José Cifuentes

Lore & Background

Cifuentes began his club career in Ecuadorian football with Universidad Católica and América de Quito. He joined MLS club Los Angeles FC in January 2020. He made more than 100 appearances for LAFC and helped them win the Supporters' Shield and MLS Cup double in 2022. Cifuentes signed for Rangers in August 2023.

In Their Own Story

The afternoon sun was turning the grass at Banc of California Stadium into a sheet of hammered gold. Cifuentes stood in the center circle, hands on his hips, breathing hard after yet another 50-50 challenge won. The scoreboard read 1-0, LAFC up, but the press was coming again—two opponents pressing high, trying to force a turnover in his third zone. He didn't panic. He dropped his body low, angled his hips away from the nearest presser, and waited. The ball arrived at his feet. One touch to check it. A glance over his shoulder. The winger was making his run down the left. Cifuentes pushed the ball through the gap, clean and low, and turned to jog back. No celebration. No shout. Just the next press, the next recovery, the next reset. That was the job. That was always the job.

Reader's Guide

Cifuentes played youth international football for Ecuador at under-20 and under-23 levels. He made his senior international debut in September 2019. He was a member of Ecuador's squad for the 2022 FIFA World Cup and made two appearances at the tournament. He was called up to the final 26-man Ecuador squad for the 2024 Copa América.

Did You Know?

• Cifuentes joined LAFC on a four-year contract for a reported transfer fee of $3 million.
• He helped LAFC win the Supporters' Shield and MLS Cup double in 2022.
• Cifuentes scored the opening goal in a 2–1 victory over the United States at the 2019 FIFA U-20 World Cup.
• He joined Rangers on 31 July 2023 for an undisclosed fee, reported as £1.2 million ($1.5 million).