Enner Valencia once again became the centre of attention when he soared to meet Angelo Preciado’s cross and make it 2-0 with a powerful header after having one goal disallowed for offside and then scoring from the penalty mark to start the scoring in the 2022 FIFA World Cup opener against Qatar.
On November 25, when they play the Netherlands, Valencia and his teammates will look to build on their successful opening to the competition.
Also read: From Dreamers to Waka Waka to Waving Flag: Iconic FIFA World Cup official songs over the years
Who is Enner Valencia?
Enner Remberto Valencia Lastra, born on November 4, 1989, is a forward for Süper Lig club Fenerbahçe and the captain of Ecuador’s national football team.
Valencia previously represented Emelec in Ecuador, where he captured the 2013 Ecuadorian Serie A and the Golden Boot at the Copa Sudamericana. Valencia also represented Pachuca in Mexico, where he won the 2014 Clausura tournament and the Liga MX Golden Boot. In July 2014, he paid an estimated £12 million to join West Ham United.
Also read: Who is La’eeb, Qatar 2022 World Cup official mascot?
Since making his debut in 2012, Valencia has earned more than 70 caps for Ecuador at the international level. At the Copa América in 2015, 2016, 2019, and 2021, as well as the FIFA World Cup in 2014 and 2022, he represented his country. Valencia is Ecuador’s all-time leading scorer with 37 goals. He also holds the record for his nation’s most World Cup finals goals with five.
Valencia is of Afro-Ecuadorian heritage and is from the province of Esmeraldas. Coming from a low-income family, he was forced to reside in basic accommodations at the club’s Estadio George Capwell when he first joined Emelec since he lacked the funds to pay for lodging elsewhere and frequently struggled to afford food.
A warrant for his arrest was issued in Ecuador in October 2016 due to unpaid child support. In August 2020, an armed gang kept Valencia’s sister Erci captive in San Lorenzo for 10 days before releasing her unharmed.
