Valencia: Estupinan is maybe the best left-back in the world
From Amazonia to ‘The Theatre of Dreams’… Antonio Valencia’s tale is inspiring to all Ecuadorians. Born in the tropical rainforest, he left Old Trafford as Manchester United captain, a terrace darling, having won two Premier League titles, two FA Cups and a UEFA Europa League, and as one of few South Americans – along with the likes of Pele, Rogerio Ceni, Javier Zanetti and Lionel Messi – in the Guinness World Records.
A firm patriot, his proudest moment nevertheless came as a 21-year-old at the 2006 FIFA World Cup Germany™. There, he helped Ecuador reach the knockout phase for the first time. A second could be forthcoming in 2026, according to Valencia.
