Miguel Ángel Borja Hernández

Miguel Borja developed his foundational attacking skills within the youth academy of Deportivo Cali before heavily refining his game at Cortuluá. He spent several highly formative years navigating the deeply competitive Colombian youth systems before making his senior professional debut.

Miguel Borja launched his professional career with Cortuluá in 2011, initially struggling to find consistent starting minutes. After several loan spells, including brief stints at La Equidad and Italian side Livorno, his career truly exploded when he joined Cortuluá again in 2015. He set a deeply impressive goalscoring record in the Categoría Primera A, finishing as the top scorer and immediately attracting massive attention from top Colombian clubs.

In 2016, his spectacular domestic form earned him a massive transfer to Atlético Nacional, where he achieved historic continental success. Borja was absolutely instrumental in helping the club win the 2016 Copa Libertadores, scoring crucial goals in both the semi-finals and the grand final. His devastating performances earned him the highly prestigious South American Footballer of the Year award, firmly establishing his status as an elite forward.

Capitalizing on his massive continental momentum, Brazilian giants Palmeiras signed him in early 2017 for a reported club-record fee. During his time in Brazil, he helped Palmeiras secure the Campeonato Brasileiro Série A title in 2018, finishing as the top scorer in the Copa Libertadores that same year. Seeking to return to his absolute best form, he later spent highly productive loan spells at Junior FC and Grêmio.

In July 2022, Borja made a blockbuster transfer to Argentine heavyweights River Plate, taking on the massive responsibility of leading their attack. Under the intense pressure of the Estadio Monumental, he heavily thrived, scoring dozens of crucial goals and helping the club secure the 2023 Liga Profesional championship. He became an absolute fan favorite in Buenos Aires due to his clinical finishing and highly passionate goal celebrations.

Seeking a highly lucrative new challenge in the twilight of his career, Borja finalized a massive transfer to UAE Pro League side Al-Wasl in January 2026. As of 2026, he continues to heavily impact matches in the Middle East, utilizing his vast international experience to dominate opposing defenses. Internationally, he remains a deeply respected veteran figure for the Colombia national team, heavily contributing to their major tournament campaigns.

Miguel Borja was born and raised in Tierralta, a deeply impoverished municipality located in the Córdoba department of Colombia. Growing up in a highly challenging socioeconomic environment, he heavily relied on football as an escape, frequently selling empanadas on the streets to financially support his family. He constantly credits his incredibly tough upbringing for forging his relentless work ethic and deep personal humility.

He is happily married to his longtime partner, Linda Pérez, and the couple shares a deeply devoted family life with their three children. Borja is deeply religious, frequently pointing to the sky in prayer and wearing shirts bearing Christian messages under his jersey during matches. He frequently emphasizes that his massive athletic success is a direct blessing from God and a reward for his family's immense sacrifices.

Off the pitch, he is highly dedicated to giving back to his home community in Tierralta. He established the Fundación Miguel Borja, which regularly funds local youth community centers and donates massive amounts of athletic equipment to underprivileged children. He heavily hopes to provide a safe and constructive environment for the next generation of Colombian athletes.