55 years (August 27, 1966)
René Higuita/Age
Who created the scorpion kick in football?
René Higuita
26 years ago, René Higuita made history with a save never seen before in soccer. Now known as the scorpion kick, the move has never been forgotten.
What is a scorpion kick in soccer?
The scorpion kick, also known as a reverse bicycle kick or back hammer kick, is a physical move in association football that is achieved by diving or throwing the body forwards and then placing the hands on the ground to lunge the back heels forward to kick an incoming ball.
Who did the scorpion kick?
René Higuita was a goalkeeper renowned for his unconventional playing style. Besides leaving often abandoning the box and taking free-kicks and penalties, he famously created the scorpion kick.
What is René Higuita famous for?
René Higuita. José René Higuita Zapata (Spanish pronunciation: [reˈne iˈɣita]; born 27 August 1966) is a retired Colombian football goalkeeper. He was nicknamed El Loco (“The Madman”) for his high-risk ‘sweeper-keeper’ playing style and his flair for the dramatic.
What is the meaning of Higuita Zapata?
In this Spanish name, the first or paternal surname is Higuita and the second or maternal family name is Zapata. José René Higuita Zapata ( Spanish pronunciation: [reˈne iˈɣita]; born 27 August 1966) is a Colombian former professional footballer who played as a goalkeeper.
Who is Diego Higuita and what did he do?
Higuita was friends with Diego Maradona and played in the Argentine’s farewell match in 2001. Higuita was imprisoned in 1993 after getting involved in a kidnapping. Acting as a go-between for the drug barons Pablo Escobar and Carlos Molina, he was largely responsible for securing the release of Molina’s daughter by delivering the ransom money.
What is Higuita’s style of play?
Higuita’s style of play, which was first shown to a global audience during the 1990 FIFA World Cup, was pioneering in influencing goalkeepers to take more responsibility for situations further from the goal. IFFHS ranked Higuita the 8th best South American keeper in history.
