Julio Dely Valdés

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Lore & Background

Born in Colón, Panama, Dely Valdés began his professional career in 1987 in Argentina with Deportivo Paraguayo, where he scored 28 goals. He then moved to Nacional in Uruguay, scoring more than 100 goals and winning the Primera División in 1992. In Europe, he played for Cagliari in Serie A and Paris Saint-Germain in the French Première Division. He then played in Spain's Primera División with Real Oviedo for three seasons and with Málaga for another three. Nicknamed Panagol, he became the most prolific goal scorer in Málaga's history in the Primera División, before returning to Nacional. He retired in 2006 after two seasons with Panamanian club Arabe Unido.

In Their Own Story

The narrative of Dely Valdés at PSG is defined by his integration with Brazilian talent and European triumphs. Playing as a striker in the Première Division, he shared the pitch with Raí and Leonardo, creating a dynamic attacking force. The source highlights specific trophies won during this period: the Trophée des Champions in 1995 and the UEFA Cup Winners' Cup in 1995–96. These victories marked high points in his European career. Prior to PSG, he had honed his skills in Spain with Real Oviedo for three seasons, and following his time in Paris, he moved to Málaga for another three years.

Reader's Guide

Dely Valdés made his debut for Panama in a May 1991 UNCAF Nations Cup match against Honduras and earned 44 caps, scoring 18 goals. He represented his country in 27 FIFA World Cup qualification matches and was a member of the 2005 CONCACAF Gold Cup team that finished second. He also played at the 2001 and 2003 UNCAF Nations Cups. Both he and his twin brother announced their international retirement in November 2004, but returned for a final Gold Cup and World Cup qualifiers in 2005. His final international was an October 2005 World Cup qualifier against the United States. After playing, he became a coach, signing with Málaga as assistant manager under Antonio Tapia. He left on June 16, 2010, after new Qatari ownership. On September 14, 2010, he became head coach of the Panama national team, with twin brother Jorge as assistant. They led Panama to the final round of World Cup qualifying but fell short, and the brothers were not retained. He was put in charge at Árabe Unido in August 2014 and announced as manager at Águila in El Salvador on December 31, 2014.

Did You Know?

• He scored more than 100 goals for Nacional in Uruguay.
• He is nicknamed Panagol.
• He and his twin brother Jorge both played their final international match against the United States in October 2005.
• He won the UEFA Cup Winners' Cup with Paris Saint-Germain in 1995–96.