Mayer Andrés Candelo García

During a professional career spanning more than two decades, he played in Colombia, Argentina, Chile and Peru, and was capped by the Colombia national football team. He is particularly associated with Deportivo Cali, Millonarios and Universitario.

Club career Candelo developed in the youth system of Deportivo Cali and made his professional debut shortly before his 19th birthday. After a loan spell with Alianza Llanos, he returned to Cali and became part of the side that won the Colombian championship in 1998.

In 2000, Candelo moved abroad for the first time to join Argentine club Vélez Sarsfield, where he played alongside fellow Colombians Jairo Castillo and Julián Téllez. He subsequently returned to Colombia and represented América de Cali, Cortuluá, Millonarios and Deportivo Cali. Candelo won the Colombian championship with América in 2001. He made his league debut in a 2–1 victory over Universidad de Concepción, receiving praise for his performance in midfield.

Candelo helped Universidad de Chile reach the final of the 2006 Apertura. He scored in a 3–1 victory over Universidad Católica in the quarter-finals, and started the first leg of the final against Colo-Colo. The championship was eventually decided by a penalty shoot-out, in which goalkeeper Claudio Bravo saved Candelo's attempt as Colo-Colo won the title. He left Universidad de Chile following the tournament.

Days later, Candelo signed for Peruvian club Universitario. He established himself as a key player for the Lima club and was recognised in the Peruvian media for his performances during the 2006 season. In 2008, he helped Universitario win the Apertura tournament. Candelo scored from the penalty spot in the 3–1 victory over Cienciano that mathematically secured the championship.

Candelo remained in Peru after leaving Universitario, playing for Juan Aurich in 2009 and Universidad César Vallejo in 2010. He returned to Colombia in 2011 for a second spell with Millonarios, which became one of the longest periods of his career. As one of the team's senior players, he helped Millonarios win the Copa Colombia in 2011 and the 2012 Finalización, ending the club's 24-year wait for a Colombian league championship.

After leaving Millonarios, Candelo returned to Cortuluá and subsequently rejoined Deportivo Cali in 2016. By that stage, he had played more than 700 official matches during his professional career.

International career Candelo represented Colombia at youth and under-23 level before progressing to the senior national team. He made 12 appearances for the Colombia senior team between 1999 and 2003.

Honours Deportivo Cali 1998 Categoría Primera A season

Universitario de Deportes Apertura: 2008

Millonarios F.C. 2012 Categoría Primera A - Torneo Finalización