José Fajardo #17

Profile

Fajardo knows what it’s like to star in North America. During the 2024 Copa América he netted vital goals against hosts United States and Bolivia that earned Panama a place in the knockout stages. The former DC United striker also scored crucial goals in Panama’s World Cup qualification campaign, adding to his national hero status. But Fajardo did not play a game of senior football until the age of 24, working jobs on the Panama Canal to support his young family instead. “Life is not easy, you have to suffer. I’m motivated to keep going with my football and be an example to children and the people from my hometown,” he said. He soon proved his worth for Independiente de La Chorrera, his goals helping to propel the team to two league titles. After spells in Peru, MLS and Saudi Arabia, the 32-year-old is now playing in Ecuador.

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