The 19-year-old goalkeeper from Huila, Juan Sebastián Orrego, has joined the Once Caldas U-20 team after shining with Atlético Huila. His move to the Manizales club marks a key step in his development. Orrego, who started at Opitas FC, will compete in the National U-20 Championship this season.
Juan Sebastián Orrego, a talented goalkeeper from Huila, has made a significant step in his career by signing with Once Caldas U-20. The 19-year-old, now based in Manizales, joined the team after trials in December last year, where his performance impressed the club's officials.
Orrego began his training at Opitas FC and later solidified his skills in Atlético Huila's youth divisions. His original club praised his dedication in a statement: “Congratulations to Juan Sebastián Orrego and his soccer-loving mother Johana Álvarez for their commitment and dedication to this young man who is now on the verge of reaching what all our boys dream of. Everyone who steps into our institution leaves blessed; we want more news like this.”
The athlete's mother, Johana Álvarez, expressed her pride on social media: “Thank you God for all the blessings. Sebastián Orrego, we continue son, holding God's hand and with your family's support, especially that little angel we have in heaven, who I know will be very proud of you.”
Orrego's record features notable achievements such as departmental champion in U-15 in 2022, fewest goals conceded in various categories, and participation in international tournaments like the Copa Mitad del Mundo in Ecuador in 2024. In 2024, he was runner-up in the Youth Supercopa, standing out by saving penalties against Deportivo Pereira. Now, with discipline and faith, he aims to follow in the footsteps of other Huilenses in professional soccer, like Johan Bocanegra.
This signing highlights the talent exported from Huila and bolsters Colombian youth soccer.
