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Carlos Bacca
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Carlos Bacca
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Carlos Arturo Bacca Ahumada (born 8 September 1986) is a Colombian professional footballer who plays as a striker for Categoría Primera A club Atlético Junior.

Key Information

Bacca began his career at Atlético Junior, where he was top scorer in the 2010 Categoría Primera A Apertura. In January 2012, he moved to Club Brugge, where he was the Belgian Pro League's top scorer in his only full season before joining Sevilla for €7 million. He won the UEFA Europa League in both of his first two seasons with the club, scoring twice in the 2015 final. In the summer of 2015, he joined Serie A side AC Milan for €30 million.

An international for Colombia from 2012 to 2018, Bacca represented the country at the 2014 and 2018 FIFA World Cups, the 2015 Copa América, and the Copa América Centenario, in which they finished third. He is renowned for his pace, aggression, eye for goal, and determination as a forward.

Background and personal life

[edit]

Bacca was born in Puerto Colombia, a coastal town within the Barranquilla metropolitan area, to Gilberto Bacca and Eloisa Ahumada.[2] Bacca is known to be an extremely religious person of the Evangelical Christian faith,[3][4] frequently thanking God in interviews,[5][6] and despite his denomination it was at one time rumored that he wanted to join Italian club Roma so that he would be close to the Pope.[7]

Club career

[edit]

Atlético Junior

[edit]

Bacca began his professional career with Atlético Junior in 2006, where he did not have many chances to play. While playing football, Bacca had a second job working as a bus driver's assistant, to earn more money since his family came from a poor background.[6][8] On loan at Barranquilla FC in 2007, Bacca made 27 appearances and scored 12 goals. After that, he joined Venezuelan club Minervén on loan for a season. Bacca led the club into second place in the league, scoring 12 goals in 29 games. In 2008, Bacca rejoined Barranquilla on loan once again and was the league top scorer with 14 goals in 19 games. [citation needed]

Bacca made his professional debut on 1 March 2009 in a 2009 Apertura match against Deportivo Pasto; with the score at 0-0, Bacca entered the game as a sub and scored two goals in 15 minutes to give his club a 2-0 victory.[8][9] In his first professional season at Junior, Bacca quickly earned himself a regular first team place and was the top scorer in the 2009 Copa Colombia. One year later, in 2010, he became the winner and top goalscorer of the Categoría Primera A, repeating in 2011 as winner and top goalscorer giving Junior their sixth and seventh Colombian titles.[citation needed]

Since making a breakthrough at Atlético Junior, Bacca had attracted clubs' interest, mostly from Europe. Many clubs in Europe like Russian side Lokomotiv Moscow[10] and Chievo[11] came close to Bacca's signature, but those moves were never completed. Bacca revealed that he nearly joined Lokomotiv, but his hopes of moving to Russia ended after the club instead signed Ecuadorian striker Felipe Caicedo.[12]

Club Brugge

[edit]
Bacca training with Club Brugge in 2013

During the beginning of 2012, Bacca signed for Belgian side Club Brugge, putting pen to paper on a three-year contract worth €1.5 million for his services.[13][14]

He made his debut on 21 January 2012, coming on as a substitute for Lior Refaelov in the 68th minute, as Brugge lost 1–0 against Mechelen. In his first three months at Brugge, Bacca struggled to make a breakthrough in the first team, but in the playoffs, he earned his place in the first team. On 15 April 2012, Bacca scored his first league goal for the club against Gent, which gave Brugge the 1–0 win. Then in the last game of the season, Bacca scored twice, in a 3–2 win over Kortrijk, as Brugge finished in second place to earn a European spot.[15]

At the start of the 2012–13 season, Bacca started to play more regularly after the departure of Joseph Akpala and earned the trust of new manager Georges Leekens. In January 2013, having scored 18 goals to date, Bacca asked for a transfer after announcing his intention to leave Brugge.[16] This in response to several clubs throughout Europe expressing an interest in Bacca.[17] However, in an unexpected turn of events two weeks later, Bacca signed a new contract that would have kept him at the club until 2016.[18] At the end of the 2012–13 season, Bacca finished as the league's top scorer.[19] This led to him being nominated for the Player of the Year in Belgium.[20] Six days later, Bacca won the award in Belgium and wrote on Twitter saying, "Thanks to my family, friends, family and Club Brugge especially throughout Colombia, this award is for you, thanks for your support."[21]

In his Brugge career, he scored 28 goals in 45 league appearances.[15]

Sevilla

[edit]

On 9 July 2013, Spanish club Sevilla signed Bacca for €7 million on a five-year contract with a €30 million buy-out release clause.[22]

In the Copa EuroAmericana, Bacca scored his first Sevilla goal in a 3–1 win over Barcelona SC on 26 July.[23] He scored his first competitive goal for the club on 1 August in a 3–0 home win over Mladost Podgorica for the third qualifying round of the 2013–14 Europa League.[24] His La Liga debut came on 18 August in a 1–3 home loss to Atlético Madrid. On 25 September, he scored his first two league goals against Rayo Vallecano in a 4–1 victory.

On 26 March 2014, Bacca netted two goals in a 2–1 Sevilla victory against the then league leaders Real Madrid at the Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán Stadium.[25] In the second leg of Sevilla's Europa League quarter-final tie with Porto on 10 April, he scored his side's third goal in a 4–1 win, securing a 4–2 aggregate victory and a spot in the semi-finals of the competition.[26] Two weeks later, he scored the second goal in their 2–0 semi-final first leg win over compatriots Valencia.[27] In the final on 14 May, he scored in the penalty shootout where Sevilla beat Benfica to lift the trophy.[28] Bacca was voted by Marca as the best signing of the 2013–14 La Liga season.[29] At LaLiga Awards, he was voted the season's best player from the Americas, ahead of Real Madrid's Ángel Di María and Barcelona's Neymar.[30]

On 30 September 2014, Bacca signed a contract extension with Sevilla, keeping him at the club until 2018.[31] He scored seven European goals as the club retained their Europa League crown, including two in the final for a 3–2 victory over Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk, thus qualifying the team to the next season's Champions League.[32]

AC Milan

[edit]

On 2 July 2015, Serie A club AC Milan announced the signing of Bacca after activating his buyout clause of reported €30 million, subject to a medical.[33] He made his debut for Milan in a friendly win over city rivals Internazionale in Shenzhen, China.[34] He made his competitive debut on 17 August in the third round of the Coppa Italia, starting in a 2–0 win over Perugia at the San Siro.[35] He scored his first goal in Serie A on 29 August 2015 in a 2–1 home win against Empoli. He scored his first brace in Serie A on 19 September in a 3–2 home win against Palermo. On 13 January 2016, he scored a rabona-style goal against Carpi in a 2–1 Coppa Italia win, taking Milan to the semi-finals of the tournament,[36] then scored again in the weekend as Milan beat Fiorentina 2–0. On 31 January, he scored in the Derby della Madonnina against Inter, helping Milan triumph 3–0, then again three days later in a 2–0 victory at Palermo. On 21 August 2016 he scored his first hat-trick against Torino in a 3–2 win at San Siro.[37]

Villarreal

[edit]

On 16 August 2017, Villarreal confirmed the signing of Bacca on a one-year loan deal for a fee of €2.5 million, with the option to purchase the player for an additional €15.5 million.[38][39] Four days later he made his debut in the first game of the new season, starting in a 1–0 loss at Levante alongside fellow debutant Enes Ünal.[40] He scored his first goal for the Yellow Submarine on 10 September, capitalising on an error by Real Betis goalkeeper Antonio Adán to open a 3–1 win at the Estadio de la Cerámica.[41]

On 17 August 2018, Bacca was sold to Villarreal as part of a transaction for Samu Castillejo.[42] He played there for three more seasons, culminating in his winning the 2020-21 UEFA Europa League against Manchester United in the final.[43]

Granada

[edit]

On 13 July 2021, Spanish club Granada signed Bacca as a free agent, becoming their first signing for the new season.[44][45] He made 19 appearances for the side, scoring once in a Copa del Rey 7–0 win over Laguna on 30 November 2021.[46]

Return to Atlético Junior

[edit]

On 12 July 2022, Bacca returned to Atlético Junior on a two-year deal.[47]

International career

[edit]

Bacca scored his first goal for the senior national team in his debut on 11 August 2010, putting Colombia in front against Bolivia at the Estadio Hernando Siles in La Paz; the match finished in a 1–1 draw.[48] His next goal for Colombia came over two years later, scoring his side's second of the match in a 3–0 win over Cameroon on 17 October 2012.[49]

On 31 May 2014, Bacca scored to put Colombia ahead 2–0 against Senegal, in a match that finished 2–2.[50] Bacca was selected to the final 23-man roster for Colombia at the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil less than a week later.[51] Bacca made one appearance in the finals, coming on as a substitute and winning a penalty in Colombia's 1–2 defeat to hosts Brazil in the quarter-finals.[52]

In a friendly match against El Salvador at the Red Bull Arena in Harrison, New Jersey on 10 October 2014, Bacca scored twice as Colombia won 3–0.[53]

In May 2015, Bacca was included in Colombia's 23-man squad for the 2015 Copa América by coach José Pékerman.[54] After the team's second match, a 1–0 win against Brazil in Santiago on 17 June, Bacca was red carded after the final whistle for pushing over Brazilian striker Neymar, who himself was earlier sent off for deliberately kicking the ball at Pablo Armero.[55] Bacca was given a two-match ban, while Neymar was suspended for four matches.[56]

On 25 June 2016, Bacca scored Colombia's match-winning goal against hosts the United States in a 1–0 win in the third-place match of the Copa América Centenario.[57]

In May 2018, he was named in Colombia's 23-man squad for the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.[58] At the finals, he had his penalty saved by Jordan Pickford in the penalty shootout as Colombia went out at the Round of 16 stage to England.[59][60]

Style of play

[edit]

A quick, powerful, skilful, and determined striker, with good movement, concentration, and an eye for goal, Bacca is renowned for his pace, strength, aggression, and striking accuracy as a forward, as well as his solid first touch.[61][62][63][64][65] A prolific goalscorer, he is known for his composure in front of goal,[66] as well as his speed, technique, and dribbling skills, which allow him to beat opponents or create space for himself in the area;[61][64][65][67] he is also known for his use of tricks and feints, such as the rabona, which has seen him score some spectacular goals.[64][66][36][68][69] He is also effective in the air, and can finish well with his head as well as his feet.[61][65]

During his time under manager Unai Emery at Sevilla, Bacca modified his playing style, improving his mentality, work-rate, and the defensive aspect of his game; he was also often deployed in deeper areas of the pitch, which allowed him to drop into midfield to be more involved in the buildup of plays and linkup with his teammates. This new role also gave him more opportunities to find spaces from deeper positions, lose his markers, and make attacking runs into the area, which enabled to maintain his consistent goalscoring record, despite being played further back from goal.[61][66][70]

With Milan, however, Bacca at times had a difficult relationship with his manager Vincenzo Montella playing in a more advanced and offensive role as a centre-forward, due to his low defensive and creative contribution, as well as his limited movement off the ball outside the box. Although Bacca was praised in the media for his goalscoring record, ability to make attacking runs, and his ratio of goals per minutes played at the club, often requiring few touches and chances to score, he was also criticised for the overall quality of some of his performances, in spite of his goalscoring and finishing ability. Frequent criticisms of Bacca included his tendency to mainly operate in the centre of the penalty area, not contribute to the build-up of attacking moves, and not attempt to create chances for himself; this, in turn, led him to be isolated from his team's overall play when Milan struggled to create chances.[62][63][64][66][71][72][73][74][75][76][77][78][79][80] Bacca's positional sense, goalscoring ability, opportunism in the area, and tendency to play off the last defender and receive offside calls, as well as his limited work-rate off the ball, drew comparisons with former Milan striker Filippo Inzaghi.[61][63][64][65][66][79]

Career statistics

[edit]

Club

[edit]
As of match played 22 September 2024[15]
Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
Club Season League National cup[a] Continental Other Total
Division Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
Barranquilla (loan) 2006 Primera B 27 12 0 0 — — 27 12
Minervén (loan) 2007 Venezuelan Segunda División 29 12 0 0 — — 29 12
Barranquilla (loan) 2008 Primera B 19 14 0 0 — — 19 14
Junior 2009 Primera A 29 12 12 11 — — 41 23
2010 32 18 0 0 2[b] 0 — 34 18
2011 36 20 11 8 8[b] 4 — 55 32
Total 97 50 23 19 10 4 — 130 73
Club Brugge 2011–12 Belgian Pro League 10 3 0 0 0 0 — 10 3
2012–13 35 25 2 0 7[c] 3 — 44 28
Total 45 28 2 0 7 3 — 54 31
Sevilla 2013–14 La Liga 35 14 1 0 16[c] 7 — 52 21
2014–15 37 20 3 1 15[c] 7 1[d] 0 56 28
Total 72 34 4 1 31 14 1 0 108 49
AC Milan 2015–16 Serie A 38 18 5 2 — — 43 20
2016–17 32 13 1 1 — 1[e] 0 34 14
Total 70 31 6 3 — 1 0 77 34
Villarreal (loan) 2017–18 La Liga 35 15 3 1 6[c] 2 — 44 18
Villarreal 2018–19 33 6 3 3 7[c] 2 — 43 11
2019–20 19 2 4 3 — — 23 5
2020–21 23 5 3 1 9[c] 3 — 35 9
Total 110 28 13 8 22 7 — 145 43
Granada 2021–22 La Liga 17 0 2 1 — — 19 1
Junior 2022 Primera A 20 9 6 0 — — 26 9
2023 45 19 2 2 1[f] 0 — 48 21
2024 29 15 1 0 8[b] 4 2[g] 1 40 20
Total 94 43 9 2 9 4 2 1 114 50
Career total 580 251 59 34 79 32 4 1 722 318
  1. ^ Includes Copa Colombia, Belgian Cup, Copa del Rey, Coppa Italia
  2. ^ a b c Appearances in Copa Libertadores
  3. ^ a b c d e f Appearances in UEFA Europa League
  4. ^ Appearance in UEFA Super Cup
  5. ^ Appearance in Supercoppa Italiana
  6. ^ Appearance in Copa Sudamericana
  7. ^ Appearances in Superliga Colombiana

International

[edit]
Appearances and goals by national team and year[81]
National team Year Apps Goals
Colombia 2010 1 1
2011 0 0
2012 1 1
2013 6 0
2014 7 4
2015 10 2
2016 13 5
2017 5 1
2018 9 2
Total 52 16
Scores and results list Colombia's goal tally first, score column indicates score after each Bacca goal.[81]
List of international goals scored by Carlos Bacca
No. Date Venue Opponent Score Result Competition
1 11 August 2010 Estadio Hernando Siles, La Paz, Bolivia  Bolivia 1–0 1–1 Friendly
2 17 October 2012 Estadio Metropolitano Roberto Meléndez, Barranquilla, Colombia  Cameroon 2–0 3–0 Friendly
3 31 May 2014 Estadio Pedro Bidegain, Buenos Aires, Argentina  Senegal 2–0 2–2 Friendly
4 10 October 2014 Red Bull Arena, Harrison, United States  El Salvador 2–0 3–0 Friendly
5 3–0
6 14 November 2014 Craven Cottage, London, England  United States 1–1 2–1 Friendly
7 26 March 2015 Bahrain National Stadium, Riffa, Bahrain  Bahrain 1–0 6–0 Friendly
8 8 September 2015 Red Bull Arena, Harrison, United States  Peru 1–0 1–1 Friendly
9 24 March 2016 Estadio Hernando Siles, La Paz, Bolivia  Bolivia 2–0 3–2 2018 FIFA World Cup qualification
10 29 March 2016 Estadio Metropolitano Roberto Meléndez, Barranquilla, Colombia  Ecuador 1–0 3–1 2018 FIFA World Cup qualification
11 3–0
12 7 June 2016 Rose Bowl, Pasadena, United States  Paraguay 1–0 2–1 Copa América Centenario
13 25 June 2016 University of Phoenix Stadium, Glendale, United States  United States 1–0 1–0 Copa América Centenario
14 14 November 2017 Chongqing Olympic Sports Center, Chongqing, China  China 2–0 4–0 Friendly
15 11 October 2018 Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, United States  United States 2–2 4–2 Friendly
16 16 October 2018 Red Bull Arena, Harrison, United States  Costa Rica 1–0 3–1 Friendly

Honours

[edit]

Atlético Junior

Sevilla

AC Milan

Villarreal

Colombia

Individual

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Carlos Bacca

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Carlos Arturo Bacca Ahumada is a Colombian footballer who plays as a centre-forward for club . Born on 8 September 1986 in Puerto Colombia, Atlántico, he stands at 1.81 metres tall and is known for his clinical finishing, aerial ability, and penalty-taking prowess. With over 500 club appearances and more than 180 goals across his career, Bacca has earned recognition as one of 's most prolific strikers, including three Colombian league titles and three trophies. He has also represented the national team 52 times, scoring 16 goals, and featured in major tournaments such as the FIFA World Cups of 2014 and 2018. Bacca's professional journey began in Colombia with Atlético Junior, where he developed from 2006 to 2012, scoring 62 goals in 118 league matches and helping the club secure the titles in the 2010 Apertura and 2011 Finalización seasons, earning top scorer honours in both. In 2012, he moved to with Club Brugge in , where he netted 28 goals in 47 appearances over one and a half seasons, clinching the 2012–13 title and again topping the scoring charts. His breakthrough came at from 2013 to 2015, during which he scored 34 goals in 72 matches and played a pivotal role in the team's consecutive victories in 2014 and 2015, including a brace in the 2015 final against Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk. After transferring to in 2015 for a reported €30 million, Bacca enjoyed a strong debut season with 18 goals in , contributing to the win, though his form dipped in subsequent years leading to a permanent move to in 2018. At , he scored 28 goals over four seasons, contributed to the victory, and joined on a free transfer in July 2021 for the 2021–22 season. Returning to his roots in 2022, Bacca rejoined Junior, where he won the 2023 Finalización title and became the league's top scorer with 17 goals, solidifying his legacy as a club icon with over 100 goals in two spells. Internationally, Bacca debuted for in 2010, forming part of the squad that reached the 2014 quarter-finals—where he scored against —and the 2018 edition, alongside appearances in 2011, 2015, and 2016.

Early life and personal life

Early life

Carlos Arturo Bacca Ahumada was born on September 8, 1986, in Puerto Colombia, a coastal town in the of , to parents Gilberto Bacca, a , and Eloisa Ahumada. Growing up in a poor neighborhood near , Bacca experienced significant and economic hardship as part of a humble , where basic necessities were often a struggle. To help support his family amid these challenges, Bacca began working various manual jobs as a teenager and young adult, including assisting as a from age 20 and selling on the streets that his father had caught. He also took on other odd jobs, often enduring days with no earnings, which further distanced him from pursuing professionally at the time. By 23, he was still relying on to get by, prioritizing family survival over personal dreams. Bacca gradually pursued his passion for football through informal local games around age 20, leading him to successfully with , where he joined the club's youth academy and began his structured path in the sport. This opportunity came after brief stints in lower-level local teams.

Personal life

Bacca married his childhood sweetheart, Shayira Santiago, in 2010. The couple has three children: a son named Carlos Daniel, born in 2010; a daughter named Karla Valentina, born in 2013; and a third daughter, , born in 2019. Bacca is a devout evangelical Christian who frequently attributes his career achievements to divine guidance. He has dedicated personal milestones, such as goals scored in matches and his contributions to Sevilla's 2015 victory, to God, often expressing gratitude in post-match interviews. In , Bacca co-founded the Fundación Carlos Bacca with his wife in his hometown of to support underprivileged children and youth through programs, educational initiatives, and social aid. The foundation has conducted community efforts, including food distribution during the to assist around 200 families daily in collaboration with . Bacca leads a family-centered , emphasizing that "family will always be the most important thing" in public statements. His religious beliefs inform a disciplined routine that avoids and prioritizes personal and familial responsibilities amid career moves. Following his playing days, he intends to remain involved in football, potentially as a coach or director, while deepening ties to his Puerto Colombia roots through the foundation.

Club career

First spell at Atlético Junior

Bacca signed his first professional contract with his boyhood club in 2007 at the age of 20, following successful youth trials that highlighted his potential despite his unconventional path into the sport. To build experience, he was loaned out to lower-division teams early in his tenure. In 2007, he joined side (also known as Berraco FC in some contexts), where he netted 12 goals across 27 appearances, showcasing his clinical finishing. The following season, from July 2007 to June 2008, Bacca was loaned to Venezuelan club Minervén FC, contributing 12 goals that propelled the team to a second-place finish in the league and marking his first taste of consistent senior-level success abroad. Upon returning, he had another stint with in the second half of 2008, scoring an impressive 14 goals in just 19 matches, which solidified his reputation as a prolific poacher. Recalled to Atlético Junior's first team ahead of the 2009 season, Bacca made his Categoría Primera A debut on 1 March 2009 as a substitute against Deportivo Pasto, scoring the decisive goal in a 3–1 victory and signaling his arrival in Colombia's top flight. His breakthrough came during the 2009 Apertura tournament, where he tallied 14 goals in 19 league appearances. Bacca's sharp movement and opportunism in the box were instrumental, as he formed a dynamic partnership with teammates. The 2010 season further elevated Bacca's profile. He emerged as the top scorer in the Apertura with 12 goals, earning recognition for his consistency and earning a call-up to the national team later that year. Across the full 2010–11 campaign, Bacca led the league scoring charts with 16 goals in total. His form also underpinned Junior's 2010 Apertura and 2011 Finalización titles, establishing him as a cornerstone of the team's domestic dominance. Over his initial stint from 2007 to 2011, Bacca amassed 68 appearances and 40 goals across all competitions for Junior, blending loans and first-team duties into a formative period of rapid development. This prolific output culminated in his transfer to Belgian club Club Brugge in January 2012 for a reported €1.5 million fee, marking the end of his formative years at the club that launched his professional career.

Club Brugge

Bacca joined Club Brugge from in January 2012 for a transfer fee of €1.5 million, marking his entry into European football following a successful spell in where he had established himself as a prolific scorer. Upon arrival, he faced initial challenges adapting to the faster pace and physicality of the , with limited playing time in his first few months; he made his debut on 21 January 2012 in a 1–0 defeat to and struggled to secure a regular starting spot early on. During the 2011–12 season, Bacca gradually broke through, particularly in the playoffs, scoring 9 goals in 16 league appearances, with 20 goals across 35 matches in all competitions. His performances helped Club Brugge finish third overall. For these efforts, Bacca was awarded the 2012 as the best player in Belgian football. In the 2012–13 season, Bacca enjoyed a breakout year, netting 19 goals in 29 league games to claim the top scorer award and adding 9 more in European and competitions for 28 goals in 36 total appearances. His scoring prowess was instrumental in Club Brugge securing third place and advancing to the group stage, where he scored twice in six matches. Over his two seasons, Bacca tallied 48 goals in 71 appearances across all competitions. Bacca's prolific form at Club Brugge, including key goals in high-stakes matches such as the playoffs against , earned him recognition as the Player of the Year in 2013. He departed for Sevilla in July 2013 for €7 million, concluding a stint that solidified his reputation as one of Europe's emerging strikers.

Sevilla

Bacca joined Sevilla on 9 July 2013, signing a five-year contract for a transfer fee of €7 million from Club Brugge, where he had established himself as a prolific scorer in the . Under manager , Bacca quickly adapted to , making an immediate impact by scoring 14 goals in 35 league appearances during the 2013–14 season, helping Sevilla finish fifth and qualify for the . His contributions extended to the , where he netted seven goals, including the opening penalty in the final shootout against Benfica on 14 May 2014, securing a 4–2 victory after a 0–0 draw and clinching Sevilla's third Europa League title. In the 2014–15 season, Bacca elevated his performance, scoring 20 goals in 37 matches while providing six assists, contributing to Sevilla's seventh-place finish. His European form remained exceptional, with seven goals in the competition, including two in the final against Dnipropetrovsk on 27 May 2015, where he scored the equalizer and winner in a 3–2 triumph that marked Sevilla's record fourth Europa League win and back-to-back titles. Over two seasons at Sevilla, Bacca amassed 49 goals and 13 assists in 108 appearances across all competitions, earning recognition as the Best American Player in for 2013–14 at the LFP Awards. In domestic cups, Sevilla reached the quarter-finals in 2014–15 but were eliminated by . Bacca's success at Sevilla culminated in his departure to in July 2015 for a €30 million transfer fee, which at the time represented the highest amount paid for a Colombian player.

Bacca joined from Sevilla in July 2015 for a transfer fee of €30 million, marking the club's record signing at the time and bringing his Europa League-winning pedigree to the side. In his debut 2015–16 season under manager , Bacca quickly adapted, scoring 18 goals in 35 appearances to help Milan finish seventh and secure Europa League qualification, while adding 2 goals in the . The following 2016–17 campaign proved inconsistent for Bacca amid Milan's mid-table struggles under new coach Vincenzo Montella, where he netted 13 Serie A goals in 29 appearances but faced criticism for missed opportunities despite contributing 5 goals in the Europa League as Milan advanced to the round of 16. In 2017–18, Bacca managed 6 Serie A goals in 22 outings, marred by disciplinary tensions including angry reactions to substitutions and benchings, which strained his relationship with Montella. Notable highlights included his goal in the January 2016 Derby della Madonnina, contributing to a 3–0 victory over that boosted 's momentum. Bacca also played a key role in 's Europa League efforts, scoring in group stage matches during both 2016–17 and 2017–18 campaigns, helping the team reach the knockout stages before elimination. Over his tenure, Bacca recorded 34 goals in 77 appearances across all competitions before conflicts with Montella led to his exclusion from the starting lineup. In January 2018, he moved on a season-long to , which later became permanent.

Villarreal

In January 2018, Bacca joined on a six-month loan from , where he quickly adapted thanks to his prior experience with Sevilla, scoring 7 goals in 19 league appearances during the second half of the 2017–18 season. Following the successful loan, secured Bacca on a permanent basis for €7 million in the summer of 2018 as part of a swap deal that sent to . In the 2018–19 season, he contributed 15 goals across all competitions, including 6 in and 5 in the , where his clinical finishing helped reach the quarter-finals before elimination by . Bacca's goals were pivotal in maintaining the team's competitive edge in European competition and securing a mid-table finish in the domestic league. Bacca formed an effective attacking partnership with , combining pace and creativity to support Villarreal's push for European qualification and mid-table stability in , with their link-up play providing key moments in several matches. During the 2019–20 season, he netted 9 goals before the campaign was halted by the in March 2020, contributing to the team's eventual fifth-place finish and another Europa League spot. In the 2020–21 season, despite limited starts, Bacca scored 4 goals in 25 matches and 4 goals in 11 appearances, contributing to Villarreal's triumph in the competition, defeating Manchester United 11–10 on penalties in the final. Over his stint from 2018 to 2021, Bacca tallied 48 goals in 112 appearances across all competitions. In July 2021, following the expiration of his , Bacca departed as a .

Granada

In July 2021, Carlos Bacca joined on a one-year as a following the expiration of his deal with , where he had been relegated to a peripheral role during the 2020–21 season. His time at the club proved challenging, marked by persistent issues with form and fitness, including a diagnosis in December 2021 that sidelined him for several weeks and affected his integration into the squad. Bacca made limited contributions, appearing in 17 La Liga matches and starting just 4, while scoring only 1 league goal—a late equalizer in a 1–1 draw against on 21 August 2021. He also featured in 2 games, netting once in a 7–0 victory over CD Laguna on 30 November 2021. Overall, his 19 total appearances across all competitions yielded 1 goal and 3 assists, reflecting a diminished output compared to his earlier European stints. The spell concluded in June 2022 without a contract extension, prompting Bacca to reflect on his career trajectory and opt for a return to , where he re-signed with boyhood club . This period represented a low point in his professional journey, as persistent bench roles and health setbacks curtailed his influence on the pitch.

Return to

Bacca rejoined on a free transfer on 12 July 2022, signing a two-year contract in an emotional return to the club where he launched his professional career and established himself as a legend. In his first season back during the 2022 Finalización, Bacca scored 9 goals in 20 league appearances, contributing significantly to campaign. Overall, across the 2022 and 2023 seasons, he netted 27 goals in league play, including 23 during the 2023 Finalización—where he was the top scorer—helping the team secure the title. Bacca maintained consistent scoring form in the 2023–24 seasons, contributing in the 2024 Apertura and Finalización, reaching key milestones such as his 100th career for Junior during this period. His contributions extended beyond , as he assumed a leadership role as club captain, mentoring younger players and providing guidance drawn from his extensive European experience. In the 2025 season, Bacca recorded 4 goals and 2 assists in 19 league appearances before suffering an on 26 July 2025 during a match against , sidelining him for several months with an expected return in late November 2025. As of November 19, 2025, Bacca has not returned from the injury and has made no further appearances this season. By that point in his second stint, he had amassed over 50 goals for Junior, underscoring his enduring impact, while his contract—extended in July 2024—runs until December 31, 2025.

International career

Senior debut and early years

Bacca received his first senior call-up to the national team in August 2010 under coach , making his debut in a friendly match against on 11 August at the Estadio Hernando Siles in . He came on as a substitute in the 55th minute and scored Colombia's only goal nine minutes later, securing a 1-1 draw despite the high altitude conditions. This marked an immediate impact, though his involvement remained sporadic in the following years, with no appearances in and just one cap in before the arrival of new coach in January 2012. Under Pékerman, Bacca's role gradually expanded as he transitioned from a peripheral figure to a key deputy striker behind established star . His strong form at Club Brugge in Belgium earned him consistent selections starting in 2012, culminating in a breakthrough during the qualifiers. Bacca contributed three goals across the qualification campaign, helping secure their spot in the tournament for the first time since 1998. By the end of 2014, Bacca had earned a significant number of appearances and goals for , reflecting his evolution from a domestic talent at to a reliable international forward. His clinical finishing and work rate off the bench proved instrumental during the qualification push, while his impressive goal-scoring record at Sevilla—where he netted 21 goals in the season—further boosted his national team prospects. Initially often starting on the bench behind Falcao, Bacca emerged as an effective alternative and occasional starter, contributing to Colombia's attacking depth.

Major tournaments and later years

Bacca's first major international tournament was the in , where he featured for in Group C. He did not play in the opening 3–0 victory over due to rotation, but entered as a substitute during the 2–1 win against on 19 June, suffering a muscular injury in the process that ruled him out for the remainder of the group stage and the knockout rounds. advanced to the quarter-finals with maximum points from the group, defeating 4–1 without Bacca, before exiting 2–1 to hosts ; Bacca made a brief substitute appearance in that match, playing just 21 minutes without scoring. In the 2015 Copa América held in Chile, Bacca started all three group stage matches for Colombia, who topped Group C with victories over Venezuela (1–0) and Brazil (1–0, despite Bacca's post-match red card for involvement in a brawl) and a draw against Peru (0–0). He failed to score in the tournament as Colombia reached the quarter-finals but were eliminated by Argentina following a 0–0 draw and penalty shootout loss, where Bacca missed his spot-kick. Bacca participated in the 2016 Copa América Centenario in the United States, scoring once during the group stage in a 2–1 win over Paraguay on 7 June, opening the scoring in the 12th minute before James Rodríguez added a second. Colombia finished first in Group A with seven points from three matches, but were knocked out in the quarter-finals by the hosts USA in a 1–0 defeat on 25 June, with Bacca playing the full 90 minutes but unable to find the net. At the 2018 FIFA World Cup in , Bacca appeared as a substitute in all three of Colombia's Group H matches, accumulating 77 minutes without scoring. He entered in the 74th minute during the 3–0 victory over on 24 June, the 85th minute of the 1–2 loss to four days earlier, and the 76th minute against in a 1–1 draw that saw advance on goal difference. were eliminated in the round of 16 by after a 1–1 draw and defeat, where Bacca successfully converted his kick. This tournament marked his final major international appearance. Bacca retired from international duty following the 2018 World Cup, having earned 52 caps and scored 16 goals for between 2010 and 2018. No further appearances in competitive matches or confirmed friendlies have been recorded as of 2025.

Playing style

Technical abilities

Carlos Bacca is renowned for his clinical finishing, particularly with his dominant right foot, where he demonstrates exceptional precision in one-on-one situations and within the . His ability to convert chances efficiently was evident during his prime at Sevilla and , where he achieved a shot accuracy of 63% in during the 2015-16 season, scoring 18 goals from 77 attempts, including 15 with his right foot. This conversion rate often exceeded 20% in high-stakes matches, showcasing his cold-hearted precision under pressure, such as in a finish against Carpi. As a classic poacher, Bacca excels in positioning and timing his runs inside the box, frequently arriving at the perfect moment for tap-ins or close-range efforts. His predatory instincts allow him to exploit defensive lapses, as demonstrated by his two goals in a 2-1 victory over Real Madrid in 2013-14, where astute awareness turned limited service into decisive strikes. This off-the-ball movement is intelligent and paced, enabling him to consistently find pockets of space while minimizing exposure to offside traps, though he occasionally falls victim to them due to his aggressive positioning on the defenders' shoulders. Bacca's dribbling and close control further enhance his effectiveness in tight spaces, where he uses quick feints and deft touches to create shooting angles. For instance, he rounded a with a single touch before scoring against Carpi, highlighting his agility in confined areas despite not being a primary ball-carrier. Despite his modest of 181 cm, Bacca contributes in the air through precise timing rather than , exemplified by a glancing header against in . Among his limitations, Bacca's long-range shooting lacks consistent accuracy, with most of his goals originating from inside the penalty box rather than speculative efforts from distance. He also tends to favor his right foot, scoring only two goals with his left in the 2015-16 season, which can restrict options in certain scenarios. Early in his , these technical elements were somewhat raw, but they sharpened through experience in .

Physical characteristics

Carlos Bacca possesses a compact build measuring 1.81 meters in height and weighing 77 kilograms, which contributes to his balance and low center of gravity on the pitch. His physical profile enables quick bursts of speed and acceleration, particularly effective during counter-attacks in his prime years. Bacca demonstrates notable stamina and a high work rate, often pressing defenders aggressively off the ball, which underscores his durability across an extensive professional career. He has encountered several injuries, including a first-degree muscle strain during the that sidelined him for the remainder of the group stage, and a more recent sustained on July 19, 2025, expected to sideline him until late November 2025. Despite these setbacks, Bacca has shown resilience in rehabilitation, maintaining a professional trajectory into his late 30s. As he has aged into the , Bacca has adapted his approach, increasingly relying on positioning and experience rather than explosive pace to sustain his effectiveness as a forward.

Career statistics

Club

Bacca's club career is highlighted by multiple domestic league titles with and European successes with Sevilla and , complemented by several individual awards for his scoring ability.
ClubSeasonLeagueAppsGoals
2006233
2007162
2008142
20093214
20103219
20113816
(total first spell)2006–201115556
Club Brugge2012–133525
Club Brugge2013–14123
Club Brugge (total)2012–20144728
Sevilla2013–143514
Sevilla2014–153820
Sevilla (total)2013–20157334
2015–163718
2016–17318
2017–18295
(total)2015–20189731
2018–19296
2019–20329
Granada (loan)2020–21214
2021–223417
(total)2018–202211636
20222512
20233623
20243010
2025 (as of Nov 2025)204
(total second spell)2022–202511149
Career total2006–2025624234
*Note: League appearances and goals only; excludes cups and international competitions. Data as of November 19, 2025.

Team Honours

With , he secured the title three times: in the 2010 Apertura, 2011 Finalización, and 2023 Finalización seasons. During his stint at Club Brugge, the team finished 3rd in the 2012–13 , though no title was won that season. Bacca contributed to Sevilla's back-to-back UEFA Europa League triumphs in the 2013–14 and 2014–15 seasons, scoring crucial goals including a brace in the 2015 final against Dnipro. At AC Milan, he was part of the squad that won the 2016 Supercoppa Italiana, defeating Juventus on penalties. With Villarreal, Bacca featured in their 2020–21 UEFA Europa League victory, appearing in several matches including the semi-finals against Arsenal and as a substitute in the final penalty shootout win over Manchester United. Returning to in July 2022, Bacca helped secure the 2023 Finalización title, with no additional major club honours added as of November 2025.

Individual Awards

Bacca was named Belgian Professional Footballer of the Year in 2013. He was named top scorer in the multiple times, including the 2009–10 Apertura (19 goals) and 2010–11 Finalización (16 goals). In the 2012–13 Belgian Pro League, he led the scoring charts with 25 goals. At Sevilla, Bacca was the club's leading scorer in both the 2013–14 and 2014–15 seasons, with 21 and 28 goals across all competitions respectively, earning recognition as Sevilla's Player of the Season for 2014–15. He also topped the goal charts in 2014–15 with 10 goals.

International

CompetitionAppsGoals
70
154
Other (friendlies, qualifiers)3012
Total5216
*As of October 2018 (last cap); no further appearances post-2018. Carlos Bacca represented the national team in two s, contributing to their campaigns without scoring in the tournaments themselves. In the 2014 edition in , advanced to the round of 16 after topping , where Bacca made four substitute appearances totaling 128 minutes. The team was eliminated by hosts in the knockout stage, marking 's first World Cup appearance since 1998. In 2018 in , progressed from the group stage to the round of 16, losing to on penalties; Bacca featured in three matches as a substitute for 94 minutes. Bacca also participated in two editions of the , showcasing his goal-scoring prowess particularly in the 2016 Centenario tournament hosted across the . In 2015 in , reached the quarter-finals but were defeated by on penalties; Bacca appeared in three group-stage matches, scoring no goals, and receiving a red card after the 1–0 win over . The 2016 tournament saw greater success, with finishing third after a 2–1 semifinal loss to and a 1–2 defeat to the in the third-place match; Bacca played all six games, scoring three goals, including the opener in the third-place playoff against the USMNT. His three goals made him 's top scorer in the competition and joint-second highest overall. Despite these participations, Bacca's international career with yielded no major titles, as the team did not progress beyond the quarter-finals in either or secure deeper runs during his tenure from 2010 to 2018. His standout achievement remains 's third-place finish at the 2016 , where his goals provided crucial contributions in the group stage and knockout rounds. Bacca concluded his international record with 16 goals in 52 appearances, ranking him among 's notable forwards though not among the all-time leading scorers.

Honours

Club

Bacca's club career is highlighted by multiple domestic league titles with and European successes with Sevilla and , complemented by several individual awards for his scoring ability.

Team Honours

With , he secured the title three times: in the 2010 Apertura, 2011 Finalización, and 2023 Finalización seasons. During his stint at Club Brugge, the team finished as runners-up in the 2012–13 , though no title was won that season. Bacca contributed to Sevilla's back-to-back triumphs in the 2013–14 and 2014–15 seasons, scoring crucial goals including a brace in the 2015 final against Dnipro. At , he was part of the squad that won the , defeating Juventus on penalties. With , Bacca featured in their victory, appearing in the semi-finals against as a substitute and as a substitute in the final win over United. Since returning to in 2021, no additional major club honours have been added to his tally as of 2025.

Individual Awards

Bacca earned the Belgian Professional Footballer of the Year in , recognizing him as the top player in Belgian football that year. He was named top scorer in the multiple times, including the 2010 Apertura (19 goals) and 2011 Finalización (16 goals). In the 2023 Finalización, he was top scorer with 23 goals. In the 2012–13 , he led the scoring charts with 25 goals. At Sevilla, Bacca was the club's leading scorer in both the 2013–14 and 2014–15 seasons, with 21 and 28 goals across all competitions respectively, earning recognition as Sevilla's Player of the Season for 2014–15. He also topped the goal charts in 2014–15 with 10 goals.

International

Carlos Bacca represented the national team in two World Cups, scoring once in the 2014 tournament against . In the 2014 edition in , advanced to the round of 16 after topping , where Bacca made four substitute appearances totaling 128 minutes, including his goal. The team was eliminated by hosts in the knockout stage, marking 's first World Cup appearance since 1998. In 2018 in , progressed from the group stage to the round of 16, losing to on penalties; Bacca featured in three matches as a substitute for 94 minutes. Bacca also participated in two editions of the , showcasing his goal-scoring prowess particularly in the 2016 Centenario tournament hosted across the . In 2015 in , Colombia reached the quarter-finals but were defeated by on penalties; Bacca appeared in all four matches, scoring one goal in the group stage and receiving a red card after the 1-0 group stage win over . The 2016 tournament saw greater success, with Colombia finishing third after a 2-1 semifinal loss to and a 1-2 defeat to the in the third-place match; Bacca played all six games, scoring five goals, including the opener in the third-place playoff against the USMNT. His five goals made him Colombia's top scorer in the competition and the joint-fourth highest overall. Despite these participations, Bacca's international career with yielded no major titles, as the team did not progress beyond the quarter-finals in either or secure deeper runs during his tenure from 2010 to 2018. His standout achievement remains 's third-place finish at the 2016 , where his goals provided crucial contributions in the group stage and knockout rounds. Bacca concluded his international record with 16 goals in 52 appearances, ranking him among 's notable forwards though not among the all-time leading scorers.

References

  1. https://www.transfermarkt.us/carlos-bacca/profil/spieler/119235
  2. https://fbref.com/en/players/09a9e921/Carlos-Bacca
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