Radamel Falcão: A Traditional #9

While Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are grabbing all the international attention for their incredible skill and goal tally's over the past several seasons, Radamel Falcão is establishing himself as one of the most potent strikers in the game.

Falcão and his club FC Porto have already clinched the Portuguese League title and are on their way to possibly capturing the UEFA Europa League and Cup of Portugal, what we call a "treble" in the game. For the most part, Falcão has been overshadowed this season by his striking partner Hulk, who has garnered interest from many of Europe's wealthiest clubs. However, Falcão's ability seems to finally be grabbing some attention of it's own. 

He moved to FC Porto in the Summer of 2009 from River Plate and was the subject of a war between Porto and rivals SL Benfica. Both clubs had been keen on this talent and Porto had managed to just beat out their rivals and what a prize they gained. As a young player with River Plate, Falcão showed great promise and with the goals he was scoring at a young age in the Argentine Clausura, it was almost clear that a move to Europe was on it's way. Once Porto had sold Lisandro López to Lyon, Falcão was seen as his immediate replacement. 

Falcão scored 25 goals in his first season in the Portuguese League.

His impact couldn't have been more immediate or impressive in his first season with FC Porto. He proved to be an enigma to the defenders in the league and posted 25 goals in 28 league matches. Although an incredible feat, he fell short of winning the Portuguese Golden Shoe as Benfica's Cardozo ran away with the award after scoring 26 goals. Falcão would go on to score a total of 34 goals in 42 total matches. 


He also earned himself some European experience as he managed to score 4 goals in his first participation in the UEFA Champions League. His performance throughout the season was seen as one of the bright spots for FC Porto and their supporters after they had lost Falcão's striking partner Hulk to suspension for his part in the controversial tunnel incident at the Estádio da Luz. 

The 2010-2011 season would see a change as Porto would bring in a new manager in Andre Villas-Boas along with acquiring Portuguese midfielder João Moutinho from rivals Sporting CP. The new season also saw the return of Brazilian striker Hulk as Porto look to redeem themselves for a below-par season which saw them finish 3rd for the first time since 2002. 

Falcão has converted 14 goals this season in 21 league appearances and although there are still 3 games left to play, he won't be able to catch the lead leader which happens to be his striking partner Hulk, who has accumulated 22 this campaign and is all but confirmed to win the Portuguese Golden Shoe with 3 matches to go. Falcão scored several decisive goals during Porto's championship campaign including a brace in a 5-0 thrashing of bitter rival's SL Benfica he then followed that by earning a decisive penalty which eventually saw Porto defeat Benfica once again but in a much more meaningful victory as they were crowned champions of Portugal at Benfica's house.

Falcão (Right) celebrates his 1st Portuguese League title with teammates at the Estádio da Luz.

His league contribution may have been overshadow by his teammate, but that doesn't bother Falcão. Why would it when your club is winning and you have of course made up with scoring in the UEFA Europa League competition that Porto look closer to winning after thrashing Villarreal 5-1 at home. 


Falcão scored 4 goals in the 2nd half to lead FC Porto back from 1-0 deficit at the half and now have one foot firmly down in Dublin for a chance to claim European glory. Falcão has scored an incredible 15 times in 12 Europa League matches for Porto as he's tied Jurgen Klinsmann for the competition record with the possibility of shattering it in the 2nd leg against Villarreal and the Europa League final. 

Europa League glory would cement an incredible season for the Columbian youngster.

Falcão has already garnered interest from many large clubs around Europe, which will now put Porto under more pressure to hold onto another jewel. Falcão has had the best statistical season of his career converting 35 goals in 40 overall matches and his season isn't over yet. 

So while many of us are admiring the play of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo who have both put together some impressive statistical seasons, it is good to note that their are other players emerging with similar dominance. 

The verdict isn't completely out on Falcão, but an impressive Europa League campaign and final victory would surely assist in cementing one.