Abel Enrique Aguilar Tapias started his professional football career at Deportivo Cali before moving to the Italian Serie A club Udinese in 2005. As a central and defensive midfielder, he navigated an extensive career across Europe, South America, and the United States, representing Colombia in two FIFA World Cup tournaments and amassing 71 appearances for the national side.
European Club Tenure
After joining Udinese, Aguilar spent much of his initial period in Italy on loan. He moved to Spain in 2007, representing Xerez CD, Hércules CF, and Real Zaragoza. During his 2009 spell at Zaragoza, he scored four league goals within his first two months in La Liga. He later signed a permanent deal with Hércules in 2010. His European trajectory continued with a loan to Deportivo de La Coruña in 2012, a three-year contract with the French side Toulouse FC starting in 2013, and a short stint with the Portuguese club C.F. Os Belenenses in early 2016.
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Aguilar rose through the youth ranks of the Colombian national team, serving as captain for both the under-17 and under-20 squads. His performance at the 2003 FIFA World Youth Championship, where the team finished third, elevated his profile. He made his senior debut in 2004, contributing two goals during that year's Copa América in Peru. Under manager José Pekerman, he was selected for the 2014 FIFA World Cup, where he earned his 50th cap during a group stage victory against Greece. He also represented Colombia at the 2018 World Cup in Russia.
Return and Retirement
In June 2016, Aguilar concluded his 11-year stay in Europe to return to Deportivo Cali on a three-year agreement. His domestic success included a goal against América de Cali in the Copa Colombia. In August 2018, he joined the Major League Soccer side FC Dallas for the remainder of the season. Following a brief period with Unión Magdalena in his home country, Aguilar officially announced his retirement from professional football on 18 February 2020.
Fast facts
- Born: 6 January 1985, Bogotá
- Primary Position: Central or defensive midfielder
- Senior International Caps: 71
- Major Tournaments: 2014 FIFA World Cup, 2018 FIFA World Cup
- Retirement Date: 18 February 2020
- First Professional Club: Deportivo Cali
- French Club: Toulouse FC
Questions readers ask
Which World Cup tournaments did Abel Aguilar play in?
He represented Colombia in the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil and the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.
Did Abel Aguilar play for clubs outside of Colombia and Europe?
Yes, he played for FC Dallas in Major League Soccer during the 2018 season.
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