PLAYER SNAPSHOT: At a Glance
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Cecilio Alfonso Waterman Ruíz |
| Date of Birth | 13/04/1991 (Age: 35) |
| Place of Birth | Bocas del Toro, Panama |
| Nationality | Panamanian |
| Height | 1.81 m / 5 ft 11 in |
| Weight | 77 kg |
| Position | Forward |
| Preferred Foot | Right |
| Squad Number | — |
| Current Club | Universidad de Concepción |
| Previous Clubs | Sporting San Miguelito, Fénix, Defensor Sporting, Plaza Colonia, Everton, Cobresal, Coquimbo Unido, Alianza Lima, Venados |
| International Caps | 52 |
| International Goals | 14 |
| World Cup Appearances | 2026 |
| Contract Until | — |
| Market Value | — |
The Frozen Moment
Inglewood, California. March 20, 2025. The Concacaf Nations League semi-final. Panama and the United States were locked at 0-0, with the clock ticking towards the 94th minute. Then came the moment that would change Cecilio Waterman’s life forever.
Adalberto Carrasquilla slipped a pass through to Waterman, who finished clinically to secure a 1-0 victory over the USMNT. It was a monumental upset—Panama’s first win over the United States on American soil in 14 years. But Waterman wasn’t finished. In a moment of pure, unbridled joy, he sprinted towards the pitch-side television booth, jumped over the advertising boards, and celebrated directly in front of Thierry Henry. “¡Eres mi ídolo!” (You are my idol!), he shouted at the Arsenal legend, who was on punditry duty for CBS.
The moment went viral across the globe. For the 34-year-old journeyman who had spent his career bouncing between clubs in Panama, Uruguay, Chile, Peru, and Mexico, it was recognition long overdue. As Waterman later explained: “It comes from our childhood. It’s something cultural: having joy, having good energy, enjoying the moment.”
The goal also secured Panama’s place in the Nations League final, and for Waterman, it was the culmination of a remarkable personal journey. He had gone six long years without being selected for the national team, from 2013 to 2019. Now, he was Panama’s hero.
Just over a year later, Waterman walked onto the pitch at the 2026 World Cup, fulfilling “the maximum dream of any player”—to represent his country at football’s biggest tournament.
Origins
Born on April 13, 1991, in the Bocas del Toro archipelago of Panama, Waterman grew up with a passionate love for football that would define his life. He made his senior debut for Panama on December 18, 2010, at just 19 years old, under coach Julio César Dely Valdés.
His career was not defined by early stardom, but by persistence. He spent years moving between clubs across South and Central America—from Panama to Uruguay, Chile, Peru, and Mexico. He made over 100 appearances for Fénix in Uruguay, where he scored 18 goals, and had notable spells at Cobresal in Chile (23 goals in 53 appearances) and Universidad de Concepción (16 goals).
Despite his journeyman trajectory, Waterman’s commitment to Panama never wavered, even during the six-year period from 2013 to 2019 when he was not called up to the national team.
The European Forge
Sporting San Miguelito & Early Career (2010-2013):
Waterman began his professional career in Panama with Sporting San Miguelito, making four appearances and scoring one goal.
Fénix (Uruguay) & South American Wanderings (2013-2021):
Waterman’s career took him across South America. He spent significant time in Uruguay with Fénix (129 appearances, 18 goals), Defensor Sporting, and Plaza Colonia. He also had spells in Chile with Everton and Cobresal, where his goalscoring record was most prolific—23 goals in 53 appearances.
Chilean Consolidation (2021-Present):
From 2021 onwards, Waterman established himself in Chilean football. He played for Cobresal, Coquimbo Unido, and finally Universidad de Concepción, where he has been a key player. In the 2026 season with Universidad de Concepción, he made 14 league appearances, scoring 3 goals.
Panama National Team (2010-Present):
Waterman’s international career has been defined by perseverance. After his debut in 2010, he endured a six-year absence from the national team between 2013 and 2019. He re-emerged under coach Thomas Christiansen and became a key figure in Panama’s successful qualification campaign for the 2026 World Cup. He was pivotal in the decisive 3-2 victory over Guatemala, scoring a crucial brace.
His most iconic moment came on March 20, 2025, when his 94th-minute winner against the United States in the Nations League semi-final secured Panama’s place in the final and sent the nation into celebration. At the 2026 World Cup, he played 76 minutes across two appearances. Waterman announced his retirement from international football after the tournament’s conclusion.
The Anatomy of His Game
Cecilio Waterman is a veteran forward who relies on intelligent movement, experience, and opportunism in the box. He is not defined by raw pace or elite technique, but by his ability to be in the right place at the right time.
In Possession:
Waterman is a composed finisher who thrives on big moments. His 94th-minute winner against the United States and his brace against Guatemala in World Cup qualifying demonstrate his big-game temperament. He has scored 14 goals for Panama in 52 appearances.
Out of Possession:
Waterman is a hard-working forward who contributes to his team’s pressing structure. His work rate is a key part of his game, allowing him to remain effective even when not scoring.
Psychological Edge:
Waterman’s mental resilience is one of his defining traits. He spent six years out of the Panama squad, yet fought his way back and became a key figure in the nation’s qualification for the 2026 World Cup. His infectious passion and joy for the game, exemplified by his viral celebration with Thierry Henry, has made him a beloved figure in Panamanian football.
The Numbers Game
TABLE A: The Data Snapshot (2025/26 Season)
| Competition | Apps (Starts) | Minutes | Goals | Assists | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chilean Primera División | 14 | 1,232 | 3 | — | |
| FIFA World Cup 2026 | 2 (1 start) | 76 | 0 | 0 | |
| International Friendlies (2026) | — | — | 1 | — | vs South Africa, 2026-03-27 |
| TOTAL | 16+ | 1,308+ | 4 | — | — |
TABLE B: Career (Selected Clubs)
| Season/Period | Club | League | Apps | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| — | Fénix (Uruguay) | Uruguayan Primera División | 129 | 18 |
| — | Cobresal (Chile) | Chilean Primera División | 53 | 23 |
| — | Universidad de Concepción | Chilean Primera División | 32 | 16 |
| — | Plaza Colonia | Uruguayan Primera División | 32 | 16 |
| — | Everton (Chile) | Chilean Primera División | 24 | 7 |
| — | Alianza Lima | Peruvian Primera División | 19 | 5 |
| 2025-26 | Universidad de Concepción | Chilean Primera División | 14 | 3 |
TABLE C: International Record
| Tournament/Competition | Apps | Goals | Major Honours |
|---|---|---|---|
| FIFA World Cup 2026 | 2 | 0 | Group Stage |
| Concacaf Nations League 2025 | — | 1 | Finalist |
| Concacaf Gold Cup | — | — | — |
| World Cup Qualifying | — | — | Qualified |
| Panama Senior Career | 52 | 14 |
TABLE D: Career Milestones
| Year | Achievement | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 2010 | Senior Debut | Panama national team |
| 2013-19 | International Hiatus | Six-year absence from Panama squad |
| 2025 | Nations League Hero | Scored 94th-minute winner vs USA |
| 2025 | Viral Moment | Celebrated with Thierry Henry |
| 2026 | World Cup Debut | Played 76 minutes across 2 matches |
| 2026 | International Retirement | Retired after World Cup |
What these figures reveal is a player of resilience and late-career achievement. Waterman’s 52 caps and 14 goals for Panama are the numbers of a player who never gave up. His 14 international goals, scored over more than a decade of service, include some of the most important goals in Panamanian football history.
The Present Tense
Cecilio Waterman is 35 years old and has retired from international football following Panama’s participation in the 2026 World Cup.
The Retirement:
On July 2, 2026, Waterman announced his retirement from the Panama national team through an emotional letter posted on his social media. “Today I say goodbye to my beloved Panama National Team,” he wrote. “It’s difficult to find the precise words when the most important chapter of a career comes to an end.” He represented Panama in 52 matches, scoring 14 goals.
His retirement added to a growing list of Panamanian internationals who stepped away after the 2026 World Cup, joining Eric Davis, Aníbal Godoy, and Alberto Quintero in closing the book on their international careers.
The World Cup Campaign:
Waterman started Panama’s opening World Cup match against Ghana, playing 62 minutes. He came off the bench for 14 minutes against Croatia and was an unused substitute in the match against England. In total, he played 76 minutes across the tournament, with 2 shots (1 on target). Panama were eliminated in the group stage.
The Thierry Henry Moment:
When asked about his viral celebration, Waterman said it was never about marketing or going viral. “I didn’t do it for marketing. It simply came to me in the moment. He was there, and it came out of my heart to go hug and celebrate with him. It was totally natural.”
International Record:
Waterman leaves the Panama national team with 52 caps and 14 goals. He played a crucial role in Panama’s successful qualification for the 2026 World Cup and will be remembered for his iconic moment against the United States in the 2025 Nations League semi-final.
Beyond the Touchline
Off the pitch, Cecilio Waterman is known for his infectious personality and his deep connection to his Panamanian heritage. His nickname “Aquaman” reflects both his aquatic origins in the Bocas del Toro archipelago and his ability to make a splash in key moments.
Waterman has spoken about his gratitude for representing his country: “Each time I heard our anthem, each time I wore the badge on my chest, I felt the greatest privilege a footballer can have: to represent his country.”
His journey from a six-year international hiatus to becoming a World Cup player and national hero is a testament to his perseverance. “It comes from our childhood. It’s something cultural: having joy, having good energy, enjoying the moment,” he said of the passion he brings to the game.
The Verdict from the Camp
Cecilio Waterman, Panama forward:
“Today I say goodbye to my beloved Panama National Team. It’s difficult to find the precise words when the most important chapter of a career comes to an end.”
“Today I stop being a player for the Senior Panama National Team, but I will never stop being a faithful fan. I will live every match with the same passion with which I defended this shirt, cheering from wherever I am, because love for Panama never ends.”
Thomas Christiansen, Panama head coach:
When asked about a training ground altercation between Waterman and José Luis Rodríguez at the World Cup, Christiansen dismissed it as “something normal.”
Statistic:
Waterman scored 14 goals in 52 appearances for Panama.
Statistic:
Waterman played 76 minutes at the 2026 World Cup across two appearances.
Statistic:
Waterman scored the 94th-minute winner against the United States in the 2025 Concacaf Nations League semi-final.
Where Next?
Cecilio Waterman has retired from international football, closing a chapter that saw him fulfill “the maximum dream of any player.” He continues his club career with Universidad de Concepción in Chile, where he will focus on his remaining years as a professional.
For Panama, Waterman leaves behind a legacy of perseverance and passion. His journey from a six-year international hiatus to a World Cup player is an inspiration to young Panamanian footballers. His iconic celebration with Thierry Henry and his match-winning goal against the United States will be remembered as two of the defining moments of Panamanian football in the 2020s.
