Ivan Córdoba

Verified Timeline

Lore & Background

Córdoba began his career with Deportivo Rionegro in 1993, then moved to Atlético Nacional in 1996. He played for San Lorenzo in Argentina from 1998 before signing for Inter Milan in January 2000 for €16 million, rejecting an offer from Real Madrid. He formed a central defensive partnership with Marco Materazzi and was named Inter's vice-captain behind Javier Zanetti. He lifted the Coppa Italia in 2005 when Zanetti was absent due to the Confederations Cup. On 19 February 2008, he injured his left anterior cruciate ligament against Liverpool, missing the rest of the season as Inter won the league. He renewed his contract until 30 June 2012 on 9 June 2008. On 5 May 2012, he announced he would leave Inter at the end of the season; his last competitive appearance was on 6 May 2012 in the Derby della Madonnina, where Inter players wore his No. 2 shirt during warm-up. He later traveled to Indonesia for a friendly tour before retiring. He won five Serie A titles, four Coppa Italia titles, three Supercoppa Italiana titles, one UEFA Champions League, and one FIFA Club World Cup with Inter. On 10 February 2021, he became sporting director of Venezia.

In Their Own Story

Córdoba captained Colombia to win the 2001 Copa América, scoring the only goal in the final. He also was called up for his country at the 1998 World Cup (taking shirt number 2 from Andrés Escobar who was murdered in the previous tournament) without appearing in a match, the 2003 FIFA Confederations Cup (where they finished in fourth place), and in three other editions of the Copa América (1997, 1999, and 2007). On 10 February 2021, Córdoba was announced as the new sporting director of Italian Serie B club Venezia.

Reader's Guide

Córdoba was a central defender known for his pace, stamina, man-marking, and heading ability. Despite being 173 cm tall, he was a good jumper and scored goals with his head. He could also play as a full-back or wing-back on the right. He captained Colombia to win the 2001 Copa América, scoring the only goal in the final. He was called up for the 1998 World Cup (without appearing), the 2003 FIFA Confederations Cup (fourth place), and the 1997, 1999, and 2007 Copa América editions.

Did You Know?

• Córdoba scored the winning goal in the 2001 Copa América final.
• He was vice-captain of Inter Milan and captain of the Colombia national team.
• He lifted the Coppa Italia in 2005 when Javier Zanetti was absent.