PLAYER SNAPSHOT: At a Glance
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Alberto Abdiel Quintero Medina |
| Date of Birth | 18 December 1987 (Age: 38) |
| Place of Birth | Panama City, Panama |
| Nationality | Panamanian |
| Height | 1.65 m / 5 ft 5 in |
| Weight | 60 kg / 132 lbs |
| Position | Winger / Attacking Midfielder |
| Preferred Foot | Right |
| Squad Number | #19 (Plaza Amador), #19 (Panama) |
| Current Club | CD Plaza Amador |
| Previous Clubs | Chorrillo, Torrellano, Cartagena, Ontinyent, Independiente Medellín, Lobos BUAP, Mérida, Mineros, San Jose Earthquakes, Universitario, Cienciano |
| International Caps | 138+ |
| International Goals | 7 |
| World Cup Appearances | 2026 (squad member) |
| Market Value | €250K |
The Frozen Moment
The 2026 FIFA World Cup. Alberto “Negrito” Quintero, the 38-year-old winger from Panama City who had been denied his World Cup dream eight years earlier by a fractured foot, was finally named in Panama’s 26-man squad for the tournament. The boy who had grown up in El Chorrillo, who had represented Panama for 19 years, who had amassed over 138 caps, was at last on the verge of football’s grandest stage.
The tournament was a redemption story. In 2018, Quintero had suffered a fractured foot just 16 days before Panama’s historic World Cup debut, cruelly forcing him to watch from the sidelines as his nation made history without him. But eight years later, the football gods gave him a second chance.
Panama faced Ghana, Croatia, and England in Group L. Quintero remained an unused substitute in the opening matches. He expressed his desire to debut, saying: “Ojalá pueda debutar en este Mundial y poder doblar esa camiseta 19 y entregársela a un grupo que va a seguir.” On June 27, 2026, against England, he finally got his moment—entering as a late substitute, playing his final minutes for Panama and bowing out on the biggest stage of all.
“I am ending my cycle here after the World Cup. Nineteen years representing my country with great pride, with ups and downs, but above all with fulfilled dreams,” Quintero announced. The boy from Panama City who had been racially abused in Spain, who had played across two continents, who had become a legend in Peru with Universitario, had finally completed his World Cup journey.
Origins
Alberto Abdiel Quintero Medina was born on 18 December 1987 in Panama City, Panama. He grew up in the El Chorrillo neighbourhood, where his football journey began. He is nicknamed “Negrito.”
His footballing career began in his home country with Chorrillo FC in 2006, making 57 appearances and scoring 11 goals. At just 19, he caught the attention of European clubs and moved to Spain in 2008, joining Torrellano CF in amateur football.
His international career began at youth level. He represented Panama U20 in 2006–2007, making 7 appearances and scoring 1 goal. He debuted for the senior national team in 2007 and has since earned over 138 caps, scoring 7 goals. In 2011, he helped Panama win the CONCACAF Gold Cup, the first major international trophy in the nation’s history.
The Forge
Early Career & Spain (2006–2011):
Quintero started his professional career at Chorrillo FC, where he made his senior debut in 2006. In 2008, he moved to Spain, playing for Torrellano CF before signing for FC Cartagena in the Spanish Segunda División. His debut in Spain’s second tier came on 5 September 2009 against Rayo Vallecano. His time in Spain was marked by a painful incident of racist abuse from Betis fans on 27 September 2009. After a season with Ontinyent CF in the Segunda División B, he returned to Panama in 2011.
Following a successful 2013 CONCACAF Gold Cup campaign, Quintero moved to Mexico, signing for Lobos BUAP. He had brief spells at Mérida and Mineros de Zacatecas before returning to BUAP in January 2015. In December 2015, he was loaned to San Jose Earthquakes in MLS, making 30 appearances and scoring 3 goals.
Peru: Universitario de Deportes (2017–2022):
On 30 January 2017, Quintero joined Peruvian Primera División side Universitario de Deportes. He spent six seasons at the club, making over 160 appearances and scoring 32 goals. He became a fan favourite and established himself as one of the most important players in the club’s modern history.
Later Career (2023–Present):
Quintero moved to Cienciano in 2023, making 30 appearances and scoring 3 goals. On 20 June 2024, he returned to Panama, signing for CD Plaza Amador, where he currently plays. In the 2025 LPF Apertura season, he recorded 2 goals.
International Career:
Quintero has been a fixture for Panama since his debut in 2007, earning over 138 caps. He won the CONCACAF Gold Cup in 2011 and 2013. He was instrumental in Panama’s historic qualification for the 2018 World Cup but was ruled out of the tournament by injury just 16 days before it began. At the 2026 World Cup, he made a late substitute appearance against England, marking his World Cup debut at 38 years old.
The Anatomy of His Game
Alberto Quintero is a 38-year-old winger defined by his technical ability, dribbling, and experience. Standing at 1.65 meters, he is a nimble attacker who relies on quick feet and intelligence.
In Possession:
Quintero is a creative presence on the wing. He has been a reliable goalscorer from midfield throughout his career, scoring 32 goals in 160 appearances for Universitario. In his 2026 World Cup appearance, he completed 3 passes and committed 1 foul in limited minutes. He has accumulated 7 goals in 138 caps for Panama.
Out of Possession:
Quintero is not known as a defensive presence but contributes through positioning and experience. He has maintained professionalism into his late 30s, earning his place in the World Cup squad “a pulso, con mucho sacrificio.”
Psychological Edge:
Quintero’s mental resilience is his defining quality. He overcame a cruel injury that denied him a World Cup appearance in 2018. He endured racial abuse in Spain early in his career. He continued playing at the highest level into his late 30s. He has been a leader in the Panama dressing room, with coach Thomas Christiansen trusting his experience and leadership.
The Numbers Game
TABLE A: The Data Snapshot (2025/26 Season)
| Competition | Apps | Minutes | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LPF Apertura 2025 (Plaza Amador) | — | — | 2 | 0 |
| FIFA World Cup 2026 (Panama) | 1 | — | 0 | 0 |
TABLE B: Career (League)
| Season | Club | League | Apps | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2006–2008 | Chorrillo | LPF | 57 | 11 |
| 2008–2009 | Torrellano | Spanish lower | 36 | 10 |
| 2009–2010 | Cartagena | Segunda División | 19 | 0 |
| 2010–2011 | Ontinyent | Segunda División B | 17 | 0 |
| 2011–2013 | Chorrillo | LPF | 19 | 3 |
| 2012 | Independiente Medellín (loan) | Categoría Primera A | 15 | 0 |
| 2013–2014 | Lobos BUAP | Ascenso MX | 9 | 0 |
| 2014 | Mérida | — | 2 | 0 |
| 2014 | Mineros | — | 7 | 0 |
| 2015–2016 | Lobos BUAP | Ascenso MX | 31 | 5 |
| 2016 | San Jose Earthquakes (loan) | MLS | 30 | 3 |
| 2017–2022 | Universitario | Liga 1 | 161 | 32 |
| 2023 | Cienciano | Liga 1 | 30 | 3 |
| 2024–Present | Plaza Amador | LPF | 19+ | 1+ |
| TOTAL | — | — | ~452 | ~70 |
TABLE C: International Record (2007–2026)
| Tournament/Competition | Apps | Goals |
|---|---|---|
| CONCACAF Gold Cup | 20+ | — |
| World Cup Qualifiers | — | — |
| FIFA World Cup 2026 | 1 | 0 |
| TOTAL | 138+ | 7 |
TABLE D: Career Milestones
| Year | Achievement | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 1987 | Born | Panama City, Panama |
| 2006 | Professional Debut | Chorrillo FC |
| 2007 | Panama Debut | Senior national team |
| 2008 | Europe Move | Torrellano CF, Spain |
| 2009 | Segunda División Debut | vs Rayo Vallecano |
| 2011 | CONCACAF Gold Cup Winner | First Panamanian trophy |
| 2017 | Universitario Move | Signed for Peruvian giants |
| 2018 | World Cup Injury | Fractured foot, missed tournament |
| 2024 | Return to Panama | Signed for Plaza Amador |
| 2026 | World Cup Selection | Named in Panama’s 26-man squad |
| 2026 | World Cup Debut | vs England |
| 2026 | Retirement Announcement | Ends 19-year international career |
What these figures reveal is a player of remarkable longevity and international experience. Quintero has accumulated over 450 professional appearances by age 38, playing across three continents—North America, South America, and Europe. His 138 caps for Panama make him one of the most-capped players in the nation’s history. His career path from Panama to Spain, Mexico, MLS, Peru, and back to Panama demonstrates his adaptability. His World Cup debut at 38, after missing the 2018 tournament through injury, was a poignant conclusion to a storied career.
The Present Tense
Alberto Quintero is 38 years old, in the twilight of his career. He has announced his retirement from the Panama national team after the 2026 World Cup, bringing an end to 19 years of international service.
The Plaza Amador Story:
Quintero joined Plaza Amador in 2024. He has made 19 league appearances and scored 1 goal. He recorded 2 goals in the 2025 LPF Apertura season.
The World Cup Campaign:
Quintero was named in Panama’s 26-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. He made a late substitute appearance against England, finally making his World Cup debut at the age of 38. He had been an unused substitute in the matches against Ghana and Croatia. Panama were eliminated in the group stage.
International Record:
Quintero has earned over 138 caps for Panama since his debut in 2007, scoring 7 goals. He has represented Panama at multiple CONCACAF Gold Cups, winning the tournament in 2011 and 2013, and at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Beyond the Touchline
Off the pitch, Alberto Quintero is defined by his redemption story and his leadership of the Panama national team. He was denied a place in the 2018 World Cup by a fractured foot suffered just 16 days before the tournament. “I fought a lot to be here and the opportunity was given to me,” he said.
When he was called up for the 2026 squad, he faced questions about his age. He responded with defiance: “They talk a lot about my age. I don’t know why they always mention my age, because for two and a half years I have shown ability, commitment, leadership. I come to compete, I’m not here to make up the numbers.” He added that his selection was earned “a pulso, con mucho sacrificio.”
Quintero announced his international retirement during the tournament, saying: “It ends here after the World Cup. Nineteen years representing my country with great pride, with ups and downs, but above all with fulfilled dreams.” He expressed hope that he could “doblar esa camiseta 19 y entregársela a un grupo que va a seguir.”
His career has taken him across three continents, playing in Panama, Spain, Mexico, the United States, Peru, and Colombia. He has won two CONCACAF Gold Cups with Panama, making him one of the most decorated players in the nation’s history.
The Verdict from the Camp
Alberto Quintero
, on his World Cup selection:
Se habla mucho de mi edad, la verdad no sé porque mencionan siempre lo de mi edad, porque durante dos años y medio he demostrado capacidad, entrega, liderazgo. Yo vengo a competir, no estoy aquí para hacer grupos. Por algo el profe Thomas Christiansen me tiene entre los 26, me lo gané a pulso, con mucho sacrificio, con mucha humildad, mucha entrega.
Quintero
, on his international retirement:
Termino aquí después del Mundial. Son 19 años representando a mi país con mucho orgullo, con altas y bajas, pero sobre todo con sueños cumplidos… he formado parte de la historia del fútbol panameño, clasificando a dos mundiales mayores y, en la juvenil sub-20, a un mundial en Canadá.
Quintero
, on his World Cup dream:
La verdad que muchas emociones encontradas, ya que me perdí el Mundial de Rusia, como todos saben. Luché muchísimo para poder estar aquí y se me dio la oportunidad.
Quintero
, on the team’s ambition:
Somos una selección que juega muy bien al fútbol. Hemos crecido muchísimo y estamos convencidos de que en este Mundial podemos hacer historia.
FIFA
, on Quintero’s World Cup selection:
There is also a nod for experienced midfielder Alberto Quintero, who cruelly missed out on the global finals eight years ago due to a fractured foot sustained on the eve of the tournament.
Where Next?
Alberto Quintero is 38 years old and in the twilight of his career. He has announced his retirement from the Panama national team after the 2026 World Cup, bringing an end to 19 years of international service.
For Panama
, Quintero will be remembered as one of the most important players in the nation’s history. His 138 caps, two CONCACAF Gold Cup titles, and his role in transforming Panamanian football will be his legacy. His World Cup debut at 38, after being denied in 2018, is a story of perseverance that will inspire future generations.
For Plaza Amador
, Quintero continues his club career. He will be expected to provide leadership and experience to the Panamanian side.
His career trajectory is one of perseverance, redemption, and longevity—from El Chorrillo to Spain, from Mexico to MLS to Peru, from the 2018 injury heartbreak to his 2026 World Cup debut. He has overcome racial abuse, injury, and adversity to become one of Panama’s most beloved footballers.
The boy from Panama City who survived the streets of El Chorrillo, who endured racism in Spain, who was denied his World Cup dream in 2018, who finally made his World Cup debut at 38—Alberto Quintero’s journey is a story of resilience, redemption, and the pursuit of a dream on football’s greatest stage.
