DAVID OSPINA

David Ospina Ramírez started out in Medellín, Colombia, coming through the youth ranks of Atlético Nacional and debuting in the Categoría Primera A in 2005 at just 17 years old. That same year he lifted his first league title in the 2005 Torneo Apertura, and by 2007 he was the club’s first-choice goalkeeper under coach Óscar Héctor Quintabani, helping complete a domestic double of the Apertura and Finalización tournaments. His composure and shot-stopping instinct marked him out early.

A move to French side Nice followed his two domestic titles in Colombia, and in 2014 he joined Arsenal on a four-year deal. In London he collected three trophies: the FA Cup in 2015 and 2017, plus the 2017 FA Community Shield. A 2018 loan to Napoli became a permanent transfer a year later, and he featured prominently in the club’s 2020 Coppa Italia triumph. He later signed with Saudi Pro League side Al Nassr in 2022 before an emotional 2024 return to Atlético Nacional, where he won the Copa Colombia for the first time in his career.

Internationally, Ospina made his senior Colombia debut in February 2007 against Uruguay and went on to earn 130 caps, making him the country’s second-most capped player behind James Rodríguez. His résumé spans five Copa América tournaments and three FIFA World Cups, along with youth gold medals at the 2005 Bolivarian Games and the 2006 Central American and Caribbean Games.

Now serving as captain at his boyhood club, Ospina is praised for vocal leadership, a calm demeanor under pressure, and a strong penalty-saving record, mentoring younger defenders while remaining a revered figure in Colombian football.