Quiñones grew up without knowing his father, raised by his mother Gloria, his grandmother Luisa María and two sisters. He hardly left the pitch as a boy, and his family still hope fame will not change him.

Determined to lift his loved ones out of poverty, he left for Cali when told to go and trialled at Fútbol Paz. Arriving at 15, he promptly hit four in a scratch game, a moment that convinced coaches they had found a natural goalscorer.

At 18 Tigres offered a trial and he flew to Mexico with his mother. Then came Venados, Lobos, Atlas, where he brought joy after 70 years of misfortune, and América, before Al-Qadsiah in Saudi Arabia.

He represents Mexico after Colombia overlooked him, and his wife Ana Gabriela and daughter Alama are Mexican. He and his family ignore online accusations over his flag, while voices such as Leireno Sotomayor’s have framed his rise as hard-earned justice.

Source: El Periódico Mediterráneo