René Higuita: The unconventional life of a Colombian football legend

René Higuita was a revolutionary Colombian goalkeeper known for his unconventional style and high-risk play. He famously executed the ‘scorpion kick’ at Wembley in 1995 and played a pivotal role in helping Atlético Nacional become the first Colombian club to win the Copa Libertadores in 1989, where he excelled during penalty shootouts.

Beyond football, Higuita’s life was marked by significant controversy and personal challenges. Growing up in Medellín, he transitioned from a striker to a goalkeeper during a local tournament. His career was also intertwined with the era of Pablo Escobar and included a nine-month prison sentence following his involvement as a mediator in a kidnapping case intended to save a young girl.