Superstars of Soccer

Striker Radamel Falcao García, who has played soccer professionally since the age of 13, is one of the greats of the game. Falcao''s extraordinary discipline and quiet strength have proved key to his early and consistent success in major leagues--first in his native Colombia; then in Argentina; and, more recently, in Spain''s La Liga, where he has dazzled as a scorer. In 2011, Atlético Madrid purchased Falcao''s contract from F.C. Porto for $57 million. The Colombian star quickly justified that staggering price tag, scoring a team-high 24 goals in his first season with Atlético Madrid. Quick, strong, and equally dangerous with both feet, Falcao has earned his Spanish nickname "El Tigre": he is a true tiger on the soccer pitch.