Sebastian Perez

Sebastian Perez Cardona (born 29 March 1993) is a Colombian professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for Portuguese Primeira Liga club Boavista.

He is known for his abilities to react quickly and his skills playing both in a defensive and an attacking role. He was referenced earlier in his career by media abroad his native Colombia as a highly rated top prospect in Colombia.

Club Career

Atletico Nacional

On 4 March 2011, Perez made his official debut for Nacional against Atletico Junior, replacing Macnelly Torres in the 86th minute. He would eventually win the 2011 Torneo Apertura with Los Verdolagas, making him the youngest player to win the honour at age 18. The following year, he was part of the Nacional squad that won both the Copa Colombia and the Superliga Colombiana, thus winning every top tier trophy in Colombia before the age of 20.

Following Colombia's exit from the 2013 FIFA U-20 World Cup, he was invited to Arsenal for a trial in August. He came on as a sub in the 67th minute for Arsenal's friendly against Manchester City, wearing the number 32 jersey. Arsenal went on to win the game 3–1. Despite only playing for 26 minutes, Perez was praised for his natural abilities despite being so young. Arsene Wenger stated that he was impressed with Perez during the week trial and decided to add him in the game. Despite impressing both the London club and its fans, Perez was unable to get a work-permit because 'he had yet to play at least 75% of Colombia's international matches'. Thus, he was sent back to Nacional. Despite this, Wenger claimed that he would continue monitoring Perez until an opportunity to sign him comes.

On 27 July 2016, Perez and Atletico Nacional conquered the 2016 Copa Libertadores.

This page also has a version in other languages :  Себастьян Перес (russian)