One by one, these are the historical top scorers for the Colombian national team. Some names remain active in the sport today.
10. IVAN RENÉ VALENCIANO | 13 goals (29 games)
The striker enjoyed a golden era with the Tricolor, earning a World Cup appearance and Copa América participation. His era overlapped with a surge of forwards who would eventually assume the prime attacking roles for the national team.
9. JOSÉ “THE TRAIN” VALENCIA | 14 goals (37 games)
A member of a golden generation that secured remarkable victories, including a 5-0 triumph, he became one of the first Colombians to excel in European competition, with standout performances at Bayern Munich in Germany.
8. VICTOR ARISTIZABAL | 15 goals (66 games)
Beloved by fans, Aristizabal also built a successful international career, achieving success in Spain and Brazil. In Colombia, he is remembered for goals that helped claim the country’s only Copa América title in 2001.
7. THEOFILO GÓMEZ GUTIÉRREZ | 15 goals (52 games)
Radamel Falcao’s partner in the campaign toward Brazil 2014, his goals made him one of the most sought-after forwards abroad, with stints in Argentina and Portugal before returning to South American football.
6. CARLOS BACA | 16 goals (52 games)
Still seen abroad in Europe, the forward from Puerto Colombia delivered key goals for the Tricolor. He later reflected that, during the end of the José Pekerman era, he was not consistently called upon and his place in the squad became uncertain.
5. FREDDY CORNER | 17 goals (84 games)
The Colossus of Buenaventura scored some of the team’s most memorable moments, including a dramatic draw against Germany in the opening stage of the 1990 World Cup in Italy.
4. FAUSTINO ASPRILLA | 20 goals (56 games)
Asprilla helped open doors for Colombian players in Europe and remains a beloved figure for Parma in Italy and Newcastle United in England, clubs where he earned titles and individual honors.
3. ARNOLDO IGUARÁN | 24 goals (65 games)
Before a new generation gained global recognition, El Guajiro stood as the top scorer in the history of the Colombian national team. His goals are etched into the country’s football heritage and remain unforgettable for fans.
2. JAMES RODRÍGUEZ | 26 goals (90 games)
Known worldwide for his exceptional left foot, James starred as Colombia’s leading scorer in the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. He continues to seek the moment to guide his nation to a third consecutive World Cup appearance.
1. RADAMEL FALCAO | 36 goals (101 games)
El Tigre has a relentless eye for goal and a long European career that cemented his status as Colombia’s all-time leading scorer. With two decades in the sport, he remains a perpetual goal threat and a continuing source of inspiration for his national team.
Note: attributions are based on historical records and are widely cited within the football community.