Luis Fernando Muriel Fruto made his professional debut for the Colombian club Deportivo Cali on 12 July 2009 against Envigado FC.
Early Career in Colombia
After playing for Atlético Junior, Muriel signed with Deportivo Cali in January 2009. During his tenure, he scored nine goals in 10 appearances throughout the 2010 season. His performances, which included a hat-trick against Once Caldas, drew comparisons to Brazilian striker Ronaldo. In May 2010, Udinese acquired 70 percent of his playing rights for 1.5 million euros.
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Muriel initially moved to Granada on loan in 2010. The team achieved promotion to La Liga, but Muriel made only seven appearances. He subsequently moved to Lecce for the 2011-2012 season, where he scored seven goals in 29 matches. Despite his efforts, the club faced relegation. Upon returning to Udinese in 2012, he won the Serie A Best Young Revelation award alongside Stephan El Shaarawy.
Progression through Italy and Spain
In January 2015, Muriel joined Sampdoria, scoring 21 goals in 79 league appearances over two and a half seasons. Sevilla purchased the forward in 2017 for a reported club-record fee of 20 million euros. His time in Spain proved difficult, leading to a loan spell with Fiorentina in early 2019. By June 2019, he moved to Atalanta for 18 million euros, eventually guiding the club to UEFA Champions League qualification and earning a spot in the 2020-2021 Serie A Team of the Year.
International Representation
Muriel has represented Colombia at the senior international level since his debut in June 2012 during a World Cup qualifying match against Ecuador. His first goal for the national team followed in 2013 against Guatemala. He featured in three editions of the Copa América in 2015, 2019, and 2021, and participated in the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
Fast facts
- Born: 16 April 1991, Santo Tomás, Colombia
- Professional Debut: 12 July 2009
- Atalanta signing fee: 18 million euros
- Sevilla signing fee: 20 million euros
- International debut: June 2012
- Awards: Serie A Best Young Revelation (2012)
- Current club: Junior
Questions readers ask
Which major international tournaments has Luis Muriel played in?
He has played in the 2018 FIFA World Cup and the 2015, 2019, and 2021 editions of the Copa América.
What award did he share with Stephan El Shaarawy?
In January 2012, he was awarded the Serie A Best Young Revelation award.
