Luis Carlos Perea (El Coroncoro)

Luis Carlos Perea (El Coroncoro) is a former Colombian soccer player, widely regarded as a legendary central defender in Colombian football and a key figure of Colombia’s “Golden Generation.”

Perea spent most of his professional career in Colombia, standing out mainly in:

• Deportivo Independiente Medellín (DIM): Where he began his career in 1984 and later returned for a second stint.
• Atlético Nacional: The club where he truly made his mark and reached the peak of his career, being part of the iconic team known as “Los Puros Criollos.”

🎥View video: Colombian National Team Secrets | I Played World Cups While Malnourished | Luis “Coroncoro” Perea

He also played for other teams, including:

• Junior de Barranquilla
• Deportes Tolima
• Toros Neza (Mexico)

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Perea’s greatest club success came with Atlético Nacional, where he won several major international titles:

• Copa Libertadores de América (1989): A key pillar of the defense on the championship team.
• Copa Interamericana: Won multiple times (1990 and 1997, depending on sources).
• Copa Merconorte (1997).

🎥 Vew video: Colombia vs Uruguay – Copa América Quarterfinals – DiFilm (1993)

Perea was a cornerstone of Colombia’s defense during one of its most successful eras, becoming the fourth player with the most appearances in the national team’s history.

• International Caps: 78
• FIFA World Cup Appearances:
  • Italy 1990: Starter and standout player in the historic 1–1 draw against Germany that secured Colombia’s place in the Round of 16.
  • USA 1994
• Copa América Appearances: 1987, 1989, 1991, and 1993 (where he was selected for the South American Best XI).

🎥 Vew video: Jaime Bayly (06/07/18) – Interview with Former Colombian Footballer Luis Carlos Perea

After retiring from professional football, Luis Carlos Perea dedicated his life to developing young talent. He currently lives in Miami, Florida (USA), where he serves as:

• Director of Coroncoro Soccer Club. View Instagram.
• FIFA-Licensed Coach
• Founder of the Golden Steps Foundation, an organization that uses sports as a tool for social transformation

Perea’s legacy is that of a tough, disciplined central defender with strong aerial ability and exceptional leadership on the field — a true legend of Colombian football.