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Felipe Caicedo is Ecuador’s top striker. After time spent playing in England, Spain and Russia, the forward seems to be at home in the United Arab Emirates where he plays his club soccer for Al-Jazira. He made his debut for the Ecuadorian national team in 2005 when he was just 20 years old.
Here’s everything else you need to know about Felipe Caicedo:
1. He Moved to Europe When He Was 21
In 2006, when Caicedo was 21, he moved from his native Ecuador to play for Swiss team, FC Basel. His initial progress was slow with the team, he was farmed out to some Basel’s affiliates in the Swiss minor league. Eventually, he made a real impact in the Swiss league. After 11 goals in 45 games, Caicedo was the subject of transfer speculation involving A.C. Milan.
2. Caicedo Was Culled During Manchester City’s Financial Revolution
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When he left Basel in 2008, he moved to English giants Manchester City. His transfer fee was $10 million. Caicedo was favorably compared to Brazilian striker Adriano. His record with City wasn’t good, he scored just eight times in 27 games. In September 2008, when Manchester City received massive financial investment, Caicedo was culled along with other team mates in favor of big names like Carlos Tevez.
3. Caicedo’s Best Season So Far Was in Spain With Levante
7 – Felipe Caicedo scored 7 goals in 9 games in South American World Cup qualifiers, he was top scorer for #ecu. Conquistador.
— OptaJean (@OptaJean) June 15, 2014
He went from England to Portugal to play for Sporting Lisbon in what was a loan-deal between Lisbon and City. In early 2010, he left Portugal for Malaga in Spain. He stayed Malaga for a short time and left for Levante in September 2010. His first season with Levante was his best in Europe when he scored 13 goals for the team.
4. He Survived Life in the Russian League
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Despite his good season in Spain, Caicedo went on the move again to Russia where he joined Lokomotiv Moscow in 2011. His on-field time in Russia was initially good but ultimately Caicedo didn’t enjoy his personal life in Russia. He lasted in Moscow until January 2014 when he left the club for Al-Jariza in UAE where he remains.
5. Caicedo Has To Fill Christian Benitez’s Shoes
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He’s been charged with replacing Ecuador’s late-striker Christian Benitez. The legendary Ecuadorian died of an undiagnosed heart defect in 2013 at the age of just 27.