PLAYER SNAPSHOT: At a Glance
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Jordy Josué Caicedo Medina |
| Date of Birth | 18/11/1997 (Age: 28) |
| Place of Birth | Machala, Ecuador |
| Nationality | Ecuadorian |
| Height | 1.85 m / 6 ft 1 in |
| Weight | 82 kg |
| Position | Striker / Centre-Forward |
| Preferred Foot | Right |
| Squad Number | N/A |
| Current Club | Huracán (on loan from Atlas) |
| Previous Clubs | Universidad Católica, El Nacional (loan), Vitória, CSKA Sofia, Tigres UANL, Sivasspor (loan), Atlas, Sporting Gijón (loan) |
| International Caps | 23 |
| International Goals | 4 |
| World Cup Appearances | 2026 |
| Contract Until | 2026 (loan expires; owned by Atlas) |
| Market Value | Not publicly available |
The Frozen Moment
The summer of 2026 was meant to be the culmination of Jordy Caicedo’s journey. The 28-year-old striker from Machala had been selected in Ecuador’s 26-man squad for the FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. It was the reward for a career that had taken him from Ecuador to Brazil, Bulgaria, Mexico, Turkey, Spain, and finally Argentina.
Just weeks before the tournament, Caicedo had found his form at the perfect moment. In Ecuador’s final friendly before the World Cup against Guatemala, he opened the scoring from the penalty spot, confirming the excellent moment he was experiencing both at his club and with the national team. He had been given his second consecutive start by head coach Sebastián Beccacece and had not wasted the opportunity.
The goal was a statement. For a long time, one of the main criticisms of Caicedo had been the difference between his club performances and his displays for Ecuador. While he had been prolific in various teams, he had struggled to find regularity and offensive weight with La Tri. But the panorama appeared to have changed. His great form with Huracán in Argentina had caught the attention of the coaching staff, and he was now translating that confidence to the national team.
The boy from Machala who had once played football in “rich boy neighborhoods, betting money and always winning” had become a World Cup striker.
Origins
Born on November 18, 1997, in Machala, Ecuador, Jordy Josué Caicedo Medina began his football journey in his homeland. He has stated that he would play football “in rich boy neighborhoods, bet money and always won.” At the age of 15, he had an unsuccessful trial with Santos FC in Brazil. He has been compared to Ecuador international Felipe Caicedo.
His professional career began at Universidad Católica in Ecuador, where he made his senior debut in 2015. Over four seasons with the club, he made 54 league appearances and scored five goals. His performances in the Ecuadorian Serie A established him as a promising young striker.
The South American and European Journey
El Nacional (Loan, 2019):
Caicedo was loaned to El Nacional in 2019, where he had a breakthrough season, making 13 league appearances and scoring seven goals. His goal-scoring form attracted attention from Brazilian clubs.
Vitória (2019-2021):
In July 2019, Caicedo moved to Brazilian club Vitória. Over two seasons in the Série B, he made 42 appearances and scored seven goals. The move to Brazil provided valuable experience in South American football.
CSKA Sofia (2021-2022):
In February 2021, Caicedo joined Bulgarian club CSKA Sofia. His time in Bulgaria was the most prolific of his career. Over two seasons, he made 42 league appearances and scored 23 goals. In the 2021-22 season, he scored 16 goals in 28 league appearances. He also contributed 11 appearances in European competition, scoring one goal. In total, across all competitions for CSKA Sofia, he made 65 appearances and scored 32 goals.
Tigres UANL (2022-2024):
In July 2022, Caicedo relocated to Mexico, signing with Tigres UANL. His time in Mexico was challenging—he made 16 league appearances and scored just one goal. He was loaned to Sivasspor in Turkey for the second half of the 2022-23 season, making 14 appearances and scoring three goals.
Atlas and Sporting Gijón (2023-2026):
Caicedo was loaned to Atlas in July 2023, making 25 league appearances and scoring five goals. On July 15, 2024, he was loaned from Atlas to Spanish Segunda División side Sporting Gijón for one year. At Gijón, he made 34 league appearances, scoring two goals. His time in Spain was less prolific, but it provided exposure to European football.
The Argentine Revival
Huracán (Loan, 2026-Present):
In January 2026, Caicedo joined Argentine club Huracán on loan from Atlas. The move to Argentina proved transformative. In the 2026 Liga Argentina season, he made 19 appearances, scored eight goals, and provided one assist. His per-90 statistics were impressive: 0.43 goals, with a 92.1% pass completion rate. He also recorded 12 successful dribbles and 19 aerial duels won.
His revival at Huracán caught the attention of the Ecuadorian national team coaching staff and established him as a viable alternative to Enner Valencia ahead of the World Cup.
The National Team Journey
Caicedo made his senior debut for Ecuador in 2021 and has since earned 23 caps, scoring four international goals. He represented Ecuador at the U20 level, making 13 appearances and scoring four goals.
The World Cup Campaign:
Caicedo was selected in Ecuador’s 26-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. His inclusion was notable given the competition for the striker position, with Enner Valencia, Kevin Rodríguez, and others also in the squad.
His form heading into the tournament was a positive sign for Ecuador. He had scored in the final pre-tournament friendly against Guatemala, and his performances with Huracán had given him confidence. His physical presence, aerial ability, and capacity to hold up play made him a useful option for Beccacece.
International Record:
Caicedo has earned 23 caps for Ecuador since his debut in 2021. He has scored four international goals. He was part of Ecuador’s squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The Anatomy of His Game
Jordy Caicedo is a physical centre-forward known for his aerial ability, hold-up play, and finishing. At 185 cm and 82 kg, he is a handful for defenders.
In Possession:
Caicedo’s strengths lie in his physical presence and finishing. He offers different characteristics to Enner Valencia—physical power, aerial presence, and the capacity to occupy central defenders. His goal-scoring record in the 2026 Liga Argentina season—eight goals in 19 appearances—demonstrates his ability to find the net consistently. His pass completion rate of 92.1% at Huracán reflects his reliability in possession.
Out of Possession:
Caicedo’s work rate and ability to press from the front are developing aspects of his game. His physical attributes allow him to compete in the air and hold up play effectively, making him valuable in games where Ecuador need a target man.
Psychological Edge:
Caicedo’s career demonstrates resilience. From a difficult spell in Mexico to a revival in Argentina, he has consistently worked to find his form. His confidence heading into the World Cup was described as high. He is known for his competitive nature—playing football in “rich boy neighborhoods, bet money and always won” as a child.
The Numbers Game
TABLE A: The Data Snapshot – 2026 Season
| Competition | Apps | Starts | Minutes | Goals | Assists | Pass Completion % | Aerial Duels Won |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Liga Argentina (Huracán) | 19 | 19 | 1,657 | 8 | 1 | 92.1% | 19 |
| FIFA World Cup 2026 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| Friendlies (Ecuador) | — | — | — | 1 | — | — | — |
| TOTAL | 19 | 19 | 1,657 | 9 | 1 | 92.1% | 19 |
TABLE B: Career Overview
| Season(s) | Club | League/Competition | Apps | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015-2018 | Universidad Católica | Ecuadorian Serie A | 54 | 5 |
| 2019 | El Nacional (loan) | Ecuadorian Serie A | 13 | 7 |
| 2019-2021 | Vitória | Série B | 42 | 7 |
| 2021-2022 | CSKA Sofia | Bulgarian First League | 42 | 23 |
| 2022-2024 | Tigres UANL | Liga MX | 16 | 1 |
| 2023 | Sivasspor (loan) | Süper Lig | 14 | 3 |
| 2023-2024 | Atlas (loan) | Liga MX | 25 | 5 |
| 2024-2026 | Sporting Gijón (loan) | La Liga 2 | 34 | 2 |
| 2026-Present | Huracán (loan) | Liga Argentina | 19 | 8 |
| TOTAL | — | — | 259+ | 61 |
TABLE C: International Record
| Tournament/Competition | Apps | Goals | Major Honours |
|---|---|---|---|
| FIFA World Cup 2026 | — | — | — |
| Ecuador Senior Career | 23 | 4 | — |
TABLE D: Career Milestones
| Year | Achievement | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 2015 | Senior Debut | Universidad Católica |
| 2019 | El Nacional Loan | 7 goals in 13 appearances |
| 2021 | CSKA Sofia Transfer | Move to Bulgaria |
| 2021 | Ecuador Debut | Senior international |
| 2022 | Tigres UANL Transfer | Move to Mexico |
| 2023 | Atlas Loan | Liga MX |
| 2024 | Sporting Gijón Loan | Spanish Segunda División |
| 2026 | Huracán Loan | Argentine revival (8 goals) |
| 2026 | World Cup Selection | Ecuador squad |
These figures reveal a player of considerable experience and adaptability. Caicedo has accumulated over 259 professional appearances, scored 61 goals, and earned 23 caps for Ecuador. His 2026 revival at Huracán was the perfect preparation for his first World Cup.
The Present Tense
The Huracán Story:
Jordy Caicedo is currently on loan at Huracán from Atlas, having joined the Argentine club in January 2026. His loan with Huracán runs until December 2026. In the 2026 Liga Argentina season, he has been in outstanding form, scoring eight goals in 19 appearances and providing one assist.
The Atlas Contract:
Caicedo is owned by Mexican club Atlas, having joined from Tigres UANL in July 2024. His loan to Huracán expires at the end of 2026, after which he will return to Atlas. He has not made any appearances for Atlas since joining.
The World Cup Campaign:
Caicedo was selected in Ecuador’s 26-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. He had scored in the final friendly against Guatemala, confirming his good form and establishing himself as a viable option for head coach Sebastián Beccacece.
His physical presence, aerial ability, and goal-scoring form with Huracán made him an attractive option for Ecuador. The competition for the striker position was intense, with Enner Valencia remaining the first choice. However, Caicedo’s form offered a genuine alternative.
International Record:
Caicedo has earned 23 caps for Ecuador since his debut in 2021. He has scored four international goals. He was part of Ecuador’s squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Beyond the Touchline
Off the pitch, Jordy Caicedo is known for his resilience and competitive nature. He has been compared to Ecuador international Felipe Caicedo. He has stated that he would play football “in rich boy neighborhoods, bet money and always won” as a child.
Caicedo’s career has taken him across South America, Europe, and North America. His honours include the Bulgarian First League with CSKA Sofia and various individual achievements in goal-scoring.
His contract with Atlas runs until 2026, and he is currently on loan at Huracán until December 2026. His market value is not publicly disclosed.
The Verdict from the Camp
Sebastián Beccacece, Ecuador Head Coach:
Caicedo was given his second consecutive start against Guatemala ahead of the World Cup.
Huracán:
Caicedo has scored 8 goals in 19 appearances in the 2026 Liga Argentina season, with a 92.1% pass completion rate.
Statistic:
Caicedo has earned 23 caps for Ecuador and scored 4 international goals.
Statistic:
Caicedo scored in Ecuador's final pre-World Cup friendly against Guatemala.
Statistic:
Caicedo scored 8 goals in 19 appearances for Huracán in the 2026 Liga Argentina season.
Statistic:
Caicedo has accumulated over 259 professional appearances and scored 61 goals across his career.
Where Next?
Jordy Caicedo is 28 years old and entering the prime of his career. His loan at Huracán expires at the end of 2026, and he will return to Atlas. A permanent move to Argentina is a possibility, given his success at Huracán.
Alternatively, he could return to Mexico and compete for a place at Atlas. His performances in Argentina and at the World Cup will determine his next destination.
For Ecuador, Caicedo offers a different option to Enner Valencia. His physical presence, aerial ability, and goal-scoring form make him a valuable asset for the national team.
From the youth ranks of Machala to the World Cup stage, from Ecuador to Brazil, Bulgaria, Mexico, Turkey, Spain, and Argentina, Jordy Caicedo’s journey is one of resilience, adaptability, and the power of perseverance. The boy from Machala who played football in “rich boy neighborhoods” has achieved the dream of every Ecuadorian footballer—and his story is far from over.
