Colombian Soccer Star Reflects on Journey to Success

BUCARAMANGA, Colombia (AP) — At just 24 years old, Colombian soccer player Ríos has become a household name, consistently representing the national team and attracting lucrative offers from global clubs. His remarkable rise in the sport seemed unimaginable just a few years ago.

In a recent interview with ‘Globo Esporte’, the Antioqueno recounted the challenges he faced in his youth, revealing that financial constraints forced him to abandon traditional soccer for futsal. He noted, “I initially chose futsal because it required less travel; I could walk just 20 to 30 minutes to practice.” Despite being selected for the youth national futsal team, his economic situation remained dire, prompting him to play in amateur seven-a-side tournaments.

Ríos’ life took a dramatic turn at the 2028 South American Futsal U-20 Championship held in Brazil, where scouts from Flamengo recognized his talent. “That was a turning point for my career,” he explained. Flamengo offered him a contract, initially sending him on loan to a club in Mexico and later to a second-division team. Today, he believes he is fortunate to earn a substantial salary.

Currently, Ríos is under contract with Flamengo until 2028, earning between €150,000 and €300,000 per month, which translates to roughly 670 to 1,324 million Colombian pesos. If divided over five games a month, his earnings per game average between 134 and 260 million pesos. Ríos emphasized that he never imagined reaching such financial heights just seven years ago, when he often struggled to make ends meet.

In addition to his salary, Ríos also benefits from performance bonuses, per diem for national team call-ups, and rewards for winning titles. He stated, “These extra incentives reflect the hard work and dedication I’ve invested in my career.”

As Ríos prepares for his upcoming match against Sporting Cristal from Peru on April 3 in the Copa Libertadores Group G, he also looks forward to competing against Sport Recife on April 6 in the Brazilian Championship. With a bright future ahead of him, Ríos continues to inspire many aspiring athletes in Colombia.