A goalkeeper like no other
What makes a goalkeeper unforgettable? Is it clean sheets, penalty saves, or the number of trophies stacked in the cabinet? With René Higuita, the answer is none of those things. He became a legend because he dared to do what no one else would even try. Fans remember him not just as a goalkeeper but as a showman who blurred the line between defender, striker, and entertainer. His story is wild, unpredictable, and full of moments that keep soccer fans talking even decades later.
The man behind the legend
On August 27, 1966, René Higuita was born in Medellín, Colombia. Soccer swiftly became his passion and escape from his difficult upbringing. He had already established the bold style that would set him apart by the time he became a professional. Higuita wandered the field, dribbled past attackers, and even scored goals himself rather than remaining glued to his goal line. He wanted to redefine the role of a goalie, not just stop the ball.
René Higuita’s age and playing days
If you do the math, René Higuita is now in his late fifties. Despite his age, fans still light up when his name comes up. He made his professional debut in the mid-1980s and went on to represent Atlético Nacional and the Colombian national team. He wasn’t just good; he was different. While most keepers measured success in saves and shutouts, Higuita measured it in the gasps and cheers of the crowd.
The birth of the Scorpion Kick
Of course, no discussion of René Higuita is complete without the infamous scorpion kick. In 1995, during a friendly against England at Wembley Stadium, he stunned the world. Instead of catching a looping cross, he leapt forward, arched his back, and kicked the ball away with both heels while flying through the air. The crowd went silent, then roared. That one move cemented his name in football history. To this day, if you ask, “Which goalkeeper saved with a scorpion kick?” the answer is simple: René Higuita.
What is the Higuita rule?
Higuita’s love for adventure on the field also influenced the game itself. In the early 1990s, FIFA introduced the back-pass rule, partly because of keepers like him who wasted time holding the ball. Fans often call it the “Higuita rule.” It forced goalkeepers to adapt and play with their feet. Ironically, that change played right into his strengths because Higuita was already comfortable dribbling and passing like an outfield player.
René Higuita’s stats and achievements
Higuita’s numbers are worth looking at, even though his style frequently overshadows them. He participated in more than 60 international games for Colombia and more than 400 club games. His career goal total of over 40 is ridiculous for a goalie. In 1989, he and Atlético Nacional became the first Colombian team to win the Copa Libertadores. Fans will never forget his audacity, even though his leadership and saves were vital.
The ups and downs of his career
René Higuita’s career wasn’t just highlights and applause. He lived on the edge, and sometimes that edge cut deep. In the 1990 World Cup, he made a risky play far outside his box against Cameroon. Roger Milla stole the ball, ran past him, and scored, knocking Colombia out. That moment became infamous, but Higuita shrugged it off. For him, the risk was always worth the spectacle.
His personal life also had its turbulence. He was briefly jailed in the 1990s for being involved in a kidnapping case, though he maintained he never committed a violent act. These controversies made him polarizing. Some saw him as reckless, others as fearless. Either way, nobody ignored him.
Is René Higuita alive?
Yes, René Higuita is alive. He’s very much a public figure in Colombia, often appearing on television and staying active on social media. From time to time, rumors pop up about his death, but they aren’t true. He enjoys his status as a football icon and seems to relish retelling the stories of his playing days.
René Higuita’s death rumors explained.
So why do so many people search for “René Higuita’s death”? It’s partly because legends from his era have started passing away, and partly because he’s been out of the limelight compared to current stars. Every time his name trends online, people wonder if something happened. But the truth is, he’s still here, laughing, coaching, and enjoying life with his family.
Family ties: Pamela Higuita and Andrés Higuita
Off the pitch, René is a father. His daughter, Pamela Higuita, has made headlines in Colombia as a model and influencer. She often shares family moments with her father, showing a softer side of the man many only know as a wild goalkeeper. His son, Andrés Higuita, has also pursued a football career. The Higuita family name carries weight, and they continue to live under the spotlight.
Why René Higuita mattered so much
Higuita’s name is always mentioned when discussing the most aggressive or daring goalkeepers in football. However, personality was more important than aggression alone. Beyond the score, he provided fans with a reason to watch games. You never knew when he would take a free kick, dribble past a striker, or accomplish another seemingly impossible feat. He was the epitome of improvisation in a sport that is frequently dominated by strategy and structure.
The legacy of a daredevil keeper
The influence of René Higuita can be seen today. Goalkeepers like Manuel Neuer, Ederson, and Alisson thrive because they’re comfortable with the ball at their feet. But none of them would dare attempt a scorpion kick in a real match. Higuita was unique because he mixed skill with theater. His risk-taking changed how people saw the role of the goalkeeper, and that ripple effect continues decades later.
René Higuita—Wikipedia provides a comprehensive overview of his life, career highlights, the iconic “Scorpion Kick,” his stats, controversies, and more Wikipedia.
Frequently asked questions
What happened to René Higuita?
Despite his mid-2000s retirement from professional football, he maintained ties to the game. He has experience coaching goalkeeping and frequently makes appearances in football-related media.
Which goalkeeper saved with a scorpion kick?
The only person to do it in a professional match is René Higuita.
What is the Higuita rule?
It alludes to FIFA’s back-pass rule, which prohibits goalkeepers from intercepting intentional passes from teammates.
What is René Higuita best known for?
His daring style of play and the scorpion kick at Wembley are what made him most famous.
Who is the most aggressive goalkeeper of all time?
René Higuita’s unconventional style and bold maneuvers have led many fans to believe he deserves that title.
Bottom line
René Higuita was far from perfect, so he never pretended to be. His audacity, flamboyance, and sometimes recklessness won him admirers. He offered spontaneous football moments. More than numbers or accolades, his legacy is made up of moments that make fans laugh and shake their heads.
That is the fact of René Higuita’s fame. He played the game like nobody else, proving to the world that even a goalie can steal the show.
