{"id":243202,"first_name":"Enner Remberto","last_name":"Valencia Lastra","short_name":"E. Valencia","common_name":"Enner Valencia","place_of_birth":"San Lorenzo","gender":"male","height":174,"weight":74,"status":"active","createdAt":"2024-11-06T01:32:39.154Z","updatedAt":"2025-06-06T10:33:06.728Z","locale":"en","age":35,"stb_id":"enner-valencia","description":null,"tier":null,"common_name_en":"Enner Valencia","top_position":null,"introduction":"Enner Remberto Valencia Lastra, born on 4 November 1989, is a distinguished Ecuadorian professional footballer known for his remarkable achievements on the football field. He currently plays as a forward for Campeonato Brasileiro Série A club Internacional and serves as the captain of the Ecuador national team. Renowned for his goal-scoring prowess and leadership, Valencia has become Ecuador's all-time top scorer, an icon for aspiring footballers across his nation.","early_life_and_career":"## Early Years\nEnner Valencia was born in Esmeraldas Province, Ecuador, where he grew up in a challenging socio-economic environment. Coming from a poor family, Valencia often struggled to afford basic necessities such as food. His passion for football emerged early in life, inspired by his surroundings and community's love for the sport. Despite financial hardships, Valencia's endurance and dedication to football saw him leaving home to join the youth system of Caribe Junior, setting the stage for his future career. His upbringing in a humble background played a significant role in shaping his journey and character.\n\n## Youth Career\nValencia's journey in football began at Caribe Junior's youth academy, where he honed his skills before moving to Emelec in 2008. Although his initial years at Emelec were challenging, Valencia's persistence eventually paid off under the mentorship of Argentine coach Jorge Sampaoli, who provided him opportunities to play and develop at a professional level. His performances caught attention, and his dedication to the sport was evident as he slowly made a name for himself.","professional_career_and_highlights":"## Club Career\n### Emelec\nEnner Valencia's professional career began at Emelec, where he joined the first team in 2010 after two years of limited playtime. Under coach Jorge Sampaoli, Valencia found his form, scoring nine goals in 2011 and 13 goals in 2012, ultimately proving instrumental in Emelec's campaigns. His prowess was crowned in 2013 when he played a crucial role in securing Emelec's league title and achieved personal success by netting his first hat-trick in the Copa Sudamericana.\n\n### Pachuca\nIn January 2014, Valencia transferred to Mexican club Pachuca. His scoring abilities flourished as he became the Liga MX top scorer in the 2014 Clausura tournament with 12 goals, aiding Pachuca in several victories and playoff advancements. His remarkable performance led to significant interest from top European clubs.\n\n### West Ham United\nValencia's big move came in July 2014 when he signed with English Premier League team West Ham United for a fee of approximately £12 million. His tenure started with a spectacular first league goal against Hull City, marked by a remarkable 25-yard strike. Although his performance at West Ham was mixed with injuries, he remained a fan favorite due to his sporadic brilliance and crucial goals.\n\n### Loan to Everton\nFor the 2016-17 season, Valencia joined Everton on loan, scoring his first goal for the club in January 2017 against Southampton.\n\n### Tigres UANL\nValencia moved to Tigres UANL in July 2017, where he continued his success in front of the goal, helping the team to Liga MX titles in the Apertura 2017 and Clausura 2019 seasons. His skills shone as he became the top scorer in the 2019 CONCACAF Champions League.\n\n### Fenerbahçe\nValencia joined Turkish club Fenerbahçe in August 2020, amassing an impressive goal tally, including becoming the top scorer of the 2022-23 Süper Lig season with 29 goals, showcasing his enduring talent and goal-scoring instincts.\n\n### SC Internacional\nIn June 2023, Valencia signed with Internacional in Brazil on a three-year contract. His journey with the club began with moments of brilliance in international competitions, cementing his status as a seasoned forward with a knack for crucial goals.\n\n## National Team Career\n### Youth National Teams\nValencia participated in the 2011 Pan American Games, representing the Ecuador under-22 team and setting the foundation for his senior national team career.\n\n### Senior National Team\nValencia made his debut for the Ecuador national team in February 2012 and has since become its all-time top scorer. He represented Ecuador in the FIFA World Cup editions of 2014 and 2022, where he scored the nation's record goals in World Cup finals. Known for his consistency and impact, Valencia has participated in multiple Copa América tournaments, solidifying his status as a national hero and remarkable striker, whose crucial goals continue to inspire fans worldwide.","playing_style_and_skills":"## Player Characteristics\nEnner Valencia plays primarily as a forward but possesses the versatility to adapt across multiple attacking roles. With a sharp eye for goal, his key technical skills include precise finishing, powerful heading abilities, and adept positioning, making him a constant threat in the opponent's penalty area. Physically, Valencia boasts impressive speed and agility, crucial in breaking defensive lines. His tactical understanding and adaptability under various coaches highlight his intelligence on the field, allowing him to maintain high performance across leagues and competitions.\n\n## Performance Statistics\nDuring his prolific career, Enner Valencia has accumulated over 90 international caps for Ecuador, becoming the nation's top scorer with 44 goals. Notable statistics include his record of scoring six World Cup goals and leading as the top scorer in leagues such as Liga MX and Süper Lig, further underlining his scoring proficiency.\n\n## Records\nValencia holds numerous records, including being Ecuador's all-time top scorer and the record-holder for the most goals scored in World Cup finals by an Ecuadorian. His club records feature individual awards such as top scorer titles in multiple league competitions.","notable_achievements":"## Achievements\n### Team Achievements\n- Ecuadorian Serie A: 2013 (Emelec)\n- Liga MX: Apertura 2017, Clausura 2019 (Tigres UANL)\n- Turkish Cup: 2022–23 (Fenerbahçe)\n\n### Individual Achievements\n- Ecuadorian Serie A Best Player: 2013\n- Copa Sudamericana Top scorer: 2013\n- Liga MX Top scorer: Clausura 2014\n- CONCACAF Champions League Golden Boot: 2019\n- Süper Lig Top scorer: 2022–23\n\n## Awards and Recognition\nValencia's career has been decorated with individual accolades recognizing his exceptional talents. He was included in the Liga MX Best XI in Apertura 2017 and recognized for his campaign contributions in the CONCACAF Champions League. Overall, his performances have earned admiration across the footballing community, marking him as one of Ecuador's finest players.","impact_on_sport":"## Career Overview\nEnner Valencia's football legacy stands as a testament to his determination, skill, and perseverance. By overcoming challenging beginnings, he has established a distinguished career, achieving success both at the club and international levels. His role as Ecuador's top scorer highlights his contribution to his national team, inspiring future generations of Ecuadorian footballers.\n\n## Off the Field\nValencia's influence extends beyond the pitch through community engagement and personal challenges. Notably, he has faced difficulties, including legal issues related to child support and personal family matters. Despite these challenges, he remains a respected figure in football circles, known for his resilience and dedication.\n\n## Personal Life\nValencia's personal life is deeply rooted in his origins in the Esmeraldas Province. He has faced adversity, indicative of his time at Emelec where he struggled financially. His family's significance in his life is profound, as highlighted by his sister's kidnapping ordeal in 2020. Valencia's story of rising from humble beginnings continues to resonate, demonstrating the power of determination and the pursuit of one’s passion.","stb_internal_id":"0192ff1a-2e9c-7b22-8529-c5152f572f3a","overrides":null,"type_code":"attacker","position_type_code":"attacker","detailed_position_type_code":"centre-forward","roles":"player","has_biography":true,"has_membership_relations":true,"has_matches":null,"has_article_relations":false,"has_social_media_relations":false,"introduction_html":"

Enner Remberto Valencia Lastra, born on 4 November 1989, is a distinguished Ecuadorian professional footballer known for his remarkable achievements on the football field. He currently plays as a forward for Campeonato Brasileiro Série A club Internacional and serves as the captain of the Ecuador national team. Renowned for his goal-scoring prowess and leadership, Valencia has become Ecuador's all-time top scorer, an icon for aspiring footballers across his nation.

\n","early_life_and_career_html":"

Early Years

Enner Valencia was born in Esmeraldas Province, Ecuador, where he grew up in a challenging socio-economic environment. Coming from a poor family, Valencia often struggled to afford basic necessities such as food. His passion for football emerged early in life, inspired by his surroundings and community's love for the sport. Despite financial hardships, Valencia's endurance and dedication to football saw him leaving home to join the youth system of Caribe Junior, setting the stage for his future career. His upbringing in a humble background played a significant role in shaping his journey and character.

Youth Career

Valencia's journey in football began at Caribe Junior's youth academy, where he honed his skills before moving to Emelec in 2008. Although his initial years at Emelec were challenging, Valencia's persistence eventually paid off under the mentorship of Argentine coach Jorge Sampaoli, who provided him opportunities to play and develop at a professional level. His performances caught attention, and his dedication to the sport was evident as he slowly made a name for himself.

\n","professional_career_and_highlights_html":"

Club Career

Emelec

Enner Valencia's professional career began at Emelec, where he joined the first team in 2010 after two years of limited playtime. Under coach Jorge Sampaoli, Valencia found his form, scoring nine goals in 2011 and 13 goals in 2012, ultimately proving instrumental in Emelec's campaigns. His prowess was crowned in 2013 when he played a crucial role in securing Emelec's league title and achieved personal success by netting his first hat-trick in the Copa Sudamericana.

Pachuca

In January 2014, Valencia transferred to Mexican club Pachuca. His scoring abilities flourished as he became the Liga MX top scorer in the 2014 Clausura tournament with 12 goals, aiding Pachuca in several victories and playoff advancements. His remarkable performance led to significant interest from top European clubs.

West Ham United

Valencia's big move came in July 2014 when he signed with English Premier League team West Ham United for a fee of approximately £12 million. His tenure started with a spectacular first league goal against Hull City, marked by a remarkable 25-yard strike. Although his performance at West Ham was mixed with injuries, he remained a fan favorite due to his sporadic brilliance and crucial goals.

Loan to Everton

For the 2016-17 season, Valencia joined Everton on loan, scoring his first goal for the club in January 2017 against Southampton.

Tigres UANL

Valencia moved to Tigres UANL in July 2017, where he continued his success in front of the goal, helping the team to Liga MX titles in the Apertura 2017 and Clausura 2019 seasons. His skills shone as he became the top scorer in the 2019 CONCACAF Champions League.

Fenerbahçe

Valencia joined Turkish club Fenerbahçe in August 2020, amassing an impressive goal tally, including becoming the top scorer of the 2022-23 Süper Lig season with 29 goals, showcasing his enduring talent and goal-scoring instincts.

SC Internacional

In June 2023, Valencia signed with Internacional in Brazil on a three-year contract. His journey with the club began with moments of brilliance in international competitions, cementing his status as a seasoned forward with a knack for crucial goals.

National Team Career

Youth National Teams

Valencia participated in the 2011 Pan American Games, representing the Ecuador under-22 team and setting the foundation for his senior national team career.

Senior National Team

Valencia made his debut for the Ecuador national team in February 2012 and has since become its all-time top scorer. He represented Ecuador in the FIFA World Cup editions of 2014 and 2022, where he scored the nation's record goals in World Cup finals. Known for his consistency and impact, Valencia has participated in multiple Copa América tournaments, solidifying his status as a national hero and remarkable striker, whose crucial goals continue to inspire fans worldwide.

\n","playing_style_and_skills_html":"

Player Characteristics

Enner Valencia plays primarily as a forward but possesses the versatility to adapt across multiple attacking roles. With a sharp eye for goal, his key technical skills include precise finishing, powerful heading abilities, and adept positioning, making him a constant threat in the opponent's penalty area. Physically, Valencia boasts impressive speed and agility, crucial in breaking defensive lines. His tactical understanding and adaptability under various coaches highlight his intelligence on the field, allowing him to maintain high performance across leagues and competitions.

Performance Statistics

During his prolific career, Enner Valencia has accumulated over 90 international caps for Ecuador, becoming the nation's top scorer with 44 goals. Notable statistics include his record of scoring six World Cup goals and leading as the top scorer in leagues such as Liga MX and Süper Lig, further underlining his scoring proficiency.

Records

Valencia holds numerous records, including being Ecuador's all-time top scorer and the record-holder for the most goals scored in World Cup finals by an Ecuadorian. His club records feature individual awards such as top scorer titles in multiple league competitions.

\n","notable_achievements_html":"

Achievements

Team Achievements

Ecuadorian Serie A: 2013 (Emelec)
Liga MX: Apertura 2017, Clausura 2019 (Tigres UANL)
Turkish Cup: 2022–23 (Fenerbahçe)

Individual Achievements

Ecuadorian Serie A Best Player: 2013
Copa Sudamericana Top scorer: 2013
Liga MX Top scorer: Clausura 2014
CONCACAF Champions League Golden Boot: 2019
Süper Lig Top scorer: 2022–23

Awards and Recognition

Valencia's career has been decorated with individual accolades recognizing his exceptional talents. He was included in the Liga MX Best XI in Apertura 2017 and recognized for his campaign contributions in the CONCACAF Champions League. Overall, his performances have earned admiration across the footballing community, marking him as one of Ecuador's finest players.

\n","impact_on_sport_html":"

Career Overview

Enner Valencia's football legacy stands as a testament to his determination, skill, and perseverance. By overcoming challenging beginnings, he has established a distinguished career, achieving success both at the club and international levels. His role as Ecuador's top scorer highlights his contribution to his national team, inspiring future generations of Ecuadorian footballers.

Off the Field

Valencia's influence extends beyond the pitch through community engagement and personal challenges. Notably, he has faced difficulties, including legal issues related to child support and personal family matters. Despite these challenges, he remains a respected figure in football circles, known for his resilience and dedication.

Personal Life

Valencia's personal life is deeply rooted in his origins in the Esmeraldas Province. He has faced adversity, indicative of his time at Emelec where he struggled financially. His family's significance in his life is profound, as highlighted by his sister's kidnapping ordeal in 2020. Valencia's story of rising from humble beginnings continues to resonate, demonstrating the power of determination and the pursuit of one’s passion.

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Enner Valencia: Profile