Juan Fernando Quintero has emerged as one of the key players for Racing Club as they approach the 2024 Copa Sudamericana final against Cruzeiro. With his vision, technical ability, and international experience, the Colombian midfielder is poised to be a decisive factor in the quest for the title.

At 31, Quintero heads into the final on a high note, having scored four goals in his last five games, including two in the second leg of the Sudamericana semifinal against Corinthians, as well as a stunning free-kick for Colombia against Uruguay in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.

This year, he has tallied eight goals and seven assists, his best numbers since his standout 2018/2019 season with River Plate, when he scored 10 goals, including one in the Copa Libertadores final against Boca Juniors in Madrid.

That win in Madrid earned Quintero the title of second-best player in South America that year and made him the only member of Racing's squad to have won an international trophy. During his time with River Plate, the Colombian won a total of four titles, adding to the trophy he won with Porto in 2014.

Although known for his excellent technique and creativity, Quintero's career has been marked by ups and downs. From his promising beginnings with Envigado and Atlético Nacional in Colombia to his less successful stint with Shenzhen in China, his career has seen both highs and lows. He enjoyed a standout season with Independiente Medellín in 2017 but struggled during his time at Rennes (France), Pescara (Italy), and more recently, Junior de Barranquilla.

These ups and downs also reflected in his international career, where he featured in the 2014 and 2018 World Cups but was often overshadowed by James Rodríguez, a fellow Colombian star who plays in the same position. Since joining Racing in mid-2023, Quintero quickly became a key player for the team, contributing five goals and two assists in 16 appearances that season.

This year, under coach Gustavo Costas, Quintero has solidified his role as Racing's creative hub and formed a successful partnership with Adrián 'Maravilla' Martínez and fellow Colombian Roger Martínez. Although Quintero will enter the final on Saturday with little rest due to Colombia's World Cup qualifiers, Racing will rely on his experience and ability to change the game to overcome Cruzeiro and secure their first continental title since 1988.