Fabián Vargas

Fabián Andrés Vargas Rivera (born 17 April 1980) is a Colombian former professional footballer who played as a midfielder. He spent most of his professional career playing for América de Cali and Boca Juniors, making more than 100 appearances for both clubs. He also played for Internacional, Almería, AEK Athens, Independiente, Barcelona SC, Millonarios, and La Equidad. At international level, he played for the Colombia national team 41 times and also captained the side.

Fabián Vargas
Vargas with AEK Athens in October 2011
Personal information
Full name Fabián Andrés Vargas Rivera
Date of birth (1980-04-17) 17 April 1980
Place of birth Bogotá, Colombia
Height 1.78 m (5 ft 10 in)
Position(s) Midfielder
Youth career
1996–1997 América de Cali
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
1998–2003 América de Cali 153 (5)
2003–2009 Boca Juniors 106 (4)
2006–2007 → Internacional (loan) 8 (0)
2009–2011 Almería 30 (1)
2011–2012 AEK Athens   23 (1)
2012–2013 Independiente 29 (0)
2013 Barcelona SC 9 (0)
2014–2016 Millonarios 63 (3)
2016–2018 La Equidad 54 (0)
Total 475 (14)
International career
1999–2009 Colombia 41[1] (0)
*Club domestic league appearances and goals
Vargas with Almería in 2011

Career

Vargas was born in Bogotá, Colombia. He began his career with América de Cali aged 18, in 1998. He played there for five years before transferring to Boca Juniors in 2003.

While on loan at Brazilian side SC Internacional from Boca Juniors, Vargas played in the side which beat FC Barcelona 1–0 at the 2006 FIFA Club World Cup Final in Japan.

On 18 June 2009, Vargas has signed a three-year deal with Spanish club UD Almería for a fee worth €4million ($6.5 million).[2] On 5 September 2009, he broke his fibula during a 2010 World Cup qualification match with Colombia against Ecuador. The following day, it was revealed that Vargas had torn a ligament in his left ankle and would initially not be able to play for three months.[3][4] However, his recovery was pushed back to seven months in January 2010.[5] He returned to action on 28 February, playing the last 5 minutes of a 2-0 win over Racing Santander.[6]

AEK Athens

On 26 August 2011, Vargas signed with Superleague Greece club AEK Athens on a 1+1 year deal keeping him at the club until 2013.[7]

Vargas scored his first goal for AEK on his second league appearance against Xanthi, making the scoreline 1–1 with a bicycle kick. AEK went on to win the match 4–3.

In July 2012 Vargas agreed to have his contract terminated in order for AEK to pay off club debts.

Deportivo La Equidad

In July 2016 Vargas moved to La Equidad on a free transfer. In his game against his former club América de Cali he played his 600th match as a professional football player.

Style of play

Vargas is a player with a physical approach to the game which earned him a reputation for being a dirty player. His nickname is el perro (the dog).

Honours

América de Cali

Internacional

Boca Juniors

Colombia

References
  1. rsssf Archived 30 December 2008 at the Wayback Machine
  2. "El Almería ficha a Fabián Vargas". udalmeriasad.com. Archived from the original on 22 June 2009. Retrieved 17 June 2009.
  3. "Injury woe for Vargas". Sky Sports. 7 September 2009. Retrieved 24 May 2022.
  4. "Almeria's Fabian Vargas Breaks Leg In Action For Colombia". www.goal.com. 6 September 2009. Retrieved 24 May 2022.
  5. "Fabian Vargas alcanza el final del tunel". Marca.com. 27 January 2010. Retrieved 24 May 2022.
  6. "Racing Santander vs. Almería". ESPN.com.ar (in Spanish). 28 February 2010. Retrieved 24 May 2022.
  7. "AEK Athens sign Vargas". Archived from the original on 30 July 2012. Retrieved 26 August 2011.
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