Jhon Arias

América de Cali On 10 December 2019, Arias signed a contract with América de Cali. He was unable to establish himself as a regular starter, scoring once in 29 matches.

Independiente Santa Fe On 7 January 2021, Arias joined Independiente Santa Fe. He quickly became a first-choice at his new side, and despite finishing winless in the group stage of 2021 Copa Libertadores, his performances attracted the interest of foreign clubs.

Fluminense On 18 August 2021, Arias moved abroad for the first time in his career, after agreeing to a four-year contract with Campeonato Brasileiro Série A side Fluminense. He made his debut abroad twelve days later, starting in a 2–0 home win over Bahia, and scored his first goal on 2 September, in a 1–1 home draw against Juventude.

After a first season mainly a backup, Arias subsequently became a starter, and was a part of the squad that won the club's first ever Copa Libertadores in 2023, by beating Boca Juniors 2–1 in the final. He was also nominated for the South American Footballer of the Year in that year, but finished fourth.

Arias' performances at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup earned him a nomination to the team of the tournament, having scored one goal, provided one assist and helped his side reach the semi-finals. His final appearance for Fluminense came in the team's first match following the World Cup, a 2–0 loss to Cruzeiro at the Maracanã.

Wolverhampton Wanderers

On 18 July 2025, Fluminense announced an agreement for the transfer of Arias to Premier League club Wolverhampton Wanderers. The deal was completed on 24 July on a four-year contract with the option of an additional year's extension.

Palmeiras On 7 February 2026, Arias returned to Brazil, this time joining Palmeiras on a three-year contract for €25 million paid over four years in instalments.

International career

On 24 May 2022, Arias was called up to the Colombia national team for a friendly against Saudi Arabia. He made his full international debut on 5 June, starting in the 1–0 win at the Estadio Nueva Condomina in Murcia, Spain.

Arias scored his first goal for Colombia on 26 March 2024, scoring his side's second in a 3–2 win over Romania at the Metropolitano Stadium. On 23 May, he was included in the squad for the 2024 Copa América.

On 25 May 2026, he was named in head coach Néstor Lorenzo's final 26-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. He made his FIFA World Cup debut as a starter on 17 June in a 3–1 victory over Uzbekistan, making his first appearance at the tournament.

On 3 July, he scored his first competitive international goal to secure a 1–0 victory over Ghana, sealing Colombia's qualification for the Round of 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Philanthropy Following the 2026 Colombia earthquake on 10 August, Arias and his wife, Alejandra Ayala, arranged an aircraft to transport medical personnel and supplies to his native Quibdó.

Career statistics Club

International

Scores and results list Colombia's goal tally first, score column indicates score after each Arias goal. 2025 Copa Libertadores Team of the Year: 2023 South American Team of the Year: 2023 FIFA Club World Cup Bronze Ball: 2023