Leonel Alvarez

Leonel Alvarez

Leonel Álvarez was one of the greatest soccer players in Colombian history, and now he is starting his career as a coach. Leonel was very poor, and for him, soccer was the way to have a better life for him and his family. His first team was Enka, then Antioquia’s state team, his first professional team was Medellin. His first professional game was on December 18 1983 against Bucaramanga. Although he used to be a fan of Nacional, he preferred Medellin because this team gave him the first chance to became professional and buy his mother her first house. He played 109 games with the Colombian National team.

He is among the five players with the most games played with the Colombian national team. He scored 14 goals in his career. He played for the following teams: Medellin, Nacional, America, Pereira, Quindio in Colombia, and abroad, Veracruz (Mexico), Dallas (USA), New England (USA), Real Valladolid (Spain). Leonel is one of the favorite players, because, as he says, “a soccer player should not only kick a ball he should also have values and be a good example for all the people”.

Leonel never drinks alcohol because he wants always to set a good example. ‘Leonel has started his career as a coach, and he wants to teach others his experience although he says he suffers more as a coach.

Leonel dreams of helping others to succeed as he did.