Jhon Córdoba

❧

Wikipedia

Jhon Córdoba
Córdoba playing for Krasnodar in 2022
Personal information
Full name Jhon Andrés Córdoba Copete[1]
Date of birth (1993-05-11) 11 May 1993 (age 32)
Place of birth Istmina, Colombia
Height 1.88 m (6 ft 2 in)
Position Forward
Team information
Current team
 Krasnodar
Number 9
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
2010–2012 Envigado 37 (11)
2012–2013 Chiapas 17 (1)
2013–2014 Querétaro 0 (0)
2013 → Dorados (loan) 1 (0)
2013–2014 → Espanyol (loan) 28 (4)
2014–2015 Granada 26 (4)
2015–2016 → Mainz 05 (loan) 22 (5)
2016–2017 Mainz 05 29 (5)
2017–2020 1. FC Köln 78 (33)
2020–2021 Hertha BSC 21 (7)
2021– Krasnodar 103 (53)
International career‡
2013 Colombia U20 17 (6)
2019– Colombia 18 (6)
Medal record
Men's football
Representing  Colombia
Copa América
Runner-up2024 United States
* Club domestic league appearances and goals as of 2 November 2025
‡ National team caps and goals as of 10 September 2025

Jhon Andrés Córdoba Copete (Spanish pronunciation: [ɟʝoŋ ˈkoɾðoβa]; born 11 May 1993) is a Colombian professional footballer who plays as a forward for Russian Premier League club Krasnodar and the Colombia national team.

A powerful striker noted for his pace and strength, Córdoba began his senior career with Envigado before moving abroad to Chiapas in Mexico in 2012. After spells in Spain with Espanyol and Granada, and in Germany with Mainz 05, he joined Köln in 2017. There, he finished as the club’s top scorer and secured promotion to the Bundesliga. He later played for Hertha BSC before transferring to FC Krasnodar in 2021, where he helped the club win their first Russian Premier League title in 2025. Subsequently, Córdoba was recognised as Russian Footballer of the Year.

At international level, Córdoba was part of the Colombia U20 side that won the South American U20 Championship in 2013. He made his senior debut in 2019 and has since earned over 15 caps, featuring at the 2024 Copa América, where Colombia finished runner-ups.

Club career

Envigado and professional breakthrough

A youth product of Envigado, Córdoba made his senior debut in 2009, scoring on his debut against Itagüí.[2] He broke through during the 2011 Torneo Finalización, notably scoring a brace in a 3–2 defeat away to Once Caldas on 1 October 2011,[3] and netting the winner against Independiente Medellín two weeks later.[4] He remained a starter into the 2012 Apertura, finishing as Envigado’s top league scorer with six goals in 16 matches.[5]

Chiapas

On 9 July 2012, Córdoba moved to Mexico, joining Querétaro and being loaned immediately to Jaguares de Chiapas.[6] He made his Liga MX debut on 20 July 2012 against Tigres UANL,[7] and scored his first Liga MX goal in a 4–0 home win over San Luis on 7 October 2012.[8] He went on to score three goals in total for Chiapas during the 2012–13 campaign.

Espanyol (loan)

On 2 September 2013, Córdoba joined Espanyol on a one-year loan with an option to buy.[9] He scored his first La Liga goal for the club on 30 November 2013 in a 2–1 loss away to Real Sociedad.[10] His second league goal came on 25 January 2014 in a 2–2 draw against Valencia.[11] He finished the season with four goals, proving a reliable attacking option.

Granada

On 12 August 2014, Córdoba signed a five-year deal with Granada.[12] He scored the winner in a 1–0 victory over Athletic Bilbao at San Mamés on 20 September 2014, converting a defensive error on his first start for the club.[13] He later described it as “my debut as a starter” and said he took the opportunity by scoring.[14]

Mainz 05

Córdoba joined Mainz 05 on loan from Granada on 31 August 2015,[15] and on 2 March 2016 scored the late winner in a 2–1 upset at Bayern Munich.[16] Mainz exercised their option to sign him permanently in May 2016.[17] He also scored in Mainz’s 3–2 UEFA Europa League group stage win against Qabala on 29 September 2016.[18]

1. FC Köln

On 28 June 2017, Córdoba transferred to 1. FC Köln on a four-year deal.[19] In the 2018–19 season he scored 20 league goals as Köln won the title and promotion. On 6 May 2019 he scored a hat-trick in a 4–0 win over SpVgg Greuther Fürth, clinching the championship.[20] On 18 January 2020 he registered his first Bundesliga brace in a 3–1 win over VfL Wolfsburg.[21]

Hertha BSC

On 15 September 2020, Córdoba joined Hertha BSC on a four-year contract.[22] He scored on his Bundesliga debut for the club in a 4–1 away win at Werder Bremen on 19 September 2020.[23] He finished the season as the club’s joint-top scorer with seven goals.

Krasnodar

On 18 July 2021, Hertha announced an agreement to sell Córdoba to FC Krasnodar.[24] He signed a four-year contract with Krasnodar on 23 July 2021.[25] His contract was suspended in March 2022 amid the league’s hiatus, before he returned to action later that year.[26] On 5 November 2024, Krasnodar announced his extension through 30 June 2027.[27] In the 2024–25 season he scored in the decisive final-round win over Dynamo Moscow as Krasnodar clinched their first Russian Premier League title,[28] and was later voted the league’s Footballer of the Year by fellow players.[29]

International career

Youth

2013 South American Youth Championship

Córdoba was selected to wear the number 9 jersey to represent Colombia at the 2013 South American Youth Championship. He scored the decisive goal in the opening match against Paraguay, securing a 1-0 victory. In the following game against Bolivia, he netted two goals in a commanding 6-0 win despite missing several promising opportunities. Consequently, he was not selected for the final group stage match against Argentina, as Colombia had already secured a spot in the next round. Córdoba scored the winning goal in a 1-0 victory over Uruguay, propelling Colombia to the top of their group. Following their triumph in the South American championship, he tallied four goals, significantly contributing to his nation's success. This achievement made him Colombia's second-highest scorer in the tournament, just behind Juan Fernando Quintero, who scored five goals.

2013 U-20 FIFA World Cup

In the opening match against Australia, Córdoba missed several opportunities while Colombia trailed 1-0. However, he redeemed himself by scoring in the 78th minute, securing a 1–1 draw.[30] In the final group match against El Salvador, Córdoba successfully converted a penalty, contributing to a 3-0 victory. He played in the round of 16 match against South Korea, where Colombia was eliminated in a penalty shootout following a 1–1 draw.

Senior

He was first called up in the preliminary list for friendly matches against Chile and Algeria on 12 and 15 October 2019 respectively. In 2020, he was called up to the Colombia preliminary squad for 2022 FIFA World Cup qualification against Venezuela and Chile on 26 and 31 March 2020 respectively. [31] However, he made his first appearance for the senior team as late as 2023.

Style of play

A 'powerful' striker, Córdoba's most noticeable traits give regard to his physical traits: tall and large with very powerful shots as his major most noticeable trademark. His speed and pace has been a major factor in most games that he plays. Due to his size, he carries natural talent with balls that come from the air. This style of play is well-known with Ivorian international Didier Drogba who Córdoba has been compared with on many occasions.[32][33][34]

Personal life

Córdoba's father Manuel was also a professional football striker.[35]

Career statistics

Club

As of match played 2 November 2025[36]
Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
Club Season League National cup[a] Continental Other Total
DivisionAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoals
Envigado 2010 Categoría Primera A 1000——10
2011 20582——287
2012 16620——186
Total 371110200004713
Chiapas 2012–13 Liga MX 17141——212
Espanyol (loan) 2013–14 La Liga 28450——334
Granada 2014–15 La Liga 22521——246
Mainz 05 (loan) 2015–16 Bundesliga 22500——225
Mainz 05 2016–17 295226[b]1—378
Total 51102261005913
1. FC Köln 2017–18 Bundesliga 180113[b]1—222
2018–19 2. Bundesliga 312021——3321
2019–20 Bundesliga 291321——3114
Total 78335331008637
Hertha BSC 2020–21 Bundesliga 21700——217
Krasnodar 2021–22 Russian Premier League 15610——166
2022–23 2314147——3721
2023–24 271553——3218
2024–25 251251——3013
2025–26 13651—1[c]0197
Total 103533012001013465
Career total 35712458219210425147

International

As of match played 9 September 2025[37]
Appearances and goals by national team and year
National teamYearAppsGoals
Colombia 202320
2024134
202532
Total186
Scores and results list Colombia's goal tally first.[37]
List of international goals scored by Jhon Córdoba
No.DateVenueOpponentScoreResultCompetition
1.26 March 2024Metropolitano Stadium, Madrid, Spain Romania1–03–2Friendly
2.15 June 2024Pratt & Whitney Stadium, East Hartford, United States Bolivia2–03–0
3.28 June 2024State Farm Stadium, Glendale, United States Costa Rica3–03–02024 Copa América
4.6 July 2024 Panama1–05–0
5.4 September 2025Estadio Metropolitano Roberto Meléndez, Barranquilla, Colombia Bolivia2–03–02026 FIFA World Cup qualification
6.9 September 2025Estadio Monumental, Maturín, Venezuela Venezuela6–36–3

Honours

1. FC Köln

Krasnodar

Colombia U20

Individual

References

  1. ↑ "FIFA U-20 World Cup Turkey 2013 List of Players: Colombia" (PDF). FIFA.com. Fédération Internationale de Football Association. 23 June 2013. p. 3. Archived from the original (PDF) on 27 June 2013.
  2. ↑ https://www.elcolombiano.com/deportes/futbol-colombiano/jhon-cordoba-debuto-con-gol-en-envigado-2009-LI2842230
  3. ↑ "Once Caldas 3-2 Envigado (Oct 1, 2011) Final Score". ESPN. Retrieved 18 September 2025.
  4. ↑ "Envigado 1-0 Ind. Medellín (Oct 15, 2011) Final Score". ESPN. Retrieved 18 September 2025.
  5. ↑ https://caracol.com.co/radio/2012/06/18/deportes/1340004000_709161.html
  6. ↑ Torres, Kevin (5 July 2012). "Colombian 'Drogba' to Jaguares of Chiapas". Retrieved 18 September 2025.
  7. ↑ "Tigres 4-0 Chiapas (Jul 20, 2012) Final Score". ESPN. Retrieved 18 September 2025.
  8. ↑ "Chiapas 4-0 San Luis (Oct 7, 2012) Final Score". ESPN. Retrieved 18 September 2025.
  9. ↑ "Jhon Córdoba es presentado en el Espanyol". www.record.com.mx. 13 September 2013. Retrieved 18 September 2025.
  10. ↑ "Real Sociedad 2-1 Espanyol (Nov 30, 2013) Final Score". ESPN. Retrieved 18 September 2025.
  11. ↑ "Valencia 2-2 Espanyol (Jan 25, 2014) Final Score". ESPN. Retrieved 18 September 2025.
  12. ↑ "Acuerdo con el Querétaro por Jhon Córdoba: firma cinco años". Diario AS. 12 August 2014. Retrieved 18 September 2025.
  13. ↑ "Granada 1-0 Athletic (Sep 20, 2014) Final Score". ESPN. Retrieved 18 September 2025.
  14. ↑ https://www.marca.com/futbol/granada/2014/09/22/541ffeb3e2704ec4198b4581.html
  15. ↑ Tiempo, Casa Editorial El. "Jhon Córdoba fue cedido del Granada al Mainz, de Alemania". futbolred.com. Retrieved 18 September 2025.
  16. ↑ "Bayern Munich suffer shock home defeat by Mainz's Jhon Córdoba". 2 March 2016. Retrieved 18 September 2025 – via The Guardian.
  17. ↑ "Mainz compra a Jhon Córdoba, ex de Jaguares". ESPNdeportes.com. 18 May 2016. Retrieved 18 September 2025.
  18. ↑ "History: Viktoria Plzeň 1-2 Astra | UEFA Europa League 2016/17". UEFA.com. Retrieved 18 September 2025.
  19. ↑ "El Köln paga 15 millones por Jhon Córdoba". Retrieved 18 September 2025.
  20. ↑ https://www.kicker.de/greuther-fuerth-gegen-fc-koeln-2019-bundesliga-2-4262174/analyse
  21. ↑ "Cologne 3-1 Wolfsburg (Jan 18, 2020) Final Score". ESPN. Retrieved 18 September 2025.
  22. ↑ https://www.herthabsc.com/en/news/2020/09/cordoba-transfer-2021
  23. ↑ "Cambridge 1-0 Birmingham (Sep 5, 2020) Final Score". ESPN. Retrieved 18 September 2025.
  24. ↑ "Jhon Córdoba leaves Hertha BSC | Hertha BSC". www.herthabsc.com. 23 July 2021. Retrieved 18 September 2025.
  25. ↑ "Jhon Córdoba Joined FC Krasnodar. FC Krasnodar Official site". fckrasnodar.ru. Retrieved 18 September 2025.
  26. ↑ "«Краснодар» приостановил контракты с несколькими игроками". Официальный сайт ФК «Краснодар». Retrieved 18 September 2025.
  27. ↑ "«Краснодар» подписал новый контракт с нападающим Джоном Кордобой". news.sportbox.ru. 5 November 2024. Retrieved 18 September 2025.
  28. ↑ Alarcón, Santiago Mojica (27 June 2025). "Jhon Córdoba fue premiado con el mejor gol y como mejor jugador en Liga Premier de Rusia 2025". Caracol Radio. Retrieved 18 September 2025.
  29. ↑ Pulido, Por Carlos (28 June 2025). "El delantero colombiano Jhon Córdoba arrasó con el Krasnodar en la gala del fútbol ruso: estos fueron los premios que recibió". infobae. Retrieved 18 September 2025.
  30. ↑ Colombia 1–1 Australia; FIFA.com, 22 June 2013
  31. ↑ "Lista de convocados Selección Colombia Masculina de Mayores para amistosos – Federación colombiana de fútbol". fcf.com.co (in Spanish). Archived from the original on 6 June 2023. Retrieved 16 April 2025.
  32. ↑ Colombian ‘Drogba’ to Jaguares of Chiapas; FutN Soccer, 4 July 2012
  33. ↑ Europa viene a la 'caza' de jóvenes talentos del Sudamericano (Europe comes to 'hunt' Sudamerican talents); Urgente 24, 9 January 2013 (in Spanish)
  34. ↑ Jhon Córdoba, el Drogba que tiene Envigado y todo Colombia (Jhon Córdoba, the Drogba who Envigado and all Colombia has); Goal.com, 12 June 2012 (in Spanish)
  35. ↑ Duque Soto, Leonardo (13 March 2012). ""Didier Drogba es mi referente en el fútbol", confesó Jhon Córdoba" [Didier Drogba is my football benchmark admits Jhon Córdoba] (in Spanish). El Tiempo.
  36. ↑ Jhon Córdoba at Soccerway
  37. 1 2 Jhon Córdoba at National-Football-Teams.com Edit this at Wikidata
  38. ↑ "«Краснодар» впервые стал чемпионом Мир РПЛ!" [Krasnodar became the champions of Mir RPL for the first time!] (in Russian). Russian Premier League. 24 May 2025. Retrieved 24 May 2025.
  39. ↑ "Джон Кордоба – Winline игрок октября!" (in Russian). Russian Premier League. 6 November 2024.
  40. ↑ "Джон Кордоба – автор Winline гола октября!" (in Russian). Russian Premier League. 8 November 2024.
  41. ↑ "Как Кордоба победил в опросе "СЭ". Полные результаты голосования" [How Córdoba won in the SE poll. Full voting results] (in Russian). Sport Express. 9 June 2025. Retrieved 28 June 2025.