Edwin Cardona: The Colombian Footballer
Edwin Andrés Cardona Bedoya is a Colombian soccer player known for his attacking midfielder skills. Born on December 8, 1992, in Medellín, Colombia, he turned 32 in 2024 and continues to perform at a high level. He currently plays for Atlético Nacional, the club where he began his professional career. Cardona is known for his vision, precise passing, and powerful shots, especially from free kicks and penalties. Over the years, he has played for several clubs in Colombia, Mexico, and Argentina, in addition to representing the Colombian national team in international competitions. His career is marked by titles, moments of brilliance, and some personal and professional challenges. In this article, we explore 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 soccer. From an early age, he demonstrated a talent for the sport, influenced by the region’s footballing environment. 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 he quickly gained attention for his refined technique and playmaking ability.
During his youth development, Cardona participated in national and international tournaments. In 2009, he represented Colombia in the South American Under-17 Championship, held in Chile. In that tournament, he stood out as a top scorer, scoring seven goals in seven matches, including a hat trick against Ecuador. His performance helped the Colombian national team qualify for the FIFA Under-17 World Cup in Nigeria. Although Colombia didn’t advance far in the World Cup, Cardona gained the visibility and confidence to make the leap to professional football. This early phase was crucial for developing his dead-ball skills and peripheral vision, characteristics that define him to this day.
Professional Debut at Atlético Nacional
At age 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 Apertura Tournament of the Colombian Championship with Nacional.
However, to gain more experience, Cardona was loaned to other Colombian clubs. This strategy at Atlético Nacional allowed him to mature as a player without the constant pressure of being a starter in the first team. During this period, he continued to refine his playing style, focusing on short dribbling and precise assists.
Loans and Development
Independent Santa Fe
In 2012, Cardona was loaned to Independiente Santa Fe, another traditional Colombian club. There, he found a competitive environment that helped him thrive. He appeared in 28 matches and scored four goals, contributing to the club’s 2012 Apertura Cup triumph. His time at Santa Fe was brief but impactful, as he demonstrated versatility, playing both as a central midfielder and on the wings. The club’s fans remember him for his creativity on the pitch, especially in matches against local rivals.
Atlético Junior
The following year, 2013, Cardona was loaned to Atlético Junior in Barranquilla. This experience exposed him to a more dynamic and physical style of play. He played 42 matches and scored seven goals, helping the team reach the final stages of the national championship. During this loan, Cardona honed his long-range finishing ability, a skill that would become his trademark. At the end of the year, he returned to Atlético Nacional with more maturity and ready to assume a leadership role.
Return to Atlético Nacional and Success
Returning to Atlético Nacional in 2014, Cardona enjoyed one of the finest moments of his career. He became a key player on the team, playing in the 2014 Copa Sudamericana final . Although Nacional lost to River Plate, Cardona shone with goals and assists. In two seasons, he scored decisive goals and helped the club win national titles.
His performances drew international attention, leading to a transfer to Monterrey, Mexico, in 2015. Before leaving, Cardona left an indelible mark on Nacional, with over 100 appearances and dozens of goals. This period cemented his reputation as one of Colombia’s most talented midfielders.
Moving to Mexico: Monterrey
In 2015, Cardona signed with Monterrey, joining Liga MX. He adapted quickly, and upon his debut, he scored important goals. On April 14, 2015, he scored a brace against Tijuana, helping the team maintain its lead. Cardona stood out for his bicycle kick goals and shots from outside the box, including a memorable one against Jaguares de Chiapas in 2016.
During his time with Monterrey, he played over 80 matches and scored 31 goals. He won the Liga MX Apertura in 2019, despite being loaned out for a few periods. This experience in Mexico exposed him to a more tactical and fast-paced style of football, improving his fitness and decision-making on the field.
Experience in Argentina: Boca Juniors
In July 2017, Cardona was loaned to Boca Juniors, one of Argentina’s giants. His debut was impressive: in a Copa Argentina match against Gimnasia y Tiro, he provided an assist and scored a goal in a 5-0 victory. In the Superclásico against River Plate in November 2017, he scored a free kick in a 2-1 away win.
Cardona became an idol at Boca, winning the Argentine Super League in 2018 and the Argentine Super Cup. His time there was marked by moments of brilliance, but also by controversy, such as a suspension for a racist gesture in a friendly match for the national team. Despite this, he returned to Boca on subsequent loan spells, making over 50 appearances and scoring crucial goals.
Other Clubs: Pachuca, Tijuana and Racing
After Monterrey, Cardona moved to Pachuca in 2019, where he continued to demonstrate his quality on set pieces. In 2020, he moved to Tijuana, also in Mexico, where he played in Liga MX. In 2021, he joined Racing Club in Argentina on loan, where he helped the team in domestic competitions.
These stints were brief, but they enriched his international experience. At each club, Cardona delivered memorable goals and assists, despite facing injuries and inconsistency at times.
Return to Boca and Nacional
In 2022, Cardona returned to Boca Juniors, winning more titles, including the Professional League Cup. However, in 2024, he decided to return to Atlético Nacional, his hometown club. This return was celebrated by fans, who see him as an experienced leader. In 2025, he remains a starter, contributing goals and leadership.
Career with the Colombian National Team
Cardona represented Colombia at various levels. At U-17 level, he was South America’s top scorer. At U-20 level, he participated in the 2011 Toulon Tournament, scoring goals and helping Colombia defeat France on penalties.
He made his senior national team debut in 2014 against El Salvador. He scored his first official goal in 2015 against Peru in a World Cup qualifier. He participated in the Copa América and the qualifiers for the 2018 and 2022 World Cups, although he was not called up for the final stages of the World Cups. In 2017, he was embroiled in controversy after making a racist gesture against South Korea, resulting in a five-match FIFA suspension.
Despite the ups and downs, Cardona has more than 40 caps and important goals for Colombia.
Play Style and Skills
Cardona is a versatile attacking midfielder known for his powerful right foot. He excels at mid- and long-range shots, free kicks, and penalties. His vision allows for precise assists, and he is good at dribbling in tight spaces. At 6’0″ (1.83m), he has good aerial presence and is useful on set pieces.
His weaknesses include inconsistency in high-intensity matches and fitness issues at times. However, his creativity makes him unpredictable for opponents.
Personal Life
Cardona is a family man and maintains a low-key life off the field. Stories abound 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 admired.
Achievements and Legacy
Cardona won multiple titles: Apertura Colombiano (2011, 2012), Liga MX (2019), Superliga Argentina (2018), among others. His legacy is that of a talented player who overcame challenges to shine in different leagues.
Recent Events in 2025
In August 2025, Cardona was a standout performer in 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 captain and is aiming for qualification in the return leg at Morumbi Stadium. Fans support his talent, hoping he will lead the team to future victories.
