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David Ospina
Colombian footballer (born 1988) From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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David Ospina Ramírez (born 31 August 1988) is a Colombian professional footballer who plays as a goalkeeper for Categoría Primera A club Atlético Nacional, which he captains, and the Colombia national team.
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Ospina began his career at Atlético Nacional, making his debut with the club in 2005. After achieving two domestic titles with Los Verdolagas, Ospina joined French side Nice. In 2014, he joined Arsenal on a four-year deal. During his time in London, Ospina won three trophies with the club: the FA Cup in 2015 and 2017, as well as the 2017 FA Community Shield. In 2018, Ospina was loaned out to Serie A club Napoli. The following year, Napoli permanently signed Ospina. In 2020, Ospina played a pivotal role in Napoli's conquering of the Coppa Italia. Following unsuccessful negotiations to renew his contract with Napoli, Ospina signed for Saudi Pro League side Al Nassr in 2022. In mid-2024, he returned to his home country, rejoining Atlético Nacional, where he won Copa Colombia for the first time of his career.
Ospina has represented his country at a full international level since 2007. At youth level, Ospina represented Colombia at the 2005 FIFA World Youth Championship. Notably, he was part of the Colombia squads that won gold at the 2005 Bolivarian Games and the 2006 Central American and Caribbean Games. Upon his senior debut against Uruguay, he became the youngest goalkeeper to make an appearance for Colombia. He has since earned 128 caps for his nation, making him his nation's most capped player of all time, appearing at four Copa Américas and two World Cups.
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Club career
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Early Career and Rise at Atlético Nacional
David Ospina began his professional football career with the youth academy of Atlético Nacional, one of Colombia’s most successful clubs, based in his hometown of Medellín. After progressing through the ranks, he made his senior debut in the Categoría Primera A in 2005 at the age of 17.[4][5]
Ospina made an immediate impact during the 2005 Torneo Apertura, becoming a key figure in the Atlético Nacional side that secured the league title under manager Santiago Escobar. It was his first major trophy, coming just months after his debut, and helped solidify his reputation as a rising talent in Colombian football.[6][7]
Local sports media began to praise Ospina's agility, composure, and maturity beyond his years.[8][9]
By 2007, Ospina had firmly established himself as Atlético Nacional's first-choice goalkeeper. Under manager Óscar Héctor Quintabani, he was instrumental in helping the team achieve a historic domestic double, winning both the Apertura and Finalización. In the Apertura final, Nacional faced Atlético Huila, with Ospina’s strong goalkeeping performances proving decisive in their 2–1 aggregate victory. His contributions in the second leg, played on 17 June 2007, were particularly vital in securing the title.[10][11]
OGC Nice
David Ospina’s six-year tenure at OGC Nice, from 2008 to 2014, was a transformative period that saw the Colombian goalkeeper evolve into one of Ligue 1’s most reliable shot-stoppers.[12]
Arrival and Early Promise (2008–09)
Following three standout seasons at Atlético Nacional, Ospina joined OGC Nice in July 2008 for a reported €2 million fee.[13] He was recruited as the long-term replacement for Hugo Lloris, who had departed for Olympique Lyonnais in a deal worth €8.5 million. Ospina initially served as backup to Lionel Letizi, using this period to acclimate to European football.
He debuted in the Coupe de la Ligue on 18 October 2008 and made his Ligue 1 debut a month later. On 17 January 2009, he earned his first league start and clean sheet in a 2–0 home win against AJ Auxerre.[14]
In a 2–1 away victory over FC Lorient on 14 February 2009, Ospina’s standout saves were credited with securing the win.[15]
He made 25 appearances in all competitions during the 2008–09 season, recording five clean sheets in Ligue 1.
Consolidation and Consistency (2009–2012)
In 2009–10, Ospina became the undisputed first-choice goalkeeper, playing 37 out of 38 Ligue 1 matches and achieving 10 clean sheets.[16]
Despite Nice’s 15th-place finish, his performances earned him the nickname “the wall of Nice” among local supporters.[17]
In 2010–11, under new manager Éric Roy, he improved further, registering 11 clean sheets in 37 Ligue 1 appearances. Key shutouts included a 1–0 win over Olympique de Marseille on 5 December 2010.[18]
He repeated this consistency in 2011–12 with another 11 clean sheets over 37 league games. A potential transfer to Beşiktaş J.K. fell through in summer 2012, to the relief of supporters.[19]
Breakthrough Season (2012–13)
Under new coach Claude Puel, Ospina led Nice to a 5th-place finish and UEFA Europa League qualification. He kept 11 clean sheets in 26 Ligue 1 appearances, including a 5–0 win over Valenciennes FC in May 2013.[20]
Final Season and Farewell (2013–14)
In his final season at Nice, Ospina made 29 Ligue 1 appearances and posted 13 clean sheets—the highest of his time at the club.[21] He starred in a 1–0 win against Olympique de Marseille on 18 October 2013, making several key saves.[22]
Despite Nice finishing 17th, Ospina’s performances drew praise and ultimately led to his transfer to Arsenal F.C. in July 2014 for £3 million.[23]
Across six seasons, Ospina made 199 appearances for Nice, including 189 in Ligue 1.[24] He remains widely regarded as one of the club’s top keepers, earning the “Aiglon Crédit Agricole” Player of the Season.[25]
Arsenal
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2014–15 season
On 27 July 2014, Arsenal confirmed that Ospina had signed for the club for an undisclosed fee, reported to be £3 million, on a four-year contract.[26] He was assigned the number 13 shirt, previously worn by Emiliano Viviano.
Ospina made his debut on 23 September 2014 in a 2–1 League Cup loss to Southampton.[27] His UEFA Champions League debut came on 1 October 2014 against Galatasaray, replacing Alexis Sánchez after Wojciech Szczęsny was sent off. Despite conceding a penalty, he helped Arsenal secure a 4–1 victory with several crucial saves.[28]
He sustained a thigh injury in October that ruled him out for the remainder of 2014.[29] Upon recovery, Ospina returned in a 2–0 FA Cup win over Hull City and kept a clean sheet in his full Premier League debut, a 3–0 win over Stoke City.[30]
Following Szczęsny's internal disciplinary issues, Ospina became the Premier League starter, keeping further clean sheets against Manchester City and Aston Villa. He played every league match thereafter, though he was an unused substitute in the 4–0 victory over Aston Villa in the FA Cup Final.[31][32]
His performances earned him a place on the FIFA Ballon d’Or 2015 longlist.[33]
2015–16 season
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Ospina featured in a 2–1 UEFA Champions League loss to Dinamo Zagreb and a 2–1 League Cup win over Tottenham Hotspur.[34][35] A costly error in a 3–2 defeat to Olympiacos saw Ospina drop a corner into his own net, leading to his removal from Champions League duties.[36]
He also suffered a shoulder injury during international duty that sidelined him until November.[37]
2016–17 season
Ospina served as Arsenal’s cup goalkeeper, starting in their opening Champions League group game against Paris Saint-Germain. He was named man of the match in a 1–1 draw for a standout performance, including several saves against Edinson Cavani.[38]
He continued to feature in the Champions League and started all matches in Arsenal’s successful 2016–17 FA Cup run. In the final, Arsenal beat Chelsea 2–1 at Wembley Stadium, with Ospina making crucial saves including one against N'Golo Kanté.[39]
2017–18 season
Ospina remained the designated goalkeeper for the UEFA Europa League and domestic cups. His first appearance was a clean sheet in a 1–0 Carabao Cup win over Doncaster Rovers.[40]
In the Europa League opener against FC Cologne, he made an early error that led to the German side scoring first, but Arsenal recovered to win 3–1.[41]
Ospina's clean sheet in a 2–0 away win over AC Milan on 8 March 2018 in the Round of 16 helped restore form after four straight defeats.[42] He also featured in the quarter-finals against CSKA Moscow and semi-finals against Atlético Madrid.
While his shot-stopping ability remained strong, questions persisted about his aerial command. Arsenal were eventually eliminated by Atlético Madrid in the semi-finals.[43]
Napoli
Following the arrival of Bernd Leno at Arsenal, Ospina sought a loan move to secure more consistent playing time. On 15 August 2018, Serie A club Napoli reached an agreement for a one-year loan deal with an option to buy, a decision influenced by an injury to newly signed goalkeeper Alex Meret.[44][45]
2018–19 season
Ospina quickly became a key figure in Napoli's squad, making 24 appearances across all competitions during his loan spell, including 17 in Serie A.[46] He was noted for his composure and ball-playing ability, suiting Napoli's style under manager Carlo Ancelotti. A significant moment occurred on 17 March 2019, during a Serie A match against Udinese. Ospina suffered a serious head injury following a collision with striker Ignacio Pussetto. Despite treatment and briefly continuing with a bandage, he collapsed before halftime and was stretchered off and hospitalized. Scans revealed no serious damage.[47][48]
On 4 July 2019, Napoli exercised their option, permanently signing Ospina from Arsenal for a reported €3.5 million.[49][50]
2019–20 season
In the 2019–20 season, Ospina rotated with Alex Meret but became first-choice under manager Gennaro Gattuso for his superior ball distribution.[51][52] He made 23 appearances, including 17 in Serie A.[53]
A pivotal moment came in the Coppa Italia semi-finals against Inter. Ospina misjudged a corner, allowing Christian Eriksen to score directly, but later redeemed himself with key saves and assisted Dries Mertens’ equaliser via a long ball, securing a 2–1 aggregate win.[54] Suspended for the final, Alex Meret started as Napoli beat Juventus 4–2 on penalties after a 0–0 draw.[55]
2020–21 season
Ospina remained a key figure during the 2020–21 campaign, making 23 appearances, including 16 in Serie A and recording 8 clean sheets.[56] He was vital in manager Gattuso’s possession-based tactics, known for calm distribution and control during transitions. Despite minor injuries, he was consistent in form. Napoli narrowly missed UEFA Champions League qualification, finishing 5th.[57]
Key teammates included captain Lorenzo Insigne and midfielder Piotr Zieliński.
2021–22 season
The 2021–22 campaign was Ospina’s most active at Napoli. Under Luciano Spalletti, he became the undisputed starter, making 33 appearances—31 in Serie A—with 13 clean sheets.[58] He conceded just 25 goals in Serie A, averaging 0.81 goals per game.[59]
Napoli finished 3rd, mounting a strong but ultimately unsuccessful title challenge. Ospina was praised for his leadership, positioning, and shot-stopping. He left the club as a free agent at the end of the season.[60]
Al Nassr
Following his departure from Napoli as a free agent, David Ospina made a significant move to Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr. On 11 July 2022, the club officially announced his signing, bringing an experienced international goalkeeper to the Saudi Pro League.[61][62]
2022–23 season
Ospina quickly established himself as Al Nassr's first-choice goalkeeper for the 2022–23 season. He made 13 appearances in the Saudi Pro League, contributing significantly to the team's strong defensive record, which saw them concede only six goals in the league matches he played.[63] His performances included several clean sheets, showcasing his shot-stopping abilities and command of the penalty area. Ospina's arrival coincided with a period of significant ambition for Al Nassr, particularly highlighted by the signing of Cristiano Ronaldo in January 2023. Ronaldo's arrival brought global attention to the club and the Saudi league, and Ospina's experience proved valuable in a team featuring such a high-profile figure.[64]
However, Ospina's season was cut short by a severe elbow injury sustained in a league match against Al-Shabab on 14 January 2023. The injury required surgery and sidelined him for the rest of the campaign.[65] His absence was a blow to Al Nassr's title challenge. Despite this, the club finished second in the Saudi Pro League, five points behind champions Al-Ittihad.[66] In the King's Cup, Ospina made one appearance before his injury; Al Nassr reached the semi-finals but were eliminated by Al Wehda.[67] Other key players that season included Anderson Talisca, the team's top scorer, and Ronaldo, who scored 14 league goals.[68]
2023–24 season
Ospina's 2023–24 season was heavily affected by the lingering effects of his elbow injury. He returned to action only in March 2024.[69] Due to his prolonged absence, he made only 11 appearances across all competitions, with just one in the Saudi Pro League.[70] During his absence, Al Nassr relied on other goalkeepers including Nawaf Al-Aqidi and Raghed Al-Najjar.
Despite Ospina's limited involvement, Al Nassr had a high-profile campaign, finishing second in the Saudi Pro League for a second consecutive year—this time behind unbeaten rivals Al-Hilal.[71]
Al Nassr made strides in cup competitions. They won the Arab Club Champions Cup, although Ospina did not feature in the final due to injury.[72] The team also reached the final of the King's Cup, where they lost to Al-Hilal on penalties after a 1–1 draw.[73]
In the AFC Champions League, Al Nassr reached the quarter-finals but were eliminated by Al Ain in a penalty shootout. Ospina featured in the second leg, making a crucial save, but the team ultimately fell short.[74]
The season marked the continued integration of international signings like Marcelo Brozović, Seko Fofana, Alex Telles, Sadio Mané, Otávio, and Aymeric Laporte, elevating the club’s profile in Asian football.[75] Cristiano Ronaldo continued to be the team's leading scorer, breaking the Saudi Pro League record for most goals in a single season. Although Ospina's game time was limited, his experience remained valued within the squad.[76]
Return to Atlético Nacional
After a successful stint in Saudi Arabia with Al Nassr, David Ospina made an emotional return to his boyhood club, Atlético Nacional, on 30 June 2024, joining on a free transfer.[77][78] His return was met with considerable excitement by the club's supporters, as he was seen as a symbol of Atlético Nacional’s legacy and a major reinforcement for their ambitions.
Ospina's immediate impact was felt in the Copa Colombia. He played a crucial role in Atlético Nacional’s triumph in the 2024 edition of the tournament, securing his first-ever title in the competition. In the final, Atlético Nacional held a 3–1 aggregate advantage against América de Cali, drawing the second leg 0–0. Ospina’s presence and leadership were vital in securing the clean sheet that sealed the title.[79][80] He featured in six matches throughout the tournament and remained undefeated in all of them.[81]
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International career
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David Ospina’s international journey began at the youth level, where he quickly demonstrated the talent that would define his senior career as one of Colombia’s most important and long-serving players.
Ospina received his first call-up to the national under-20 team for the 2005 FIFA World Youth Championship held in the Netherlands.[82] At just 16 years old, he was the youngest member of the Colombian squad, a testament to his prodigious talent and early recognition as a future star. Although he did not make an appearance during the tournament, being part of the squad at such a young age provided invaluable experience, exposing him to the intensity of international youth football and the demands of representing his country on a global stage. The Colombian under-20 team, featuring other future senior internationals, reached the Round of 16, showcasing a strong generation of Colombian football talent.
Two years later, Ospina was a more seasoned presence for the 2007 South American U-20 Championship in Paraguay. He played four matches in the competition, establishing himself as the first-choice goalkeeper for the under-20 side.[83] Despite his individual efforts and growing maturity in goal, Colombia failed to qualify for the FIFA U-20 World Cup, marking the end of his opportunities in major youth tournaments. This period allowed him to build a strong foundation, working alongside other emerging talents such as Radamel Falcao and Fredy Guarín, who would later become integral parts of the senior national team.
Ospina made his senior debut for the Colombia national team as a substitute on 7 February 2007 in a 1–3 friendly defeat against Uruguay, marking the beginning of his senior international career.[84][85] He was 18 years old at the time. His first competitive match for Colombia came during the 2010 FIFA World Cup qualification campaign. On 17 November 2007, he started in a qualifier against Bolivia, becoming the youngest goalkeeper to ever play for Colombia in a World Cup qualifier at 19 years old.[86][87] Throughout the qualification cycle for the 2010 World Cup, Ospina gradually cemented his place as Colombia’s primary goalkeeper. Although Colombia did not qualify for the tournament, Ospina’s performances were a beacon of consistency, particularly his shot-stopping ability and commanding presence, laying the groundwork for future success.
The 2014 FIFA World Cup qualification campaign proved to be a defining period for Ospina and the Colombian national team. He was the undisputed first-choice goalkeeper under coach José Pékerman, playing a crucial role in Colombia’s successful qualification for their first World Cup since 1998. Ospina’s defensive solidity was paramount, and his performances earned widespread praise. By the end of the qualifiers, he had conceded the fewest goals in the CONMEBOL section, a remarkable achievement highlighting his importance to a defensively well-organized Colombian side.[88][89]
At the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil, Ospina was a standout performer for a Colombian team that captured the hearts of many with their exciting style of play. He started and played every minute of Colombia’s five matches, conceding only four goals throughout the entire tournament.[90][91]
Ospina continued as Colombia’s starting goalkeeper at the 2015 Copa América in Chile, where he made several critical saves, including a double save against Sergio Agüero and Lionel Messi during a 0–0 quarter-final draw against Argentina. Despite his heroics, Colombia lost in the penalty shootout.[92][93]
At the Copa América Centenario in 2016, hosted in the United States, Ospina once again proved his value, making two key saves in the penalty shootout against Peru that helped Colombia advance to the semi-finals. Colombia went on to finish third in the tournament.[94][95]
During the 2018 FIFA World Cup qualification, Ospina remained Colombia’s first-choice goalkeeper. He started every match at the tournament in Russia, where Colombia reached the Round of 16. In the match against England, Ospina played a central role in a dramatic penalty shoot-out, though Colombia were ultimately eliminated.[96][97] He maintained two clean sheets; in the group stage matches against Poland and Senegal.
He remained first-choice for the 2021 Copa América in Brazil, helping Colombia secure third place. Ospina’s leadership and penalty-stopping abilities against Uruguay in the quarter-finals were once again vital to the team’s success.[98][99]
At the 2024 Copa América, held in the United States, Ospina was named to the squad, but due to injury and age considerations, he served as an experienced backup and locker room leader rather than a starter. Camilo Vargas took over on the pitch, but Ospina’s veteran presence and mentorship were credited by teammates and coaching staff as instrumental in Colombia’s runner-up finish.[100][101]
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Style of play
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Perspective
An agile, athletic, and acrobatic shot-stopper,[102][103][104] Ospina is also known for his reflexes[105][106][107] and his technical ability with his feet,[108][102][109] as well as his distribution and ability to produce accurate throws,[108][102][110] which allows him to play the ball out from the back and start attacks.[111][112] Considered by pundits to be a promising goalkeeper in his youth,[104] his former Nice manager, Frédéric Antonetti, once described him as an "international-standard goalkeeper," also stating: "He has everything you need to be a top goalkeeper. He's good in the air and he's good on the ground. He has that little extra something to be a champion. Hugo Lloris was an international-standard goalkeeper; so is David."[113][102] He is also known for his reserved character and calm demeanour on the pitch.[102] Although he was criticised in the media during his earlier career for being prone to rash errors, while his ability to command his area and decision-making about when to come off his line also came into question, he was able to improve in these areas as his career progressed due to his work-rate, in particular in his speed when rushing off his line and getting to ground to smother the ball – which makes him effective in one on one situations –, or when dealing with crosses;[102][106][107][110] as such, he has been described by journalists as a "sweeper keeper," due to his playing style and ability to rush out of goal.[114] However, despite his all-round improvement as he entered his prime, his tendency to commit errors has persisted, which has been a source of scrutiny from pundits.[115] Standing at 1.83 m (6 ft), Ospina is not particularly tall for a goalkeeper;[116] as such, his lack of height has occasionally limited him in the air at times, despite his bravery.[102][117] He has also been accused of being inconsistent and unreliable in the media,[118][119] despite his excellent and consistent performances at international level.[106] Consequently, critical reception of Ospina has been divided; while his former Arsenal manager Wenger labelled him as the "best goalkeeper in the Premier League" in 2015,[120] and as "a world-class goalkeeper" in 2016,[121] Michael Cummings of Bleacher Report instead stated in 2015 that "Ospina is not a top-class goalkeeper," despite performing well for Arsenal since earning the starting role over Szczęsny earlier that year.[122] Former Arsenal goalkeeper Bob Wilson instead described him as a "solid keeper" in 2018.[123]
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Personal life
Ospina was brother-in-law to fellow Colombian international footballer James Rodríguez, who married David's sister Daniela in 2011. However, they announced their separation in July 2017.[124] Ospina has been married to Colombian model Jesica Sterling since 2012, and has two children.[125]
He acquired French nationality by naturalization in June 2014.[126]
Career statistics
Club
- As of match played 11 July 2025
- Includes Coupe de France, FA Cup, Coppa Italia, King Cup, Copa Colombia
- Includes Coupe de la Ligue, Football League/EFL Cup
- Appearance(s) in Copa Libertadores
- Appearances in Copa Sudamericana
- Appearance(s) in UEFA Europa League
- Appearances in UEFA Champions League
- Appearance in Supercoppa Italiana
- Appearance in AFC Champions League
- Appearance in Saudi Super Cup
- Appearance in Superliga Colombiana
International
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Honours
Atlético Nacional
- Categoría Primera A: 2005 Apertura, 2007 Apertura, 2007 Finalización,[2]2024 Finalización
- Copa Colombia: 2024
- Superliga Colombiana: 2025
Arsenal
Napoli
Colombia U20
Colombia
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See also
References
External links
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