Juanfer Quintero isn’t just a footballer; he’s a magician with a ball at his feet, a fan favorite, and a player with stories that keep fans talking. Born in Medellín, Colombia, Quintero overcame critics and challenges to become a star both for Racing Club and the Colombian national team.

One of the most endearing tales about Quintero involves a Racing Club superfan. So inspired by Juanfer’s brilliance, the fan got a tattoo of his face. When Quintero heard about it, he made a promise: he would bring Racing a trophy. 

True to his word, turning ink into inspiration, he played a pivotal role in Racing’s thrilling Copa Sudamericana campaign, becoming a semifinal hero with two stunning goals against Corinthians.

But Quintero’s path to stardom wasn’t easy. Critics once claimed he was “too short” for the game, yet at 1.69 meters (the same height as legends like Garrincha and Maradona), he proved that size doesn’t matter. 

His South American style is what matters: the way he hides the ball, his sense of position on the pitch, his mapping of every corner of the field, his mental quickness, his dribbling skills, his efficiency in managing physical barriers against rivals much more physically powerful than him, and his millimetric passes to his teammates. 

As some Racing Club fans say: if Independiente had Bochini, Racing now has Quintero. And who could forget his iconic 2018 Copa Libertadores title-winning goal for River Plate or the fact that he’s the first Colombian to score in two different FIFA World Cups.

What sets Quintero apart on the pitch is his creative flair and vision. He’s a player who makes fans gasp and cheer in equal measure. 

He’s also a singer! Juanfer has been friends with renowned Colombian singer Maluma – they knew each other when Maluma played in the lower divisions of Atlético Nacional and Quintero in Envigado. The rhythm was always there, and in 2015 Juanfer entered the world of music as a reggaeton singer.

Racing fans adore him, and casual viewers can’t help but marvel at his magic. When you’re watching him on beIN SPORTS, don’t blink when he’s on the pitch — or off it — you might miss something unforgettable.

Watch Quintero’s magic on beIN SPORTS and beIN SPORTS en Español this coming Saturday November 23rd at 3pm ET / 12 PM PT.