René Higuita was already known for his eccentric style, but his performance on September 6, 1995, at Wembley Stadium took his reputation to new heights. In a match against England, Higuita executed a breathtakingly audacious move that would come to be known as the “scorpion save.” As Jamie Redknapp sent in a poorly measured cross, Higuita, instead of using his arms to catch the ball, leapt into the air with his heels raised and struck the ball with his feet, sending it away from the danger zone. The crowd erupted into a mix of shock and laughter, unable to believe what they had just witnessed. The nickname “el loco,” or “the crazy one,” seemed inadequate to encapsulate the sheer unpredictability and flair of the Colombian goalkeeper, who was defending his national team’s goal that night.
But Higuita’s flamboyance didn’t end with the scorpion save or his distinctive look, characterized by his wild hair and mustache reminiscent of a reggae star. He was known for his adventurous style of play, often leaving his goal to dribble past opponents—a tactic that sometimes backfired spectacularly. One of the most infamous examples occurred during the 1990 World Cup in Italy. In the quarter-final match against Cameroon, Higuita attempted to dribble past Cameroonian striker Roger Milla near midfield. He lost possession of the ball, and Cameroon capitalized on his miscalculation to score the goal that knocked Colombia out of the tournament. This incident highlighted both the risks and the excitement that came with Higuita’s unorthodox approach to goalkeeping.
Considered one of South America’s greatest goalkeepers, Higuita’s career was as remarkable as it was unconventional. Over nearly 25 years in professional football, he scored 43 goals—35 from penalties, seven from free kicks, and one from a free kick taken from within the penalty area. Reflecting on his career, René Higuita once said, “The three posts are a prison for a goalkeeper, but fortunately, I managed to escape a few times.” His ability to break free from conventional goalkeeping roles was both a testament to his skill and a defining characteristic of his playing style.
Off the pitch, Higuita’s life was equally dramatic. He was friends with Pablo Escobar, the notorious drug trafficker, and this association led to serious legal trouble. In 1993, Higuita was imprisoned for six months for his involvement as an intermediary in a kidnapping ransom. His incarceration meant he missed the 1994 World Cup in the United States. “I’m a footballer, I don’t know anything about kidnapping laws,” he remarked about the situation, reflecting his bewilderment at the legal ramifications of his actions.
Higuita’s controversies didn’t end there. In 2004, while playing for Ecuador’s Aucas, he tested positive for cocaine, adding another chapter to his tumultuous life. A year later, in 2005, he participated in a reality show akin to Survivor, which included undergoing plastic surgery to remove scars, fix his nose, and improve his teeth. “I don’t mess around with my looks,” he stated, revealing his commitment to his public image.
In his European career, René Higuita played primarily for the Spanish team Valladolid. However, in Colombia, he left a more significant mark. He began his career at Millonarios in 1985, had two separate stints with Atlético Nacional (1986-1991 and 1993-1997), and also had notable periods with Independiente Medellín in 1999 and 2000. His time at these clubs cemented his legacy in Colombian football, where his unique style and storied career made him a memorable and influential figure in the sport.
