Wilder Cartagena facts for kids
Cartagena with Orlando City in 2024
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| Personal information | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Full name | Wilder José Cartagena Mendoza | ||
| Date of birth | 23 September 1994 | ||
| Place of birth | El Carmen, Ica, Peru | ||
| Height | 1.80 m | ||
| Playing position | Defensive midfielder | ||
| Club information | |||
| Current club | Orlando City | ||
| Number | 16 | ||
| Youth career | |||
| 2012 | Alianza Lima | ||
| Senior career* | |||
| Years | Team | Apps† | (Gls)† |
| 2012–2014 | Alianza Lima | 24 | (1) |
| 2014–2015 | Vitória Setúbal | 0 | (0) |
| 2015–2017 | Universidad San Martín | 100 | (3) |
| 2018 | Veracruz | 25 | (0) |
| 2019 | Alianza Lima | 30 | (0) |
| 2020–2021 | Godoy Cruz | 17 | (3) |
| 2021–2023 | Kalba FC | 22 | (0) |
| 2022–2023 | → Orlando City (loan) | 35 | (2) |
| 2022 | → Orlando City B (loan) | 1 | (1) |
| 2024– | Orlando City | 27 | (0) |
| National team‡ | |||
| 2013– | Peru | 40 | (0) |
† Appearances (Goals). |
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Wilder José Cartagena Mendoza (born September 23, 1994) is a talented Peruvian footballer. He plays as a defensive midfielder for Major League Soccer club Orlando City. Wilder also proudly represents his home country, Peru, on their national football team.
Contents
Wilder's Early Life and Football Start
Wilder Cartagena grew up loving football. He spent most of his free time playing on the streets. An earthquake sadly damaged his school in El Carmen. This meant he had to move to Lima to continue his studies.
In Lima, Wilder made new friends who played youth football for different clubs. This led him to try out for Alianza Lima, a famous club. He was accepted into their academy! Interestingly, Wilder first played as a goalkeeper for Alianza Lima. But after a school game where he played in midfield, the club decided to move him to that position.
Wilder's Club Football Journey
Wilder Cartagena officially joined the first team of Alianza Lima in January 2012. He made his professional debut in the Torneo Descentralizado league. This was a 2–2 draw against León de Huánuco.
After playing for Alianza Lima, Wilder moved to other clubs. He played for Vitória Setúbal in Portugal and Universidad San Martín back in Peru. Later, he played for Veracruz in Mexico and Godoy Cruz in Argentina. He also spent some time with Kalba FC in the United Arab Emirates.
Joining Orlando City
On August 2, 2022, Wilder joined Orlando City in Major League Soccer (MLS). He first joined on a loan from Kalba FC. He quickly became an important player for the team. In December 2023, Orlando City decided to make his move permanent. He continues to play for them today.
Wilder's International Career
Wilder Cartagena has proudly represented his country, Peru, on the international stage.
Playing for Peru
In May 2018, Wilder was chosen for Peru's team for the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. This is a huge honor for any footballer. He also played for Peru in the 2021 Copa América and the 2024 Copa América tournaments. These are big competitions for national teams in South America.
Wilder's Personal Life
Wilder Cartagena is a family man and has a daughter. He has a very close friendship with his Orlando City teammate, Pedro Gallese. Wilder describes their relationship as a "brotherhood." This is because they have played for the same clubs before, and their families are also very close.
Honours
Orlando City
- U.S. Open Cup: 2022
Images for kids
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Cartagena with Orlando City in 2024
See also
In Spanish: Wilder Cartagena para niños
