Juan Cuadrado facts for kids

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In this Spanish name, the first or paternal family name is Cuadrado and the second or maternal family name is Bello.

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Juan Cuadrado

Cuadrado with Juventus in 2019

Personal information

Date of birth

26 May 1988 (age 37)

Place of birth

Necoclí, Colombia

Height

1.79 m

Playing position

Winger, right-back

Club information

Current club

Atalanta

Number

Youth career

Atlético Urabá

2003–2008

Independiente Medellín

Senior career*

Years

Team

Apps^†

(Gls)^†

2008–2009

Independiente Medellín

(2)

2009–2012

Udinese

(0)

2011–2012

→ Lecce (loan)

(3)

2012–2015

Fiorentina

(20)

2015–2017

Chelsea

(0)

2015–2017

→ Juventus (loan)

(6)

2017–2023

Juventus

166

(14)

2023–2024

Inter Milan

(0)

2024–

Atalanta

(0)

National team^‡

2010–

Colombia

116

(11)

Honours

Men's football

Representing Colombia
Copa América
Third	2016 United States
Third	2021 Brazil

Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only and correct as of 23:22, 22 December 2024 (UTC).

† Appearances (Goals).

‡ National team caps and goals correct as of 24 December 2023 (UTC)

Juan Guillermo Cuadrado Bello (born on May 26, 1988) is a professional footballer from Colombia. He plays for the Atalanta club in Italy and is also a key player for the Colombia national team. Juan usually plays on the right side of the field. He can be a winger, a full-back, or a wing-back. He is known for his fast pace, great dribbling skills, and direct way of playing.

Juan started his career at Independiente Medellín in Colombia. In 2009, he moved to Italy to play for Udinese. He didn't play much there, so he was loaned to Lecce for the 2011–12 season. Even though Lecce was moved down to a lower league, Juan's good performances helped him get a transfer to Fiorentina.

In February 2015, he joined Chelsea in England. He didn't play much for Chelsea either. So, he was loaned to Juventus in Italy for two seasons. During this time, he helped Juventus win the Serie A league and the Coppa Italia cup multiple times. In 2017, he joined Juventus permanently. He continued to win more league titles and cups with them. In June 2023, Juan moved to Inter Milan on a free transfer, signing a one-year contract. In 2024, he joined Atalanta.

Juan first played for the Colombian national team in 2010. He has played in over 110 matches for his country. He was part of the Colombian teams that played in five Copa América tournaments (2011, 2015, 2016, 2019, and 2021). Colombia finished third in 2016 and 2021. Juan also played for Colombia in two FIFA World Cup tournaments, in 2014 and 2018.

Juan's Club Journey
Juan's International Career
Juan's Playing Style
Juan's Personal Life
Career Statistics
- Club
- International
Honours and Awards
See also

Juan's Club Journey

Starting Out in Colombia

Juan Cuadrado was born in Necoclí, Colombia. He started playing football when he was 12 years old. His mother suggested he join a youth academy called Manchester F.C. Apartadó. His great playing there helped him join Deportivo Cali's youth team.

Later, Juan played for Atlético Uraba. At first, he was a forward. But his coach, Nelson Gallego, suggested he try playing as a midfielder, usually a winger. Juan became very good in this role. He could also play as a full-back or wing-back sometimes. He had a short time at a second-division club called Rionegro. But then, manager Juan José Peláez of Independiente Medellín saw his potential.

Playing for Independiente Medellín

In 2008, Juan joined Independiente Medellín. This meant he was back in Colombia's top league. He played his first professional game against Boyacá Chicó and scored his first goal in that match. Juan stayed with Medellín until 2009 before moving to Europe.

Moving to Italy with Udinese

On July 2, 2009, Juan signed a five-year deal with the Italian club Udinese. He played his first game for Udinese as a right wing-back in a 2–1 win. However, he didn't get to play much for the rest of that season.

Loan to Lecce

On August 3, 2011, Juan was loaned to another Serie A team, Lecce, for the 2011–12 season. He scored his first goal for Lecce in a 1–0 win against Cesena. Even though Juan played well, Lecce finished 18th and was moved down to a lower league. After that, he went back to Udinese.

Time at Fiorentina

On July 23, 2012, Juan moved to Fiorentina. He first joined on a temporary deal. He scored his first goal for the Florence club in a big 4–1 home win against Cagliari. He ended that season with five goals and six assists. He was a very important part of the team that finished fourth in the league. In June 2013, Fiorentina bought half of Juan's player rights.

On February 11, 2014, Juan scored a goal for Fiorentina in a cup semi-final match against his old club Udinese. This goal helped Fiorentina win 3–2 overall and reach the final of the Coppa Italia. He got a yellow card after scoring, which meant he couldn't play in the final. Fiorentina lost the final 3–1 to Napoli.

In June 2014, Fiorentina bought all of Juan's player rights from Udinese.

Playing for Chelsea

Cuadrado waiting to play for Chelsea at Villa Park in 2015

On February 2, 2015, the English club Chelsea announced they had signed Juan Cuadrado from Fiorentina. He signed a four-and-a-half-year deal. Juan said he was "very happy and thankful" for the chance to join the "Chelsea family." His manager at Fiorentina, Vincenzo Montella, said he was happy for Juan because he was going to a "big club."

Five days after signing, Juan played his first game for Chelsea. He came on as a substitute in a 2–1 win against Aston Villa. On February 11, he started his first game at Stamford Bridge. On March 1, he won his first trophy with Chelsea. They beat Tottenham Hotspur 2–0 in the League Cup final.

On May 3, Juan started only his third game for Chelsea. Chelsea won their fifth league title with a 1–0 victory against Crystal Palace. In the last game of the season, he won a penalty kick that helped Chelsea score.

Joining Juventus

Cuadrado playing for Juve against Crotone in 2017

On August 25, 2015, Juan signed a one-season loan deal with Juventus in Italy. He was given the number 16 jersey. Five days later, he played his first game for Juventus. On October 31, Juan scored his first goal for Juventus against Torino. This goal helped Juventus win 2–1 in extra time. On March 16, 2016, Juan scored his first ever UEFA Champions League goal. This was in a game against Bayern Munich. On May 21, he helped set up the winning goal in the 2016 Coppa Italia final against Milan. Juventus won 1–0, which meant they won both the league and cup for the second year in a row.

Juan went back to Chelsea in June 2016. But on August 31, he returned to Juventus on a three-year loan. He was given the number 7 jersey. On February 5, 2017, Juan scored the only goal in a 1–0 home win against Inter Milan.

On May 22, 2017, it was announced that Juan had joined Juventus permanently until 2020. In the 2017 UEFA Champions League Final on June 3, Juan came on as a substitute. However, he was sent off after getting two yellow cards. Juventus lost the match 4–1 to Real Madrid.

When Cristiano Ronaldo joined Juventus in 2018, Juan let Ronaldo wear the number 7 shirt. Juan went back to wearing number 16. He said on Instagram that "It is better to give than to receive."

On September 21, 2019, Juan played his 100th Serie A game for Juventus. He helped win a penalty that Cristiano Ronaldo scored. During the 2019–20 season, Juan often played as an attacking right-back. On November 3, he played his 150th game for the club. Later that month, he extended his contract with Juventus until 2022. On December 5, 2020, Juan assisted both goals in a 2–1 win against Torino. On May 15, 2021, he scored two goals in a 3–2 home win over Inter Milan. In the 2020–21 season, Juan was the top assist provider in the UEFA Champions League. On December 5, he scored a goal directly from a corner kick in a 2–0 win against Genoa.

On June 30, 2023, Juventus said goodbye to Juan after he spent eight years with the club.

Playing for Inter Milan

On July 19, 2023, Juan joined Inter Milan on a one-year deal. In December 2023, he had to have surgery for an injury to his Achilles tendon.

Joining Atalanta

On August 26, 2024, Juan Cuadrado joined another Serie A team, Atalanta. He signed a one-year contract as a free agent.

Juan's International Career

Cuadrado and Brazil's Neymar and Marcelo competing for the ball at the 2014 FIFA World Cup

After moving to Udinese, Juan was called up to the Colombia national team for the first time. He started in a match against Venezuela on September 3, 2010. He scored the first goal in a 2–0 victory.

Juan was part of the Colombian team that reached the quarter-finals of the 2011 Copa América in Argentina. He played in one game, a 2–0 win over Bolivia.

Juan was chosen for Colombia's team for the 2014 FIFA World Cup. In a group stage match against Japan, he scored Colombia's first goal from a penalty kick. Colombia won 4–1. He ended the World Cup with four assists, tying for the most assists in the tournament.

Juan played every minute of Colombia's games in the 2015 Copa América in Chile. They reached the quarter-finals but lost to Argentina in a penalty shootout.

On October 13, 2015, Juan was sent off in a World Cup qualification game against Uruguay. Juan was also part of Colombia's team for the Copa América Centenario in 2016.

In the 2018 FIFA World Cup, Juan played all four games for Colombia. They reached the Round of 16 but lost to England on penalties. He scored one goal in a 3–0 win against Poland.

On May 30, 2019, Juan was included in Colombia's team for the 2019 Copa América.

In June 2021, he was part of Colombia's team for the 2021 Copa América. On June 23, he assisted Colombia's first goal in a game against Brazil. On July 7, he played his 100th game for Colombia. This made him the fifth Colombian player to reach 100 international games. On July 9, he scored Colombia's first goal from a free kick in a 3–2 win over Peru. This win secured third place for Colombia.

Juan's Playing Style

Cuadrado playing against Douglas Santos in a UEFA Champions League match

Juan Cuadrado is known for his attacking style of play on the right side of the field. He can score goals himself with powerful shots from far away. He also creates chances for his teammates to score. He can play as a wide midfielder or a winger. This is because he is good at running down the wing to attack.

He often uses his speed, skill, and dribbling to get past opponents. This helps him create space to shoot or send crosses into the penalty area. Because of how he plays, always taking on defenders and sending balls into the box, he is seen as one of the few "traditional" wide midfielders in football today.

Experts like Tim Vickery have said that Juan's speed, quickness, and dribbling skills helped Colombia move forward in the 2014 World Cup. Besides playing on the wing, Juan is also good as an attacking right-back or wing-back. This is because he has a lot of energy and works hard. He has played in these positions more often at Juventus.

Juan is a very flexible player. He can also play on the left side of the field. This allows him to cut inside and shoot with his stronger right foot. Early in his career, he even played as a central or defensive midfielder. Sometimes, he even played as a forward or striker. He can also play as an attacking midfielder or a second striker.

Juan's Personal Life

Juan Cuadrado was born in Necoclí. He faced a tough childhood, losing his father at a young age. His mother, who worked at a banana company, supported them. She told him he had to be a good student to be able to play football. Juan is a very religious Christian.

Juan was featured on the Latin American cover of the video game FIFA 16, alongside famous player Lionel Messi.

Career Statistics

Cuadrado playing for Chelsea in 2015

Club

Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
Club	Season	League			National cup		League cup		Continental		Other		Total
Club	Season	Division	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals
Independiente Medellín	2008	Categoría Primera A	21	2	—		—		—		—		21	2
	2009	Categoría Primera A	9	0	—		—		2	0	—		11	0
	Total		30	2	—		—		2	0	—		32	2
Udinese	2009–10	Serie A	11	0	1	0	—		—		—		12	0
	2010–11	Serie A	9	0	3	0	—		—		—		12	0
	Total		20	0	4	0	—		—		—		24	0
Lecce (loan)	2011–12	Serie A	33	3	0	0	—		—		—		33	3
Fiorentina	2012–13	Serie A	36	5	4	0	—		—		—		40	5
	2013–14	Serie A	32	11	3	1	—		8	3	—		43	15
	2014–15	Serie A	17	4	1	1	—		5	1	—		23	6
	Total		85	20	8	2	—		13	4	—		106	26
Chelsea	2014–15	Premier League	12	0	—		1	0	1	0	—		14	0
	2015–16	Premier League	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	—		1	0
	Total		13	0	0	0	1	0	1	0	—		15	0
Juventus (loan)	2015–16	Serie A	28	4	4	0	—		8	1	—		40	5
Juventus (loan)	2016–17	Serie A	30	2	3	0	—		12	1	0	0	45	3
Juventus	2017–18	Serie A	21	4	1	0	—		6	1	1	0	29	5
	2018–19	Serie A	18	1	0	0	—		5	0	0	0	23	1
	2019–20	Serie A	33	2	5	0	—		6	1	1	0	45	3
	2020–21	Serie A	30	2	3	0	—		6	0	1	0	40	2
	2021–22	Serie A	33	4	5	1	—		7	0	0	0	45	5
	2022–23	Serie A	31	1	2	1	—		14	0	—		47	2
	Total		224	20	23	2	—		64	4	3	0	314	26
Inter Milan	2023–24	Serie A	10	0	0	0	—		2	0	0	0	12	0
Atalanta	2024–25	Serie A	9	0	0	0	—		5	0	0	0	14	0
Career total			424	45	35	4	1	0	87	8	3	0	550	57

International

Cuadrado with Colombia at the 2018 FIFA World Cup

National team	Year	Apps	Goals
Colombia	2010	4	1
	2011	4	0
	2012	7	2
	2013	11	0
	2014	11	2
	2015	9	0
	2016	14	1
	2017	8	1
	2018	9	1
	2019	12	0
	2020	4	0
	2021	15	2
	2022	5	0
	2023	3	1
Total		116	11

Colombia score listed first, score column indicates score after each Cuadrado goal.

International goals by date, venue, opponent, score, result and competition
No.	Date	Venue	Opponent	Score	Result	Competition
1	3 September 2010	Estadio José Antonio Anzoátegui, Puerto la Cruz, Venezuela	Venezuela	1–0	2–0	Friendly
2	29 February 2012	Sun Life Stadium, Miami Gardens, United States	Mexico	2–0	2–0	Friendly
3	14 November 2012	MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, United States	Brazil	1–0	1–1	Friendly
4	6 June 2014	Estadio Pedro Bidegain, Buenos Aires, Argentina	Jordan	2–0	3–0	Friendly
5	24 June 2014	Arena Pantanal, Cuiabá, Brazil	Japan	1–0	4–1	2014 FIFA World Cup
6	29 May 2016	Marlins Park, Miami, United States	Haiti	2–1	3–1	Friendly
7	28 March 2017	Estadio Olímpico Atahualpa, Quito, Ecuador	Ecuador	2–0	2–0	2018 FIFA World Cup qualification
8	24 June 2018	Kazan Arena, Kazan, Russia	Poland	3–0	3–0	2018 FIFA World Cup
9	9 July 2021	Estádio Nacional Mané Garrincha, Brasília, Brazil	Peru	1–1	3–2	2021 Copa América
10	5 September 2021	Estadio Defensores del Chaco, Asunción, Paraguay	Paraguay	1–1	1–1	2022 FIFA World Cup qualification
11	20 June 2023	Arena AufSchalke, Gelsenkirchen, Germany	Germany	2–0	2–0	Friendly