Daniel Muñoz completes remarkable rise with first World Cup goal

Colombia opened its 2026 World Cup campaign with a 3-1 win over Uzbekistan on Thursday morning, taking an important first three points after returning to the tournament for the first time in eight years. Luis Díaz starred with a goal and an assist, but the other standout was right back Daniel Muñoz, who scored the goal that broke the match open.

Israeli outlet Sports 5 and Colombian daily El Colombiano described Muñoz’s path as a story of overcoming fate. The 30-year-old only began his professional career at 21, a late start by football standards. Raised in Envigado and a devoted Atlético Nacional fan, he said that as a teenager he was deceived by a man who promised him a chance to go abroad. He spent two years in countries including Mexico, Spain and Italy, but as a minor he could not secure a contract and eventually returned home.

Muñoz even considered quitting when he came back to Medellín in 2015. Instead, he got a chance with third-division side Total Soccer, trained there, regained his fitness, and was spotted by Águilas Doradas, which took a chance on him. From there, his career accelerated quickly, first with a year at Atlético Nacional, then a move to Genk for €4.5 million.

After four seasons in Belgium, Crystal Palace signed him for €8 million, nearly double the Genk fee. He later assisted Palace’s winning goal in the FA Cup final. Now, back in Mexico, where he once lived without an opportunity, he has scored his fourth goal for Colombia and his first ever at a World Cup, a milestone that underlined his long and difficult climb to the top.