Santiago Arias
Colombian footballer (born 1992)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Santiago Arias Naranjo (born 13 January 1992) is a Colombian professional footballer who plays as a right-back for Argentine Primera División club Independiente and the Colombia national team.
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Arias with Atlético Madrid in 2019 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Personal information | ||||||||||||||||||||
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| Full name | Santiago Arias Naranjo[1] | |||||||||||||||||||
| Date of birth | 13 January 1992[2] | |||||||||||||||||||
| Place of birth | Medellín, Colombia | |||||||||||||||||||
| Height | 1.78 m (5 ft 10 in)[3] | |||||||||||||||||||
| Position | Right-back | |||||||||||||||||||
| Team information | ||||||||||||||||||||
Current team | Independiente | |||||||||||||||||||
| Number | 4 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Youth career | ||||||||||||||||||||
| La Equidad | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Senior career* | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Years | Team | Apps | (Gls) | |||||||||||||||||
| 2009–2011 | La Equidad | 27 | (0) | |||||||||||||||||
| 2011–2013 | Sporting CP | 7 | (0) | |||||||||||||||||
| 2012–2013 | Sporting CP B | 28 | (1) | |||||||||||||||||
| 2013–2014 | Jong PSV | 2 | (0) | |||||||||||||||||
| 2013–2018 | PSV | 136 | (9) | |||||||||||||||||
| 2018–2022 | Atlético Madrid | 39 | (1) | |||||||||||||||||
| 2020–2021 | → Bayer Leverkusen (loan) | 1 | (0) | |||||||||||||||||
| 2021–2022 | → Granada (loan) | 12 | (1) | |||||||||||||||||
| 2023 | FC Cincinnati | 29 | (2) | |||||||||||||||||
| 2024–2026 | Bahia | 53 | (1) | |||||||||||||||||
| 2026– | Independiente | 0 | (0) | |||||||||||||||||
| International career‡ | ||||||||||||||||||||
| 2009 | Colombia U17 | 6 | (0) | |||||||||||||||||
| 2011 | Colombia U20 | 14 | (1) | |||||||||||||||||
| 2013– | Colombia | 63 | (0) | |||||||||||||||||
Medal record
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* Club domestic league appearances and goals as of 18:50, 1 February 2026 (UTC) ‡ National team caps and goals as of 15 November 2025 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Arias began his career at La Equidad, before moving to Sporting CP in Portugal in 2011. In 2013 he signed for Dutch side PSV, where he won three Eredivisie titles and two Johan Cruyff Shield trophies, and was named Eredivisie Player of the Year for the 2017–18 season. In 2018 he transferred to Atlético Madrid in Spain, where he won the 2018 UEFA Super Cup, later having loan spells at Bayer Leverkusen and Granada. After a stint with FC Cincinnati in Major League Soccer, where he won the Supporters' Shield in 2023, he joined Bahia in 2024.
At international level, Arias represented the Colombia U17 and the Colombia U20 before making his senior debut for the Colombia national team in 2013. He has earned over 60 caps and appeared at the 2014 and 2018 editions of the FIFA World Cup, as well as in the 2015, 2016 where Colombia finished third, 2019, and 2024 where Colombia finished as runners-up.
Club career
La Equidad
Arias was a youth product of the La Equidad academy. He was moved into the senior squad during 2009 making his professional debut that same year against Deportes Tolima. He soon became a regular for the Bogotá based club and racked up 28 appearances. His notable performances earned him the opportunity to represent his nation at the 2011 FIFA U-20 World Cup hosted in Colombia.[4] After a successful spell at his club and internationally, he soon moved to Portugal to join the ranks of Lisbon team Sporting CP.[5]
Sporting CP
While representing the U20 national Colombian side in 2011, Arias attracted the scouts of Sporting CP. On 1 July 2011, Arias was ultimately signed by Sporting on a 5-year contract for a transfer free of €300,000.[6] He made his debut in Portugal on 6 November replacing Matías Fernández in the 80th minute against U.D. Leiria.[7] Despite making his first team debut, Arias spent most of his playing time with the B-Squad where he scored a goal in 28 appearances. He occasionally made appearances with the first squad, but never broke in for a permanent spot.
PSV
In early 2013, Arias was linked to the Dutch club PSV but nothing was finalized.[8] In July 2013, Arias was once again linked to the club where both parties agreed on finalizing a deal. It was then reported that Arias signed a four-year contract and PSV paid Sporting €1.6 million for a package deal including fellow Sporting teammate Stijn Schaars.[9][10][11] Upon his arrival, Arias was handed the number 13 shirt. He made his league debut on 3 August, playing a full 90 minutes in a 2–3 away win against ADO Den Haag.[12] He made his first direct contribution for PSV as he scored the opening goal in a 3–2 home win over FC Twente.[13] Arias made 25 league appearances for the 2013–14 Eredivisie with PSV placing fourth thus earning a place in the 2014–15 UEFA Europa League Third qualifying round.
Arias appeared for the first time in a European competition in a match against SKN St. Pölten coming on as a second-half substitute in a match where PSV won 2-3.[14] He then appeared in four group stage matches and played the first leg of the Round of 36 against FC Zenit Saint Petersburg. Subsequent to an injury, Arias was ruled out of the second leg with his team being knocked out 4-0 on aggregate.[15]
Despite an early exit from the Europa League, PSV were crowned 2014–15 Eredivisie thus making the conquest Arias's first European title. It was also the club's first title in eight years.[16]
In the 1–2 Champions League group stage loss against Bayern München, Arias scored the opening goal with a header, which possibly came from an offside position.[17]
He played on 15 April 2018 as PSV beat rivals Ajax 3–0 to clinch the 2017–18 Eredivisie title.[18] The title would be Arias' 5th Dutch trophy in just 5 seasons within the Netherlands. Arias would then be named the Eredivisie Player of the Year, having assisted 6 goals and scoring 3, as well as holding an 82% passing accuracy and winning 134 take ons.[19][20][21] He was also named in the league's best XI of the season.[22]
Atlético Madrid
On 31 July 2018, it was announced that Arias completed a transfer to Atlético Madrid for a reported transfer fee of £11 million.[23] Upon his arrival, Arias was handed the number 4 shirt.[24]
He made his unofficial debut in friendly against Cagliari replacing Juanfran at the start of the second half. Atlético went on to win the match with Borja Garcés scoring the sole goal.[25] He made his league debut for the club on 1 September, coming on as a substitute for José Giménez in a 2–0 defeat against Celta de Vigo. On 19 January 2019, he scored his first goal for Los Rojiblancos in a 0–3 defeat of SD Huesca.
Loan to Bayer Leverkusen and Granada
On 24 September 2020, Arias joined Bayer Leverkusen on a season-long loan with an option to buy. A severe injury suffered in October while on international duty, however, cut his Leverkusen career short to a single Bundesliga appearance, sidelining him for the remainder of the season with a fractured fibula and damaged ligaments in his left ankle.[26]
On 30 August 2021, Arias moved to Granada CF on a one-year loan deal.[27] In December 2021, he suffered a hamstring injury, which required surgery, and was operated in January 2022 by surgeon Lasse Lempainen in Turku, Finland.[28]
FC Cincinnati
On 9 February 2023, Arias joined Major League Soccer club FC Cincinnati on a one‑year contract with an option for 2024, signing as a free agent after leaving Atlético Madrid.[29] He made his MLS debut in the opening match of the 2023 season against Houston Dynamo, though his initial run was disrupted by injury before he returned to regular first‑team action later in the campaign.[30]
Arias scored his first goal for Cincinnati on 21 June 2023 in a 3–0 home win against Toronto FC, giving Cincinnati the lead in the 35th minute in a match that set a league record for the club’s most consecutive home victories in all competitions.[31] Over the 2023 MLS season he made 32 appearances across all competitions, scoring three goals and providing two assists, contributing offensively as well as defensively from right‑back.
During his time with Cincinnati, Arias helped the club win the 2023 Supporters’ Shield, awarded to the team with the best regular‑season record in MLS.[32]
Bahia
In January 2024, Arias signed with Brazilian Campeonato Brasileiro Série A club Bahia after leaving FC Cincinnati as a free agent following the expiration of his contract with the MLS side.[33]
On 15 February 2024, Arias scored his first goal for Bahia in a 3–0 victory over América‑RN in the Copa do Nordeste.[34] During his time with the club, he made 73 official appearances, scored two goals and provided four assists, helping Bahia win the Campeonato Baiano. He also featured in the Copa Libertadores with Bahia. Arias left Bahia at the end of the 2025 season when his contract expired.[35]
Independiente
In January 2026, Arias signed with Argentine Argentine Primera División club Independiente as a free agent after his spell at Bahia. He was officially presented by Independiente after completing his medical and signed a contract until December 2027.[36]
International career
Youth
Arias was part of the Colombia U17 team that finished fourth in the 2009 FIFA U-17 World Cup, playing all matches (except third place match, making a total of 6 appearances) and scoring the first penalty during the quarter-final penalty shoot-out against Turkey.
In 2011, Arias played all 9 matches for the Colombia U-20 team when they finished sixth in the 2011 South American Youth Championship. Eduardo Lara, Colombia's coach, also called him for the 2011 Toulon Tournament where Arias, who started all 5 matches, was part of Colombia's team that won the final.
Senior
In September 2013, Arias received his first call up for Colombia's senior team to dispute the 2014 World Cup qualifying matches against Chile and Paraguay, following first choice Camilo Zúñiga's injury.[37] He made his debut against Paraguay and played the entire match in a 1–2 away victory at Asunción.
Arias was included in Colombia's 23-man squad for the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil. He made three appearances in the tournament, coming on as a substitute in all of Colombia's group stage matches. The following year, Arias was included in the final squad for the 2015 Copa America. He appeared twice at the tournament, including the quarter-final 0–0 draw against Argentina where Colombia were eliminated 5–4 on penalties.
He was a part of the Colombian squad that finished third place at the Copa América Centenario.
Arias was selected in José Pékerman's 23-man squad for the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.[38] He started in all four of Colombia's matches as his nation was eliminated in the Round of 16 against England.
Career statistics
Club
- As of match played 7 November 2025[39]
| Club | Season | League | National cup | State League | League cup | Continental | Other | Total | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Division | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | ||
| La Equidad | 2009 | Primera A | 13 | 0 | — | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | 13 | 0 | ||
| 2010 | 7 | 0 | — | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | 7 | 0 | ||||
| 2011 | 7 | 0 | — | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | 7 | 0 | ||||
| Total | 27 | 0 | — | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | 27 | 0 | ||||
| Sporting CP B | 2012–13 | Segunda Liga | 28 | 0 | — | — | — | — | — | 28 | 0 | |||||
| Sporting CP | 2011–12[40] | Primeira Liga | 6 | 0 | — | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | 9 | 0 | ||
| 2012–13[41] | 1 | 0 | — | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | 1 | 0 | ||||
| Total | 7 | 0 | — | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | 8 | 0 | ||||
| Jong PSV | 2013–14[42] | Eerste Divisie | 2 | 0 | — | — | — | — | — | 2 | 0 | |||||
| PSV Eindhoven | 2013–14[43] | Eredivisie | 25 | 1 | — | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 6[a] | 0 | — | 32 | 1 | ||
| 2014–15[44] | 21 | 1 | — | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 5[a] | 0 | — | 29 | 1 | ||||
| 2015–16[45] | 32 | 3 | — | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 6[b] | 0 | 1[c] | 0 | 42 | 3 | |||
| 2016–17[46] | 28 | 1 | — | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 4[b] | 1 | — | 34 | 2 | ||||
| 2017–18[47] | 30 | 3 | — | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2[a] | 0 | — | 35 | 3 | ||||
| Total | 136 | 9 | — | 12 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 23 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 172 | 10 | |||
| Atlético Madrid | 2018–19[48] | La Liga | 25 | 1 | — | 4 | 0 | — | 4[b] | 0 | 0 | 0 | 33 | 1 | ||
| 2019–20[49] | 14 | 0 | — | 1 | 0 | — | 2[b] | 0 | 1[d] | 0 | 18 | 0 | ||||
| Total | 39 | 1 | — | 5 | 0 | — | 6 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 51 | 1 | ||||
| Bayer Leverkusen (loan) | 2020–21[50] | Bundesliga | 1 | 0 | — | 0 | 0 | — | 0 | 0 | — | 1 | 0 | |||
| Granada (loan) | 2021–22[51] | La Liga | 12 | 1 | — | 2 | 0 | — | — | — | 14 | 1 | ||||
| FC Cincinnati | 2023 | Major League Soccer | 27 | 2 | — | 3 | 1 | — | — | 2[e] | 0 | 32 | 3 | |||
| Bahia | 2024 | Série A | 23 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 8 | 0 | — | — | 4[f] | 1 | 38 | 1 | ||
| 2025 | 18 | 0 | 6 | 1 | 2 | 0 | — | 4[g] | 0 | 2[f] | 0 | 30 | 1 | |||
| Total | 41 | 0 | 9 | 1 | 10 | 0 | — | 4 | 0 | 6 | 1 | 68 | 2 | |||
| Career total | 320 | 13 | 9 | 1 | 34 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 33 | 1 | 10 | 1 | 404 | 18 | ||
- Appearances in UEFA Europa League
- Appearances in UEFA Champions League
- Appearance in Johan Cruyff Shield
- Appearance in Supercopa de España
- Appearances in MLS Cup Playoffs
- Appearances in Copa do Nordeste
- Two appearances in Copa Libertadores, two appearances in Copa Sudamericana
International
- As of match played 15 November 2025[52]
| National team | Year | Apps | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Colombia | 2013 | 3 | 0 |
| 2014 | 11 | 0 | |
| 2015 | 6 | 0 | |
| 2016 | 11 | 0 | |
| 2017 | 7 | 0 | |
| 2018 | 10 | 0 | |
| 2019 | 5 | 0 | |
| 2020 | 1 | 0 | |
| 2023 | 1 | 0 | |
| 2024 | 6 | 0 | |
| 2025 | 2 | 0 | |
| Total | 63 | 0 | |
Honours
PSV
Atlético Madrid
FC Cincinnati
Colombia U20
Colombia
- Copa América third place: 2016
Individual
- Eredivisie Player of the Year: 2017–18
- Eredivisie Star XI: 2017–18
- Eredivisie Player of the Month: March 2018[54]
