Radamel Falcao Garcia has etched his name in the annals of Colombian soccer history as one of the nation’s premier talents over the past 15 years. Known for his prolific goal-scoring abilities, Falcao boasts an impressive career average of 0.52 goals per game, leaving an indelible mark on every team he has played for.

His prowess on the field has earned him admiration and respect from fans and teammates alike. On the international stage, Falcao has represented Colombia with distinction, playing for the U-17, U-20, and senior national teams. His tenure with the senior squad saw him net 36 goals in 104 appearances, further solidifying his status as a beloved and iconic figure in Colombian soccer.

Radamel Falcao Garcia out of the final against Argentina

Radamel Falcao Garcia‘s omission from this game, and indeed the entire Copa America, is rooted in tactical decisions. The coach’s choice is firm, reflecting the strong results Colombia has achieved without Falcao in the lineup.

Additionally, Falcao’s recent club performance has been hampered by injuries, limiting his playtime. The fierce competition for his position further justifies the decision to leave him out of this tournament.

Radamel Falcao is undoubtedly one of the best players in Colombia’s history; in fact, he is the country’s top scorer with 36 goals and the fourth most capped player behind Colombian legend, Carlos “El Pibe” Valderrama.

The truth is that Argentine coach Nestor Lorenzo will not be able to count on the former Manchester United and Chelsea striker, among other clubs. Many may wonder why Falcao won’t be at this year’s Copa America.

Radamel Falcao out of Copa America 2024

Radamel Falcao is not going to be with the Colombian national team for Copa America 2024 due to a personal decision of the coach as he did not have much play time in his last season with Rayo Vallecano.

The 38-year-old forward was asked about his absence from the Copa America 2024 and expressed the following:

“Being in the National Team is a matter of moments, in the end those who have more continuity, those who are showing the best level in their clubs have to be called up and I am aware of that. At this moment there are players who have performed better than me because they have played more”.

Radamel Falcao Garcia, often referred to as “El Tigre,” boasts a remarkable soccer career. Born on February 10, 1986, in Santa Marta, Colombia, he has left an indelible mark on the sport. Falcao’s journey took him from clubs like River Plate and FC Porto, where he excelled and won numerous titles, to the Spanish giants Atletico Madrid.

His prolific goal-scoring ability earned him worldwide recognition, leading to stints at Manchester United and Chelsea in the English Premier League. Returning to AS Monaco, he continued to showcase his talent. Throughout his career, injuries may have challenged him, but his dedication and passion for the game remain unwavering, securing his status as one of the Colombian players.

Why Falcao was left out of the Colombia squad?

Since his arrival at Rayo Vallecano, Radamel Falcao has been a significant presence, even though he hasn’t scored as many goals as he did at his previous clubs. That’s why he featured in several games during his first two seasons with the team.

However, recently, he has struggled to secure playing time on the field, particularly against his former clubs, Atletico de Madrid and Porto. He has only played for a total of eight minutes since the start of the 2023-24 season. This lack of activity has led Coach Nestor Lorenzo to opt for other forwards in the lineup.

Los Cafeteros are on pace to clinch a spot in the highly anticipated event, but they face a lot of competition for one of those berths. And things won’t get easier for Reinaldo Rueda‘s side.

During the November window, Colombia have to face Brazil on Matchday 13 and Paraguay in the following round. However, shortly before these games, they suffered a major setback as Radamel Falcao was ruled out.

Why is Radamel Falcao missing Colombia’s games?

The veteran striker wants to play a last World Cup before hanging up the boots. And, at 35, Falcao is still performing at the top level. His blistering start to life at Rayo Vallecano in La Liga shows it.

But, right before this international window, he received bad news. Radamel Falcao won’t playfor Colombiabecause he suffered a thigh injury during Rayo Vallecano’s 1-2 defeat to Real Madrid on Saturday, November 6.

“The Rayo Vallecano medical staff reports thatRadamel Falcao has suffered a tear in the right thigh,” theclub statement read. Additionally, the Spanish side confirmed he’ll be out for three or four weeks.

This has been a huge blow for the striker, as he was enjoying a fantastic run of form in Rayo Vallecano with five goals in eight games since joining them for nothing this season.

Falcao, 35, has struggled to remain fit for the last season, missing most of the 2020/21 games through injury. Galatasaray president, Burak Elmas, stated the club couldn’t afford his wage anymore so they would be open to releasing him.

According to Turkish outlet Sporx, Radamel Falcao now has offers from three different leagues over the table: asides from North America, the Qatar Stars League would be also in the queue to land the veteran striker.

MLS

Even though the report didn’t give any specific names, it was no secret that Inter Miami were once interested in Radamel Falcao. Right before their debut in 2020, the Colombian legend was heavily linked with a move to South Florida until Gonzalo Higuaín packed his bags to join the MLS newcomers.

While the Herons are in a tough spot as they have all their DP slots taken, the likes of New York City FC and Los Angeles Galaxy could be possible suitors for Falcao. The Californian side, however, already has Chicharito, so it seems like the Big Apple could be a more likely destination. Then again, the report didn’t mention any team, so we’ll just have to wait and seeif the Colombian star finally arrives in the US.

Liga MX

The Mexican top-flight could be also next for Radamel Falcao, but the report hasn’t stated what teams would be interested in landing him either. While the likes of América, Tigres UANL, and Monterrey would be able to afford him, they already have big-name players at his position.

Atlas, Chivas, Santos Laguna, and Pumas could be boosting their squads by landing El Tigre, but it’s uncertain if they can actuallymeet his financial demands. Will Falcao arrive at the Liga MX anyways?

Qatar Stars League

Unlike the aforementioned leagues, the report from Sporx did name two clubs who were interested in signing Radamel Falcao. The first one was reportedly Xavi Hernandez‘s Al-Sadd, who were crowned in the 2021 Qatar Stars League.

But Al-Duhail have also joined the race to land Falcao. From a financial point of view, this destination couldbe the most attractive one for the Colombian star tobag a good amount of money before hanging up the boots. However, the MLS and Liga MX are both capable of paying him a great salary as well.

Los Cafeteros have even started their campaign with an unconventional starting eleven with few of their most famous players on the field, but managed to claim the three points anyways. However, James’absence will probably remain a controversial call throughout thecompetition.

Reinaldo Rueda shocked the soccer community by leaving one of the national team’s greatest players out, while Falcao’s snub wasn’t very surprising instead. Nonetheless, the Colombian coach had to make a tough decision by leavingthese two out, and here we’ll take a look at the reasons for it.

Why wasn’t James Rodríguez called up by Colombia?

Before their South American World Cup Qualifiers 2022 double-fixture against Peru and Argentina, the Colombian national team announced that James Rodríguez wouldn’t be part of the team for those games nor the Copa America 2021.

The statement explained that the coaching staff consideredthat James wasn’t fit to play these kinds of games, which the player has firmly denied. “It’s a decision from the coaching staff whichI don’t agree with because they disrespected me,” James said.

“I’m fine, I could have played in theCopa America. It was a managerial decision,” he added. James Rodríguez has had a wonderful start to his first season with Everton but then suffered from injuries and remained sidelined in the final stretch of the Premier League campaign.

Why isn’t Radamel Falcaoin Colombia’s squad?

James’ absence seems to be a bold move from Rueda, while Falcao’s exit makes more sense. Not because El Tigre isn’t good enough or lacks the talent to be in Colombia‘s roster, but because he doesn’t seem to be thefirst-choice option anymore neither acrucial backup either.

His season with Galatasaray was far from good, as he struggled to be match fit and didn’t see the field as he would have liked to. Falcao, 35, is heading to the final stages of his career and Colombia can rely on better options right now such as Duván ZapataandLuis Muriel.

Reports from Colombia have also stated, however, that Rueda planned on calling up the national team’s leading goalscorer,but Falcao suggested he wasn’t in optimal conditions to play and the team would be better without him. Either way, hisand James’ absence could be a burden for Colombia, unless Rueda’s squad proves to be capable of filling their shoes.