Introduction
Jorge Andrés Carrascal Guardo, better known as Jorge Carrascal, is one of the names stirring up South American football in recent years. Born on May 25, 1998, in Cartagena, Colombia, the 1.80m attacking midfielder stands out for his technical skill, game vision, and unpredictable dribbling. At 27 years old in 2025, Carrascal has already played for major clubs like River Plate, CSKA Moscow, Dynamo Moscow, and now Flamengo in Brazil. His journey is marked by overcome challenges, moments of brilliance, and a determination that took him from a humble childhood to multimillion-dollar contracts. This article explores his path, from his early days on Colombian pitches to his recent performances in carioca football, with a focus on September 2025 updates.
Carrascal is not just a player; he embodies the grit of South American youths who dream big. Wearing Colombia’s national team jersey, he contributes to a rising squad, and at Flamengo, he aims to establish himself as a key piece. Let’s dive into his story, full of victories, injuries, and twists that shaped him as an athlete.
Childhood and Career Beginnings
Jorge Carrascal grew up in a peripheral neighborhood of Cartagena, where football was more than a sport: it was an escape from the harsh realities of daily life. The son of humble parents, he began kicking a ball on the city’s dusty streets, inspired by idols like James Rodríguez and Radamel Falcao. At 10, he was spotted by scouts from Millonarios, one of Bogotá’s biggest clubs, and moved to the Colombian capital to join their youth academy.
At Millonarios, Carrascal showed early natural talent as an attacking midfielder. His style, with quick touches and precise passes, drew attention. In 2015, at 17, he debuted for the senior team in a Colombian Championship match, becoming the youngest player to feature for the club in decades. That year, he played 12 matches and scored his first professional goal against Junior de Barranquilla. “It was like a dream coming true,” he later said in an interview.
But the path wasn’t easy. Minor injuries and fierce competition tested him. Still, in 2016, Carrascal helped Millonarios win the Colombian Apertura, starting in several matches. His performances caught the eye of European clubs, and at 19, he signed with Sevilla in Spain for around €5 million—a record for a young Colombian at the time. Adapting to European football, however, would be a chapter of its own.
Rise at Millonarios and Arrival at River Plate
Before heading to Europe, Carrascal left his mark at Millonarios. In 2017, he was a key player in the campaign that took the team to the Colombian League final, scoring 8 goals in 25 matches. His versatility—playing as a central midfielder or on the wings—made him indispensable. However, his Spanish dream was short-lived. At Sevilla, he was loaned to Necaxa in Mexico, where he shone in Liga MX, scoring 4 goals in 20 appearances. His return to Sevilla didn’t take off, and in 2019, River Plate, under Marcelo Gallardo, signed him on loan.
Arriving at River was a turning point. In Buenos Aires, Carrascal found the perfect environment for his creative football. Under Gallardo’s guidance, he learned tactical discipline alongside boldness. His debut came against Athletico Paranaense in the Libertadores, and he soon became a starter. In 2020, he helped River win the Copa de la Liga Argentina, with decisive assists in the final against Colón. “Jorge has magic in his feet,” Gallardo praised.
The loan became permanent in 2021 for €3 million. Carrascal adapted to the pressure of the packed Monumental stadium and passionate fanbase. He played over 80 matches for River, scoring 15 goals and providing 20 assists. Highlights include his goal against Boca Juniors in the 2021 Superclásico, sealing a 1-0 victory and fueling the eternal rivalry. His partnership with Julián Álvarez and Enzo Fernández was lethal, with classy touches that dismantled opposing defenses.
Stardom at River Plate
At River Plate, Carrascal lived his best years yet. In 2022, he was crucial in the Copa Libertadores campaign, reaching the semifinals. Against Fortaleza, he scored a stunning long-range goal, voted the best of the month by Conmebol. His game-reading ability and dribbling in tight spaces drew comparisons to a young James Rodríguez. Off the field, he embraced Argentine culture, picking up the porteño accent and attending barbecues with teammates.
But it wasn’t all roses. In 2023, a knee injury sidelined him for three months, coinciding with Gallardo’s departure. Under Martín Demichelis, Carrascal struggled to regain his spot, and his inconsistency drew criticism. Still, he contributed to the 2023 Liga Profesional title, scoring in the final against Rosario Central. His time at River was a blend of learning and glory, preparing him for a bigger leap: back to Europe.
European Experience: CSKA Moscow and Dynamo Moscow
In January 2024, Carrascal left River for CSKA Moscow in Russia for €6 million. The Russian Premier League, known for its physical intensity, was a challenge. At CSKA, he debuted with an assist in a win over Spartak Moscow. In his first season, he played 25 matches, scoring 5 goals and providing 7 assists. His adaptation to Moscow’s cold and the league’s direct style was impressive. “Europe teaches me to be more complete,” he commented.
However, the geopolitical conflict in Ukraine affected the championship, and in 2025, Carrascal transferred to Dynamo Moscow, CSKA’s rival, for €8 million. At Dynamo, he took charge of the midfield, shining in the Russian Cup. In March 2025, he scored a hat-trick against Lokomotiv, his best European performance. With 10 goals in 30 matches in the 2024/25 season, he became a fan favorite, nicknamed “El Mago Colombiano” (The Colombian Wizard).
His Russian stint strengthened his physicality and tactics, but Carrascal always longed for the vibrant, creative South American game. Rumors of a return to South America surfaced mid-2025, culminating in his major move.
Transfer to Flamengo: A New Chapter
In July 2025, Flamengo announced Jorge Carrascal’s signing for €12 million, with a contract until 2029. The news exploded in Brazilian and Colombian media. The carioca club, seeking midfield reinforcements after Arrascaeta’s injuries, saw Carrascal as the ideal fit. “I didn’t hesitate to accept. Flamengo is a giant, and Brazil is football’s temple,” he said at a press conference on August 5, 2025.
His arrival in Rio de Janeiro was met with euphoria. Carrascal landed at Galeão Airport to cheers from Rubro-Negro fans, who were already chanting his name. He passed medical exams and signed at Ninho do Urubu, quickly integrating into Tite’s squad. His debut came against Botafogo in the Brasileirão, where he provided an assist for Pedro in a 2-1 victory. The Maracanã crowd hailed him, seeing in him a touch of Colombian sophistication in Brazilian football.
Performance at Flamengo
At Flamengo, Carrascal has proven versatile, playing as a playmaker or second striker. In his first half-season, up to September 2025, he played 15 matches in the Brasileirão and Libertadores, scoring 3 goals and providing 5 assists. Highlights include his goal against Palmeiras in August, a curling shot from outside the box that secured a thrilling draw. Under Tite, he’s learning to balance creativity with the team’s high-pressing style.
However, his adaptation isn’t flawless. Critics note he still misplaces passes in key moments, and competition with Gerson and De La Cruz limits his starting minutes. Still, his speed and vision add unpredictability to Flamengo’s attack. In interviews, Carrascal praises the Brasileirão’s pace: “It’s more intense than Russia, but with more beauty.” His 2025 stats show progress: an average of 2.1 dribbles per game and 85% pass accuracy.
In the 2025 Copa Libertadores, he shone in the round of 16 against Estudiantes, with an assist in the first leg and a goal in the return, helping Flamengo advance. His partnership with Pedro and Bruno Henrique promises more.
International Career with Colombia
For Colombia, Carrascal debuted in 2020 in a friendly against Venezuela. Under Carlos Queiroz, he was a bench option, but with Néstor Lorenzo, he became a starter. In 2025, he played in the Copa América, scoring in the quarterfinals against Uruguay. He has 25 caps and 4 goals so far.
Carrascal represents Colombia’s new generation, alongside Luis Díaz and Jhon Durán. In September 2025, he was called up for matches against Brazil and Argentina, but his inconsistent club form sparks debate. “Lorenzo needs reasons to call him,” Colombian analysts comment.
Personal Life and Fun Facts
Off the pitch, Carrascal is reserved. Married to Colombian model Daniela Zapata since 2022, they have a daughter, Sofia, born in 2024. He loves reggaeton and samba, blending rhythms in Instagram playlists. In Moscow, he learned basic Russian to communicate, and in Rio, he’s mastered slang like “mano” and “tranquilo.”
Fun facts: He’s a tattoo enthusiast, with one on his arm honoring his mother, who passed away in 2019. He also supports social causes in Cartagena, donating to youth football programs. His nickname “Carrascrack” comes from fans who see him as a potential superstar.
Recent Updates
In September 2025, Carrascal is experiencing highs and lows at Flamengo. On September 18, against Estudiantes in the Libertadores, the team won 2-0 in just 8 minutes, but he stayed on the bench. Fans questioned: “Why not Carrascal, who came to replace Arrascaeta?” Coach Tite explained the choice prioritized another player’s experience in a crucial match.
On September 19, in a press conference, Carrascal said: “I’m working hard. The minutes will come.” His October national team call-up is uncertain, with Lorenzo under pressure. Rumors of interest from Milan circulate, but he remains focused on Flamengo. Recent stats show 1 goal in 4 Brasileirão matches, indicating recovery.
Other updates: On September 17, a Colombian podcast debated his career, comparing him to Mosquera and Cortés. On X, fans post memes about his “curse” in finals, but optimism prevails.
Conclusion
Jorge Carrascal embodies South American football: talented, resilient, and passionate. From Cartagena to Maracanã, his journey inspires young athletes. In 2025, with Flamengo contending for the Brasileirão and Libertadores, he has a golden opportunity to shine. Whether dribbling past defenders or assisting teammates, Carrascal proves dreams outweigh obstacles. The future? Promising, with Colombia and Brazil as his stages. Here’s to more chapters in this story of resilience.