Born in Lima in 1984, José Paolo Guerrero González established himself as a central figure in Peruvian football. With 40 goals in 128 matches for his national team, he holds the record as Peru’s highest goalscorer. His professional career spans several decades, taking him from youth systems in Lima to elite clubs across Germany and Brazil.
Early Career and Move to Germany
Guerrero began his development in the youth teams of Alianza Lima. In 2003, he moved to Germany to join Bayern Munich. Following a period of resolution regarding his training rights through FIFA, he began playing for Bayern Munich II in the Regionalliga Süd, winning a championship in 2004. He made his professional debut for Bayern Munich on 23 October 2004 against Hansa Rostock. Over four seasons with the club, he scored ten Bundesliga goals and two in the UEFA Champions League.
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In June 2006, Guerrero signed a four-year contract with Hamburger SV. His time at the club saw him transition into an undisputed starter by the 2007–08 season, during which he scored nine goals in 29 league appearances. In 2010, he received a five-match suspension and a €20,000 fine from the German Football Association following an incident involving a spectator during a match against Hannover 96.
Success in Brazil and Corinthians
Guerrero transferred to the Brazilian club Corinthians on 13 July 2012 for a fee of R$7.5 million. He made a significant impact during the 2012 FIFA Club World Cup in Japan, scoring the winning header against Chelsea in the final. This performance earned him the Bronze Ball as the tournament's third-highest scorer. In 2013, he became the first Peruvian footballer to appear on the cover of the magazine Placar.
National Team Achievements
Since his debut at age 20, Guerrero has represented Peru in six Copas América and one FIFA World Cup. He finished as the top scorer in the 2011, 2015, and 2019 editions of the Copa América. At the 2018 World Cup, he became the oldest Peruvian player to appear in the tournament at 34 years and 177 days. He has been recognized for his contributions to the sport, including inclusion in the IFFHS best South American team of the 2010–2020 decade.
Fast facts
- Born: 1984, Lima
- Nationality: Peru
- Profession: Association football player
- Nickname: El Depredador
- Religion: Catholicism
- National team debut: Age 20
- Most notable title: 2012 FIFA Club World Cup winner
Questions readers ask
How many goals has Paolo Guerrero scored for Peru?
He has scored 40 goals in 128 matches.
What is Paolo Guerrero's record in the Copa América?
He is the top-scoring active player in the tournament and finished as top scorer in 2011, 2015, and 2019.
