Abel Aguilar

Spain For the following three years, Aguilar was also loaned, always in the Spanish second division. He started out in January 2007 at Xerez CD, where he remained until the end of the 2007–08 campaign, always as first choice.

In 2008–09, Aguilar represented Hércules CF, being a permanent fixture as the Alicante side fell three points short of a return to La Liga. which in turn promoted to the top flight; he made his debut in the competition on 29 August, starting and playing 71 minutes in a 1–0 home win against CD Tenerife, and scored all his four league goals during the first two months of competition.

Aguilar was released by Udinese in July 2010, immediately signing a four-year contract with former club Hércules, returned to the top division after an absence of 13 years. He appeared in 34 scoreless games during the season, which ended in relegation.

Aguilar returned to the Spanish top tier in the 2012–13 campaign, being loaned to Deportivo de La Coruña. He netted twice in just his second league appearance to help to a 3–3 draw at Valencia CF, but his team was again eventually relegated.

Toulouse On 22 August 2013, Aguilar agreed to a three-year deal with Toulouse FC. His maiden appearance in Ligue 1 occurred nine days later, putting on an average performance and being booked in a 2–1 away loss to SC Bastia.

Aguilar spent his third year in France on the sidelines, nursing a serious ankle injury. In the very last moments of the 2016 January transfer window, he joined C.F. Os Belenenses from Portugal.

Return home On 12 June 2016, after 11 years playing in Europe, Aguilar returned to his country and Deportivo Cali, signing a three-year contract. He scored his first goal for the team on 29 July, in the 2–1 victory over América de Cali in the Copa Colombia.

FC Dallas On 27 August 2018, Aguilar joined Major League Soccer side FC Dallas. At the end of the season, he was released.

Unión Magdalena Aged 33, Aguilar returned to his country in December 2018, agreeing to a deal at Unión Magdalena for the upcoming season. On 18 February 2020, he announced his retirement.

International career Aguilar was captain of the Colombia national team at under-17 and under-20 levels. He rose to stardom as leader of the latter side that finished third at the 2003 FIFA World Youth Championship.

Aguilar was then promoted to the senior squad for the 2004 Copa América held in Peru. There, he scored two goals, helping his country to the semi-finals.

Subsequently, Aguilar returned to the under-20 (again as captain), helping them to a first-place finish at the 2005 South American Youth Cup with the consequent qualification for the World Championship of the category in the Netherlands. After helping the national team to three group-stage wins, he could not prevent a round-of-16 2–1 ousting at the ends of Argentina. He played his first-ever game in the tournament on 14 June, starting in a 3–0 group stage win against Greece which was also his 50th cap.

Aguilar was also picked for the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

Career statistics International

Scores and results list Colombia's goal tally first, score column indicates score after each Aguilar goal. Date Venue Opponent Score Result Competition 1. 12 July 2004 Estadio Mansiche, Trujillo, Peru 2004 Copa América 2. 17 July 2004 3. 12 July 2005 Orange Bowl, Miami, United States 2005 CONCACAF Gold Cup 4. 17 July 2005 Reliant Stadium, Houston, United States 5. 6 February 2013 Sun Life, Miami Gardens, United States Friendly 6. 30 March 2015 Mohammed Bin Zayed, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates 7. 11 October 2016 Metropolitano Roberto Meléndez, Barranquilla, Colombia 2018 World Cup qualification