Rafael Santos Borre: Who is Eintracht Frankfurt's Europa League-winning striker?

Rafael Santos Borre

Age: 26

Club: Eintracht Frankfurt

Position: Forward

Country: Colombia (16 caps)

Key stats

Borre won the 2014/15 Colombian League title with Deportivo Cali, contributing seven goals in nine appearances, including a hat-trick on only his third senior outing. The following campaign, the 5'8" forward got his first taste of the Copa Libertadores, a competition he would win with River Plate in 2018.

Borre lifted four titles across a four-year stint at River, but not before testing the waters in Europe for the first time. Despite not making a single senior appearance for Atletico Madrid, the Colombian's career took a turn for the better during a loan spell at La Liga rivals Villarreal, where he scored four goals in 30 outings in 2016/17.

Borre's numbers in a River shirt climbed further still. With 56 goals in 149 competitive matches, he ranks as the Argentine club's record scorer of the modern era. His eight strikes in 13 2020/21 Copa de la Liga matches represented a league high, emulating his tournament-leading efforts at the 2017/18 FIFA Club World Cup (three goals).

Borre joined Frankfurt in July 2021 as a replacement for the departing Andre Silva, and wasted little time in underscoring his quality in his debut Bundesliga season. The Barranquilla native made 31 league appearances (28 starts), and finished as the team's top scorer with eight goals and four assists.

Watch: All of Borre's Bundesliga goals in 2021/22

Moreover, the right-footer added a further four strikes as the Eagles soared to UEFA Europa League glory, including a sensational long-range stunner in Barcelona, the equaliser in the final against Rangers and the decisive, title-winning penalty in the shootout in Seville. Andre who?

Plays a bit like: Javier 'Chicharito' Hernandez

A diminutive right-footed forward with twinkle toes and the ability to inflict damage from deep or as a fox in the box, Borre has more than a touch of former Bayer Leverkusen striker Javier 'Chicharito' Hernandez about his game. A hard-working, intelligent player with a knack for finding space at the right time, Borre adds an extra dimension whenever he takes to the field.

Did you know?

Borre was hotly linked with a move to Rangers and Celtic of Scotland, as well as Italy's Lazio, before becoming the first Colombian national to sign for Frankfurt, on a deal through to 2025.

What they're saying

"Borre is a very interesting player who already has experience in European club football. He'll help us with his goal instinct and clinical finishing. We're pleased to have gained a player with international stature." - Frankfurt sporting director Markus Krösche

"Borre's one of Colombia's danger men, we have to watch him." - Brazil coach Tite, speaking at the 2021 Copa America

"Borre's killing it at River. He came to us when he was still very young, but his development since has been phenomenal." - Atletico Madrid head coach Diego Simeone

"Rafael is a valuable player for us in lots of areas." - Frankfurt head coach Oliver Glasner

About the clubs Eintracht Frankfurt

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