Elkin Soto

Elkin Soto Jaramillo (born 4 August 1980) is a Colombian football coach and former player who played as a midfielder. He is the current manager of Once Caldas' youth categories.

Club career Soto was born in Manizales, Caldas Department.

He was one of the fundamental parts in Once Caldas Copa Libertadores 2004 historic final against Boca Juniors in which they won.

Following one season with Ecuadorian side, Barcelona SC, Soto was signed by Jurgen Klopp to play for Bundesliga side, Mainz 05, where he spent 9 seasons (2007-2016), during which time he also played for Thomas Tuchel.

On 1 February 2019, it was confirmed that Soto had returned to Once Caldas for the third time. Soto retired at the end of the 2018–19 season.

International career He is also a starter of the Colombia national team where he plays left wing midfielder. He has been known for scoring many game-winning goals and is seen as a real leader on the field. He played the last five games of the qualifiers for the 2006 FIFA World Cup and scored against Peru, Ecuador and Uruguay. He has scored many goals in friendlies as well.

Career statistics

Club

1 Includes cup competitions such as Copa Libertadores and Copa Sudamericana.

2 Includes Superliga Colombiana matches.

3 Includes UEFA Champions League and UEFA Europa League matches.

International goals Scores and results lists Colombia's goal tally first. Date Venue Opponent Score Result Competition 1. 4 June 2005 Estadio Metropolitano Roberto Meléndez, Barranquilla, Colombia 2006 FIFA World Cup qualification 2. 4 September 2005 Estadio Centenario, Montevideo, Uruguay 3. 1 March 2006 Estadio José Pachencho Romero, Maracaibo, Venezuela Friendly 4. 25 May 2006 Giants Stadium, East Rutherford, United States 5. 4 June 2006 Camp Municipal Narcís Sala, Barcelona, Spain 6. 16 August 2006 Estadio Nacional Julio Martínez Prádanos, Santiago, Chile

Honours

Club Once Caldas Categoría Primera A: 2003-I Copa Libertadores: 2004