Enner Valencia is one of the most respected names in South American football. Born on the Ecuadorian coast, he transformed his humble beginnings into a career filled with goals, titles, and unforgettable moments. At 35 years old in 2025, Valencia remains a vital force for the Ecuador national team and his current club, Pachuca, in Mexico. His journey is marked by determination, technical skill, and a goal-scoring instinct that took him from local pitches to European and global arenas. In this article, we explore the life and career of this Ecuadorian icon, focusing on the achievements that define him and the latest developments keeping his star shining bright.
Childhood and Early Career
Enner Remberto Valencia Lastra was born on November 4, 1989, in the small town of San Lorenzo, in Esmeraldas province, Ecuador. Raised in a poor family of Afro-Ecuadorian descent, Enner grew up in an environment where football was more than a sport: it was a path to a better future. Esmeraldas, known for its vibrant culture and beaches, is also marked by social inequality, and Valencia faced hardships from an early age. His parents struggled to put food on the table, and young Enner often helped with simple tasks to contribute at home.
His love for football blossomed naturally on the dusty streets of San Lorenzo. At 16, in 2005, he joined the youth ranks of Caribe Junior, a modest local club. There, Valencia began to showcase his talent as a fast and skillful forward. Caribe Junior also produced another Ecuadorian great, Antonio Valencia, hinting at the academy’s potential. Enner spent three years honing his skills, playing as a spearhead with quick dribbles and precise shots that caught attention.
In 2008, at 18, came his big break: a move to Emelec, one of Ecuador’s football giants, based in Guayaquil. The transition wasn’t easy. Enner arrived at the club with no resources, staying in makeshift accommodations at the George Capwell Stadium. Some days, he barely had a decent meal, sleeping in bunk beds with other young players. But persistence paid off. Under the guidance of Argentine coach Jorge Sampaoli, who took over Emelec in early 2010, Valencia finally earned a spot in the first team. Sampaoli, known for his offensive and innovative style, saw a rough diamond in the Ecuadorian and turned him into a key piece of the attack.
Those early years at Emelec were a period of intense learning. Enner made his professional debut in 2010, helping the team reach the Ecuadorian Championship final, though they lost to L.D.U. Quito 2-1 on aggregate. In the following season, 2011, he scored nine goals in 30 matches, cementing his place as a starter. It was a time of growth, where Valencia learned to handle the pressure of a big club and the importance of balancing speed with finishing. His dedication in training and humility off the pitch made him a fan favorite, reflecting their own struggles.
Club Career: From Guayaquil to the World
Enner Valencia’s club career is a map of continental achievements and cultural adaptations. From local teams to European and Asian giants, he has always stood out for his goal-scoring instinct and ability to shine in crucial moments. Across over 600 professional matches, Valencia has scored around 190 goals, numbers that speak for themselves.
Consolidation Years at Emelec (2010-2013)
At Emelec, Valencia experienced his first years of glory. In 2012, he exploded with 13 goals in 40 matches, leading the team to another national championship final, though they fell to Barcelona SC. The highlight came in 2013: Enner scored his first career hat-trick in a 4-0 win over Sport Huancayo in the Copa Sudamericana. He tallied four goals in the Ecuadorian league and five in the continental competition. Emelec won the national title for the first time since 2002, and Valencia was named the best player and top scorer of the Copa Sudamericana. These feats caught the eye of international scouts, paving the way to Europe.
First Stint at Pachuca and Explosion in Mexico (2014)
In January 2014, Valencia crossed borders to join Pachuca in Mexico’s Liga MX. His adaptation was swift and impactful. In just 23 matches, he scored 18 goals, becoming the top scorer of the Clausura 2014 with 12 goals. His first hat-trick came in the playoffs, in a 4-2 win over UNAM. The Mexican style, with large pitches and aggressive defenses, suited his speed and precision perfectly. Valencia won the league’s top scorer award and helped Pachuca compete for the title, though they didn’t win it that year. His brief stint left an indelible mark, with fans still calling him “El Supersónico” for his speed on the field.
Premier League Adventure: West Ham and Everton (2014-2017)
The European dream came true in July 2014 when West Ham United, in the English Premier League, paid around £12 million for Valencia – nearly a record for the London club. He debuted against Tottenham, but his impact came quickly: in September, he scored a 25-yard goal against Hull City, a shot clocked at 98 km/h, remembered as one of the season’s most beautiful. Over three years at West Ham, he played 54 league matches and scored eight goals, plus appearances in the FA Cup and Europa League. Injuries, like one to his knee in 2015, slowed him down, but he showed resilience.
In 2016, he was loaned to Everton, where he scored three league goals in 21 matches. His first for the club came against Southampton in a 3-0 win. The Premier League tested his versatility – playing as a winger or center-forward – but adapting to the climate and tactics was challenging. Still, Valencia earned respect for his grit and ability to decide games, like in a draw against Manchester City.
Tigres UANL: Titles and Continental Shine (2017-2020)
Returning to Mexico in 2017, Valencia signed with Tigres UANL for €4.2 million. It was the most successful period of his club career. Over three years, he played 95 league matches and scored 21 goals, plus 10 in the CONCACAF Champions League – where he was the top scorer in 2019 and named to the tournament’s best XI. Tigres won the Apertura 2017 and Clausura 2019, with Enner as a central figure in the attack. He shone in finals, like the 2019 CONCACAF runner-up campaign, and collected trophies that cemented him as a Mexican idol.
Fenerbahçe: The Golden Era in Turkey (2020-2023)
In August 2020, Valencia joined Fenerbahçe in Turkey’s Süper Lig on a free transfer. It was love at first sight. In 90 league matches, he scored 48 goals – including a historic 2022-23 season with 29 goals in 31 matches, earning the league’s top scorer title. His hat-trick against Karagümrük and four goals in a single match against Kasımpaşa are legendary in Turkey. Fenerbahçe won the Turkish Cup in 2023, and Enner earned individual awards like the Marka Futbol. In Europe, he scored eight goals in continental competitions, including the Conference League and Champions League. The Istanbul fans adopted him as a hero, with chants that still echo.
Internacional: Challenges in Brazil (2023-2025)
In June 2023, Valencia signed with Internacional in Porto Alegre, Brazil, on a free transfer. The Brazilian Série A promised excitement, but the two years were a mix of highs and lows. In 60 league matches, he scored 13 goals, plus nine in the Campeonato Gaúcho and five in the Libertadores. His debut was against Fluminense at the Maracanã, and his first goal came in the Libertadores against River Plate. Highlights include a goal in the high altitude of La Paz against Bolívar in 2023 and contributions to Inter’s Sudamericana campaign. In 2024, he scored in key matches, but injuries and competition limited his shine. Still, he adapted to Gaúcho culture, learned Portuguese, and bonded with the Colorado fans.
Return to Pachuca: A New Chapter (2025)
On September 11, 2025, Valencia returned to Pachuca, closing an 11-year cycle. At 35, he signed for three seasons, bringing experience to a team in rebuild. In the 2025-26 Liga MX Apertura season, up to October, Enner started four matches, logging 288 minutes and scoring one goal. His return was celebrated by fans who remember his 2014 glory days. In Mexico, he aims for more titles and a fitting farewell to his career.
Ecuador National Team Career: The Record-Breaking Captain
The “Tri” jersey, as Ecuador’s national team is known, is Enner Valencia’s pride. With 101 caps and 48 goals as of October 2025, he is the country’s all-time leading scorer and captain since 2020. His journey began in 2012, but it exploded after the death of Christian Benítez in 2013, when coaches like Gustavo Quinteros repositioned him as a center-forward.
Debut and First Goals
His debut came in a friendly against Honduras in February 2012. His first international goal was in November 2013, in another draw with Honduras. In 2014, Enner scored 10 goals in 10 matches, setting the stage for the World Cup.
World Cups: Epic Moments
In the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, Valencia was Ecuador’s hero. He scored the lone goal against Switzerland (a header) and both in a 2-1 win over Honduras. In 2022, in Qatar, he shone again: two goals against Qatar (including a penalty) and one in a draw with the Netherlands. With six World Cup goals, he’s Ecuador’s record holder and the first South American to score in six consecutive World Cup matches.
Copa América: Consistency in Major Tournaments
Valencia has played in every Copa América since 2015. In 2015, he scored against Bolivia and Mexico; in 2016, against Peru and Bolivia (two goals); in 2019, against Chile; and in 2024, he contributed goals in the group stage. His versatility makes him indispensable, with assists and leadership on the pitch.
Records and Captaincy
In 2021, he surpassed Agustín Delgado’s 31 goals to become Ecuador’s all-time top scorer. In September 2025, he reached his 100th cap against Argentina. As captain, he leads a promising generation toward the 2026 World Cup.
Personal Life: Roots and Challenges
Off the pitch, Valencia is a family man. Married with children, he cherishes his Esmeraldas roots, investing in social projects for underprivileged youth. In 2016, he faced a scandal over unpaid child support, leading him to leave a match abruptly. In 2020, his sister Erci was kidnapped for 10 days, a trauma that strengthened his faith. Today, Enner is an ambassador for Afro-Ecuadorian causes and uses his platform to inspire.
Recent Updates in 2025: Goals and Milestones
2025 has been a year of milestones for Valencia. For the national team, he scored a brace against Venezuela in March (2-1), a goal against Argentina in September (his 100th cap, 1-0 win), and another in November 2024 against Colombia (1-0). The highlight came on October 10 in a friendly against the United States in Austin: Enner opened the scoring in the 28th minute with a placed shot, but the match ended 1-1 with a goal by Folarin Balogun. It was his 48th goal in 101 caps, at age 35 – he turns 36 in November.
At Pachuca, since his September return, Enner debuted with a goal in the fourth round of the Apertura, aiding a 2-1 win over León. His initial 283 minutes show he still runs like a young player, with an average of 1.3 expected goals (xG). Rumors of European club interest swirl, but Valencia focuses on the 2026 Libertadores and Ecuador’s World Cup qualification.
Conclusion: A Legacy in the Making
Enner Valencia is more than a player; he’s a symbol of resilience. From San Lorenzo to the world’s pitches, his journey inspires millions. With over 2,000 words dedicated to his story, one thing is clear: at 35, he still has much to offer. Here’s to more goals, titles, and chapters in this Ecuadorian saga.
