Carlos El Pibe Valderrama Statue
Carerra 18 No. 16-54, Comuna 4, Santa Marta, Magdalena, 470004
Renowned for his soccer skills and outgoing personality, former Colombian football player Carlos “El Pibe” Valderrama is immortalized by the 22-foot (7-meter) bronze statue of him in his hometown of Santa Marta, outside the Estadio Eduardo Santos. Nicknamed “El Pibe” (or “the Kid”) for his curly blond head of hair, he was one of the most recognizable figures in football worldwide, and one of the few Colombian players to ever join Major League Soccer in the United States.
The basics
As part of the Colombian national team in the 1990s, Valderrama represented Colombia in several international tournaments. Erected in 2006 in honor of his contributions to Colombian national sports, the statue was created by Colombian artist Amilkar Ariza. You’re likely to pass by the monument on a sightseeing tour of Santa Marta, which typically combines it with other top sights, such as the former home of Simón Bolivar and the fishing village of Taganga.
Things to know before you go
The statue is free to go and admire.
Beside the statue, there’s an outdoor swimming pool that’s an ideal place to cool off in the midday heat.
The area surrounding the statue is accessible to both wheelchairs and strollers.
How to get there
The statue stands proudly outside the Estadio Eduardo Santos, a soccer stadium with a capacity of 23,000. It’s in the Comuna 4 neighborhood on Carrera 19. The easiest way to reach it is by taxi, since public bus services are infrequent.
When to get there
Though the statue can be viewed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, the stadium hosts soccer matches and other sporting events throughout the year—check the website for the schedule, as the atmosphere at a Colombian game is unrivaled.
Cultural highlights of Santa Marta
The statue of Carlos “El Pibe” Valderrama isn’t the only cultural attraction in Santa Marta, which is mostly known for its natural splendor. The Museo del Oro Tairona exhibits gold pieces reflective of ancient Indigenous Colombian culture, while the Quinta de San Pedro Alejandrino pays homage to renowned revolutionary Simón Bolivar, and recreates his living quarters.
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