Juan Fernando Quintero, Colombia footballer: Profile, Career, News & Videos

Juan Fernando Quintero is a Colombian professional footballer who plays as attacking midfielder or winger for Argentine Primera División club River Plate and the Colombia national team.

Quintero first received attention at age 19 due to his performances in the 2013 South American Youth Championship, where Colombia won the title. He was the tournaments MVP with five goals and four assists; shortly after he was recognized as one of the most promising youth prospects in South America and the world.

Quintero has represented Colombia since he was 19, making his official debut in 2012 against Cameroon. He took part in the 2013 U-20 World Cup, where he gained more praise for his talents after making a huge impact in the tournament. Quintero went on to represent Colombia in the 2014 World Cup, where he scored his first world cup goal against Ivory Coast. In the 2018 FIFA World Cup he scored against Japan, becoming the first Colombian to score in two FIFA World Cup competitions.

Quintero began his career with Envigado, with his performances helping the club avoid relegation in 2010. In January 2012, he joined Nacional, with his performances impressing Italy's Pescara, who signed him in July 2012. He spent one season at Pescara before joining Porto. In 2017, he returned to the Colombian League with Independiente Medellin, where he quickly became a fan favorite. In 2018 he transferred to River Plate, and scored a memorable goal in the second leg of the Copa Libertadores finals which helped the club lift the trophy. In 2021 he had a short spell in China before returning to River Plate for the 202 season. He has a six month spell at Junior in the beginning of 2023, joining Racing in August 2023 and winning the Copa Sudamericana with the club.