Edwin Cardona: The Colombian Footballer
Edwin Andrés Cardona Bedoya is a Colombian footballer renowned for his skill as an attacking midfielder. Born on December 8, 1992, in Medellín, Colombia, he turned 32 in 2024 and continues to perform at a high level. Currently, he plays for Atlético Nacional, the club where he began his professional career. Cardona is known for his vision, precise passing, and powerful shots, particularly from free kicks and penalties. Over the years, he has played for various clubs in Colombia, Mexico, and Argentina, while also representing the Colombian national team in international competitions. His career is marked by titles, moments of brilliance, and some personal and professional challenges. This article explores his life and career in detail, highlighting the key chapters that shaped this talented athlete.
Early Life and Youth Career
Edwin Cardona was born into a humble family in Medellín, a city known for its passion for football. From a young age, he showed talent for the sport, influenced by the football-centric environment of the region. Medellín is home to clubs like Atlético Nacional and Independiente Medellín, and Cardona grew up admiring local players who became idols. At 14, he joined Atlético Nacional’s youth academy, where his refined technique and playmaking ability quickly stood out.
During his youth career, Cardona participated in national and international tournaments. In 2009, he represented Colombia in the South American U-17 Championship in Chile. He shone as the tournament’s top scorer, netting seven goals in seven matches, including a hat-trick against Ecuador. His performance helped Colombia qualify for the FIFA U-17 World Cup in Nigeria. Although Colombia didn’t advance far in the World Cup, Cardona gained visibility and confidence, setting the stage for his professional career. This early phase was crucial in developing his expertise in set pieces and his peripheral vision, traits that define him today.
Professional Debut at Atlético Nacional
At 17, in 2009, Cardona made his professional debut for Atlético Nacional. His first match was against América de Cali, and on July 19 of that year, he scored his first goal in a 2-2 draw against the same opponent. This promising start led to his call-up to the Colombian U-20 national team. In 2011, he won his first major title: the Colombian Apertura Championship with Nacional.
To gain more experience, Cardona was loaned to other Colombian clubs. This strategy by Atlético Nacional allowed him to mature as a player without the constant pressure of being a starter in the main squad. During this period, he honed his style, focusing on short dribbles and precise assists.
Loans and Development
Independiente Santa Fe
In 2012, Cardona was loaned to Independiente Santa Fe, another prominent Colombian club. There, he found a competitive environment that helped him grow. He played 28 matches and scored four goals, contributing to the team’s Apertura Championship win in 2012. His brief but impactful stint showcased his versatility, as he played both as a central midfielder and on the wings. Santa Fe fans remember him for his creativity, especially in matches against local rivals.
Atlético Junior
In 2013, Cardona was loaned to Atlético Junior in Barranquilla. This experience exposed him to a more dynamic and physical style of play. He featured in 42 matches and scored seven goals, helping the team reach the later stages of the national championship. During this loan, Cardona refined his long-range finishing, a skill that would become his trademark. By the end of the year, he returned to Atlético Nacional with greater maturity and ready to take on a leadership role.
Return to Atlético Nacional and Success
Back at Atlético Nacional in 2014, Cardona enjoyed one of the best periods of his career. He became a key player, reaching the final of the 2014 Copa Sudamericana. Although Nacional lost to River Plate, Cardona shone with goals and assists. Over two seasons, he scored decisive goals and helped the club win domestic titles.
His performances attracted international attention, leading to a transfer to Monterrey in Mexico in 2015. Before leaving, Cardona left an indelible mark at Nacional, with over 100 appearances and dozens of goals. This phase cemented his reputation as one of Colombia’s most talented midfielders.
Move to Mexico: Monterrey
In 2015, Cardona signed with Monterrey, joining the Mexican Liga MX. He adapted quickly, scoring important goals in his debut season. On April 14, 2015, he scored a brace against Tijuana, helping his team maintain their lead. Cardona stood out with bicycle kicks and long-range strikes, including a memorable goal against Jaguares de Chiapas in 2016.
During his time at Monterrey, he played over 80 matches and scored 31 goals. He won the Liga MX Apertura in 2019, though he was loaned out for parts of his tenure. This experience in Mexico exposed him to a more tactical and fast-paced game, improving his physical conditioning and decision-making.
Experience in Argentina: Boca Juniors
In July 2017, Cardona was loaned to Boca Juniors, one of Argentina’s biggest clubs. His debut was impressive: in a Copa Argentina match against Gimnasia y Tiro, he provided an assist and scored in a 5-0 victory. In the Superclásico against River Plate in November 2017, he scored a free-kick goal in a 2-1 away win.
Cardona became a fan favorite at Boca, winning the Argentine Superliga in 2018 and the Supercopa Argentina. His stint was marked by moments of brilliance but also controversy, including a suspension for a racist gesture during an international friendly. Despite this, he returned to Boca on subsequent loans, making over 50 appearances and scoring crucial goals.
Other Clubs: Pachuca, Tijuana, and Racing
After Monterrey, Cardona played for Pachuca in 2019, where he continued to showcase his set-piece prowess. In 2020, he joined Tijuana, also in Mexico, competing in Liga MX. In 2021, he was loaned to Racing Club in Argentina, contributing to their domestic campaigns.
These stints were transitional but enriched his international experience. At each club, Cardona left his mark with memorable goals and assists, though he faced challenges with injuries and inconsistency at times.
Return to Boca and Nacional
In 2022, Cardona returned to Boca Juniors, winning additional titles, including the Professional League Cup. In 2024, he made the decision to return to Atlético Nacional, his boyhood club. This homecoming was celebrated by fans, who see him as an experienced leader. In 2025, he remains a starter, contributing with goals and leadership.
International Career with Colombia
Cardona has represented Colombia across various youth levels. In the U-17 team, he was the top scorer in the South American Championship. In the U-20 team, he competed in the 2011 Toulon Tournament, scoring goals and helping Colombia defeat France in a penalty shootout.
For the senior national team, he debuted in 2014 against El Salvador. He scored his first official goal in 2015 against Peru in World Cup qualifiers. He participated in the Copa América and World Cup qualifiers for 2018 and 2022, though he was not selected for the final World Cup squads. In 2017, he faced controversy for a racist gesture against South Korea, resulting in a five-match FIFA suspension.
Despite ups and downs, Cardona has over 40 caps and several important goals for Colombia.
Playing Style and Skills
Cardona is a versatile attacking midfielder known for his powerful right foot. He excels at medium- and long-range shots, free kicks, and penalties. His vision allows for precise assists, and he is adept at dribbling in tight spaces. Standing at 1.83m (6’0”), he has a strong aerial presence and is effective in set-piece situations.
His weaknesses include inconsistency in high-intensity matches and occasional fitness issues. However, his creativity makes him unpredictable for opponents.
Personal Life
Cardona is a family man who keeps a low profile off the pitch. There are stories about his early fatherhood, but he focuses on supporting his family. He is active on social media, sharing moments with fans and promoting social causes in Medellín. His humility and connection to his Colombian roots make him widely admired.
Achievements and Legacy
Cardona has won multiple titles, including the Colombian Apertura (2011, 2012), Liga MX (2019), and Argentine Superliga (2018). His legacy is that of a talented player who overcame challenges to shine in various leagues.
Recent Events in 2025
In August 2025, Cardona was in the spotlight during a Copa Libertadores match against São Paulo. At the Atanasio Girardot Stadium, Atlético Nacional drew 0-0, with Cardona missing two penalties. Despite the setback, he remains the team’s captain and is focused on securing qualification in the return leg at Morumbi. Fans continue to support his talent, hoping he will lead the team to future victories.
Edwin Cardona’s journey reflects dedication and passion for football. With over 400 professional matches and dozens of goals, he remains an inspiring figure in Colombian football.
