Faustino Hernán Asprilla Hinestroza moved from Tuluá to international prominence through a professional career spanning from 1988 to 2009. Recognized as a forward and winger, the Colombian athlete became a primary fixture for Parma and Newcastle United, while maintaining regular participation with his national team across multiple World Cup tournaments and the 1992 Summer Olympics.
Early Career and Move to Italy
Asprilla started his professional path at Cúcuta Deportivo in 1988 before joining Atlético Nacional. His performance in Colombia, marked by 35 goals in 78 games, secured a US$10.9 million transfer to Parma in 1992. During his initial stint in Italy, he gained notice for ending Milan's 58-match unbeaten run with a 27-yard free-kick. He contributed to the 1992–93 European Cup Winners' Cup victory and the 1993 European Super Cup win. By 1993, FIFA ranked him as the sixth-best player globally.
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In February 1996, Newcastle United secured his services for a £6.7 million fee. His debut occurred on 10 February 1996 at the Riverside Stadium. While the team finished as runners-up to Manchester United in both 1996 and 1997, Asprilla remained active in European competitions. He notably scored a hat-trick against Barcelona in a 3–2 Champions League victory on 17 September 1997. He departed Tyneside in early 1998 with nine league goals from 48 appearances.
Later Years and Contract Disputes
After returning to Parma to win another UEFA Cup, Asprilla joined Palmeiras in 1999, securing the Rio-São Paulo Tournament and Brazilian Champions Cup. His later career involved brief stays at various clubs, including Universidad de Chile in 2003. In 2002, he engaged in highly publicized negotiations with Darlington, attending a match before departing for the Middle East to pursue alternative contract offers, ending his top-flight career by July 2009.
Fast facts
- Born: 10 November 1969, Tuluá
- Professional debut: 1988
- Retirement: July 2009
- Major European titles: 1993 European Cup Winners' Cup, 1993 European Super Cup
- Newcastle United transfer fee: £6.7 million
- Notable international appearances: 1992 Olympics, 1994 World Cup, 1998 World Cup
Questions readers ask
Which clubs did Asprilla play for in Europe?
He played for Parma in Italy and Newcastle United in England.
Why did his transfer to Darlington fail?
After appearing at a Darlington match in 2002, he left for the Middle East instead of undergoing a medical to pursue a more lucrative contract.
