PLAYER SNAPSHOT: At a Glance
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Jorge Andrés Carrascal Guardo |
| Date of Birth | 25/05/1998 (Age: 28) |
| Place of Birth | Cartagena, Colombia |
| Nationality | Colombian |
| Height | 1.80 m / 5 ft 11 in |
| Weight | Not publicly available |
| Position | Attacking Midfielder |
| Preferred Foot | Not publicly available |
| Squad Number | #15 |
| Current Club | Flamengo |
| Previous Clubs | Millonarios, Sevilla B, Karpaty Lviv, River Plate, CSKA Moscow, Dynamo Moscow |
| International Caps | 24 |
| International Goals | 2 |
| World Cup Appearances | 2026 |
| Contract Until | 2029 |
| Market Value | Not publicly available |
The Frozen Moment
Born into poverty in the Escallón Villa neighbourhood of Cartagena, Jorge Carrascal’s path to professional football was anything but conventional. To reach training, he would travel clinging to the back of a mule, using sheer determination to overcome the violence and hardship that surrounded him.
His talent was undeniable. On November 9, 2014, at just 16 years old, Carrascal made his professional debut for Millonarios against Deportes Tolima in Ibagué, entering as a late substitute. He was a prodigy, quickly earning the nickname “Colombian Neymar” for his flair, skill, and blonde-dyed hair.
His career took him across the globe—from Sevilla to Ukraine, Argentina, Russia, and finally to Brazil. After a successful period at Dynamo Moscow, he signed with Flamengo in August 2025 for €12 million. The move proved transformative. In just a few months, he won the Copa Libertadores, the Brasileirão, and the FIFA Challenger Cup. He was named in the Copa Libertadores Team of the Year and was recognised as Bolívar’s Sportsperson of the Year.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico represented the ultimate reward for his journey. Carrascal was selected in Colombia’s 26-man squad as one of the playmakers. The boy who travelled on a mule to chase his dream was now a World Cup player for his country.
Origins
Born on May 25, 1998, in Cartagena, Colombia, Jorge Andrés Carrascal Guardo grew up in the Escallón Villa neighbourhood. His childhood was marked by adversity, but he was surrounded by football. His father, Jorge Luis, was a fan of Brazilian football and named Carrascal’s younger brother Romário in honour of the 1994 World Cup hero.
Carrascal was a barrista (fan) of his local team, Real Cartagena, before joining the youth ranks of the Selección Bolívar, representing his region at various age levels. He idolised Ronaldinho, spending hours watching videos of the Brazilian magician, which helped shape his flamboyant and technical style.
He joined Millonarios’ youth setup after starting at CD Heroicos and made his first-team debut at just 16 years old.
The Journey Through South America and Europe
Millonarios (2014-2016):
Carrascal made two appearances for Millonarios, with his debut coming against Deportes Tolima on 9 November 2014. He was seen as a prodigy but struggled to break into the first team regularly.
Sevilla (2016-2018):
In May 2016, he moved to Sevilla in Spain, signing a five-year deal and joining the B team. However, he only made one appearance for Sevilla B.
Karpaty Lviv (Loan & Permanent, 2017-2019):
Carrascal moved to Ukrainian club Karpaty Lviv initially on loan, and was recognised as the Ukrainian Premier League Player of the Month in April 2018. After scoring six goals in 22 league appearances, Karpaty made the move permanent.
River Plate (2019-2022):
In 2019, Carrascal was loaned to Argentine giants River Plate. He made ten appearances before being signed permanently. He was part of the squad that won the Argentine Primera División in 2021 and eventually scored three goals in 44 league appearances.
CSKA Moscow (2022-2023):
Carrascal joined CSKA Moscow on loan in February 2022, with a purchase clause that was activated in May 2022. He scored six goals in 26 league appearances.
Dynamo Moscow (2023-2025):
In August 2023, he moved to Dynamo Moscow, signing a four-year contract. He made 49 league appearances and scored seven goals, also being voted Player of the Month by fans in March 2024.
The Brazilian Breakthrough
Flamengo (2025-Present):
On August 2, 2025, Carrascal signed a four-year contract with Flamengo. The €12 million move was a statement of intent from the Brazilian club. He made his debut in the Libertadores round of 16 on August 13, 2025, in a 1-0 victory over Internacional. His first goal came on September 21, 2025, against Vasco da Gama.
In his first season, Carrascal was instrumental in Flamengo’s success. He was a starter in the Copa Libertadores final against Palmeiras on November 29, 2025, lifting the trophy in Lima. He helped the club win the Brasileirão, the Carioca Championship, the FIFA Derby of the Americas, and the FIFA Challenger Cup.
He accumulated 53 appearances in his first year, scoring five goals and providing nine assists. By the time of the 2026 World Cup, he had scored three goals and contributed four assists in the 2026 season.
He was included in the Copa Libertadores Team of the Year and was named Sportsperson of the Year 2025 by the Bolívar Association of Sports Writers (ACORD).
The National Team Journey
Carrascal has been a regular fixture in the Colombian national team setup since making his senior debut. He has earned 24 caps and scored two goals. He was part of the squad that finished runner-up at the 2024 Copa América in the United States.
The World Cup Campaign:
Carrascal was named in Néstor Lorenzo’s 26-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The tournament was held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Carrascal was part of a talented midfield group featuring James Rodríguez, Juan Fernando Quintero, Jhon Arias, Jefferson Lerma, and Richard Ríos.
While his World Cup performances were limited, the experience marked a milestone in his career. He had played approximately 675 minutes for Colombia across World Cup qualifiers and the Copa América, scoring two goals and providing two assists.
Colombia’s campaign ended in the Round of 16, eliminated by Switzerland on penalties.
The Anatomy of His Game
Jorge Carrascal is a creative attacking midfielder known for his flair, technical ability, and versatility. Flamengo described him as “extremely technical” with the ability to adapt to several attacking positions, highlighting his dribbling and excellent vision.
In Possession:
Carrascal is a “magic” player in the midfield, possessing good technique and the capacity to win one-on-one duels. He provides precise through passes and penetrative runs. His main characteristic is his versatility, allowing him to play across the attacking line.
Out of Possession:
Carrascal’s defensive contributions are not his primary attribute. His role is primarily creative, tasked with unlocking defences with his dribbling and vision.
Psychological Edge:
Carrascal has demonstrated immense resilience. He overcame the violence and poverty of his childhood, including travelling on a mule to reach training. His career has been a global journey, adapting to different cultures and leagues, which speaks to his mental fortitude. He has a reputation for flair and confidence, once being compared to Neymar in his home country.
International Record:
Carrascal has 24 caps for Colombia, scoring two goals. He was runner-up at the 2024 Copa América and played at the 2026 World Cup.
The Numbers Game
TABLE A: Senior International Record
| Competition | Apps | Goals | Major Honours |
|---|---|---|---|
| FIFA World Cup 2026 | Not publicly available | 0 | Round of 16 |
| Copa América 2024 | 6 | 0 | Runner-up |
| World Cup Qualifiers | 8 | 2 | Qualified |
| Friendlies | 10 | 0 | — |
| Colombia Senior Career | 24 | 2 | Copa América Runner-up (2024) |
TABLE B: Flamengo Career (2025-2026)
| Period | Apps | Goals | Assists | Major Honours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025-2026 | 53 | 5 | 9 | Libertadores, Brasileirão, Carioca, FIFA Challenger Cup, FIFA Derby of the Americas |
| 2026 Season | 29 | 3 | 4 | — |
TABLE C: Career (Selected Clubs)
| Club | Period | Apps | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Millonarios | 2014-2016 | 2 | 0 |
| Sevilla | 2016-2018 | 1 | 0 |
| Karpaty Lviv | 2017-2019 | 38 | 6 |
| River Plate | 2019-2022 | 54 | 5 |
| CSKA Moscow | 2022-2023 | 37 | 7 |
| Dynamo Moscow | 2023-2025 | 49 | 7 |
| Flamengo | 2025-Present | 53 | 5 |
| TOTAL | — | 234+ | 30+ |
TABLE D: Career Milestones
| Year | Achievement | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 2014 | Professional Debut | Millonarios vs Deportes Tolima, aged 16 |
| 2016 | Move to Europe | Signed with Sevilla |
| 2018 | Ukrainian Premier League Player of the Month | Karpaty Lviv |
| 2021 | Argentine Primera División Winner | River Plate |
| 2024 | Copa América Runner-up | Colombia |
| 2025 | Copa Libertadores Winner | Flamengo |
| 2025 | Brasileirão Winner | Flamengo |
| 2025 | Bolívar Sportsperson of the Year | ACORD Award |
| 2025 | Copa Libertadores Team of the Year | Flamengo |
| 2026 | World Cup Appearance | United States/Canada/Mexico |
These figures reveal a player who has consistently performed at a high level across multiple continents. His numbers at Flamengo demonstrate his ability to contribute to a title-winning side, while his international caps confirm his importance to Colombia.
The Present Tense
The Flamengo Story:
Jorge Carrascal is a key player for Flamengo, having joined the club in August 2025. He has won multiple trophies and established himself as a creative force in the team. His contract with the club runs until 2029. After his first year, he had made 53 appearances, scoring five goals and providing nine assists.
The World Cup Campaign:
Carrascal was selected in Colombia’s 26-man squad for the 2026 World Cup. He featured in the tournament but did not have a major impact on Colombia’s run to the Round of 16.
International Record:
Carrascal has earned 24 caps for Colombia, scoring two goals. He was part of the team that finished as runners-up at the 2024 Copa América.
Beyond the Touchline
Off the pitch, Jorge Carrascal is a proud ambassador for his hometown of Cartagena. His journey from the Escallón Villa neighbourhood to the top of world football is a source of inspiration for the city. He is known for his flamboyant personality, style, and connection to his roots.
His brother is named Romário, a tribute to the Brazilian football legend and Flamengo idol. He grew up idolising Ronaldinho, and his career has been defined by that flair.
Carrascal is a symbol of resilience, having overcome significant adversity to achieve his dreams. He is represented by an agent and has market interest from major European clubs, including Napoli and Olympique de Marseille, with offers reported to exceed €20 million.
The Verdict from the Camp
Legendary Colombian midfielder Carlos "El Pibe" Valderrama:
“Carrascal is the one who is at Flamengo, and we don’t know if he’s in or out. But the problem is that he doesn’t play for the national team.” Valderrama believed Carrascal should be selected but noted his lack of minutes for Colombia.
Néstor Lorenzo, Colombia Head Coach:
Lorenzo selected Carrascal for the 2026 World Cup squad, demonstrating faith in the midfielder’s abilities.
Flamengo Official Statement (2025):
“The Colombian’s main characteristic is his versatility. He is extremely technical and adapts to several attacking positions, highlighting his dribbling and excellent vision.”
Statistic:
Carrascal made his professional debut on 9 November 2014, at just 16 years old.
Statistic:
Carrascal has scored two goals in 24 appearances for the Colombian national team.
Statistic:
Carrascal was included in the Copa Libertadores Team of the Year in 2025.
Where Next?
Jorge Carrascal is 28 years old and entering his prime. His contract with Flamengo runs until 2029, but his performances in Brazil have attracted interest from European clubs. Offers from Napoli and Olympique de Marseille have been reported, exceeding €20 million.
A return to Europe is a strong possibility given his ambition and the level of interest. However, he is currently settled at Flamengo, where he is winning trophies and playing at a high level.
For Colombia, Carrascal remains a key squad player, though his lack of consistent minutes for the national team has been questioned by pundits like Carlos Valderrama. He will be expected to contribute to Colombia’s next cycle.
From the violent streets of Cartagena to the World Cup stage, from the Copa Libertadores trophy to the Flamengo title, Jorge Carrascal’s journey is one of flair, resilience, and the power of dreaming. The boy who travelled on a mule to training has become a World Cup player and a Colombian football icon—and his story is far from over.
