Radamel Falcao at 40, El Tigre’s fight and a Bogotá homecoming | OneFootball

Radamel Falcao turns 40 today, the 2012 Ballon d’Or fifth place finisher still playing for Millonarios in Bogotá. El Tigre reflects on a career defined by goals, scars and resilience.

He joined Millonarios in summer 2024 after Galatasaray and Rayo Vallecano, his first stint in Colombia’s top flight. According to L'Équipe, he left in June 2025 with 29 games and 11 goals, then re-signed in January after hinting at one last project in December.

Frequent childhood moves following his father’s career, including a spell in Venezuela, forged adaptability but isolation. He left for River Plate before 15, battled injuries early on, yet his teenage promise quickly drew comparisons and a path to Europe.

At Porto and Atlético Madrid he hit elite level, lifting two Europa Leagues, the UEFA Super Cup and the Copa del Rey, and finishing fifth in the 2012 Ballon d’Or. Monaco paid €60m in 2013, but an ACL rupture in January 2014 cost him the Brazil World Cup and preceded lean loans at Manchester United and Chelsea, five goals in 41 games.

Back at Monaco he led the 2016-17 Ligue 1 title ahead of PSG and a Champions League semi-final run. In Bogotá, a play-off exit to Santa Fe in June 2025 brought a four match ban and a fine later reduced on appeal, before his 28 January return against Deportivo Pasto. He has since captained off the bench, is yet to score, and is weighing business ventures and a future in football, likely abroad, helping players.

Source: L'Équipe