Jhon Córdoba


Jhon Andrés Córdoba Copete is a Colombian professional footballer who plays as a forward for Russian Premier League club Krasnodar and the Colombia national team.
A powerful striker noted for his pace and strength, Córdoba began his senior career with Envigado before moving abroad to Chiapas in Mexico in 2012. After spells in Spain with Espanyol and Granada, and in Germany with Mainz 05, he joined Köln in 2017. There, he finished as the club’s top scorer and secured promotion to the Bundesliga. He later played for Hertha BSC before transferring to FC Krasnodar in 2021, where he helped the club win their first Russian Premier League title in 2025. Subsequently, Córdoba was recognised as Russian Footballer of the Year.
At international level, Córdoba was part of the Colombia U20 side that won the South American U20 Championship in 2013. He made his senior debut in 2019 and has since earned over 15 caps, featuring at the 2024 Copa América, where Colombia finished runner-ups.

Club career

Envigado and professional breakthrough

A youth product of Envigado, Córdoba made his senior debut in 2009, scoring on his debut against Itagüí. He broke through during the 2011 Torneo Finalización, notably scoring a brace in a 3–2 defeat away to Once Caldas on 1 October 2011, and netting the winner against Independiente Medellín two weeks later. He remained a starter into the 2012 Apertura, finishing as Envigado’s top league scorer with six goals in 16 matches.

Chiapas

On 9 July 2012, Córdoba moved to Mexico, joining Querétaro and being loaned immediately to Jaguares de Chiapas. He made his Liga MX debut on 20 July 2012 against Tigres UANL, and scored his first Liga MX goal in a 4–0 home win over San Luis on 7 October 2012. He went on to score three goals in total for Chiapas during the 2012–13 campaign.

Espanyol (loan)

On 2 September 2013, Córdoba joined Espanyol on a one-year loan with an option to buy. He scored his first La Liga goal for the club on 30 November 2013 in a 2–1 loss away to Real Sociedad. His second league goal came on 25 January 2014 in a 2–2 draw against Valencia. He finished the season with four goals, proving a reliable attacking option.

Granada

On 12 August 2014, Córdoba signed a five-year deal with Granada. He scored the winner in a 1–0 victory over Athletic Bilbao at San Mamés on 20 September 2014, converting a defensive error on his first start for the club. He later described it as “my debut as a starter” and said he took the opportunity by scoring.

Mainz 05

Córdoba joined Mainz 05 on loan from Granada on 31 August 2015, and on 2 March 2016 scored the late winner in a 2–1 upset at Bayern Munich. Mainz exercised their option to sign him permanently in May 2016. He also scored in Mainz’s 3–2 UEFA Europa League group stage win against Qabala on 29 September 2016.

1. FC Köln

On 28 June 2017, Córdoba transferred to 1. FC Köln on a four-year deal. In the 2018–19 season he scored 20 league goals as Köln won the title and promotion. On 6 May 2019 he scored a hat-trick in a 4–0 win over SpVgg Greuther Fürth, clinching the championship. On 18 January 2020 he registered his first Bundesliga brace in a 3–1 win over VfL Wolfsburg.

Hertha BSC

On 15 September 2020, Córdoba joined Hertha BSC on a four-year contract. He scored on his Bundesliga debut for the club in a 4–1 away win at Werder Bremen on 19 September 2020. He finished the season as the club’s joint-top scorer with seven goals.

Krasnodar

On 18 July 2021, Hertha announced an agreement to sell Córdoba to FC Krasnodar. He signed a four-year contract with Krasnodar on 23 July 2021. His contract was suspended in March 2022 amid the league’s hiatus, before he returned to action later that year. On 5 November 2024, Krasnodar announced his extension through 30 June 2027. In the 2024–25 season he scored in the decisive final-round win over Dynamo Moscow as Krasnodar clinched their first Russian Premier League title, and was later voted the league’s Footballer of the Year by fellow players.
On 30 November 2025, Córdoba scored his 69th goal for Krasnodar, becoming the top scorer in club history, overtaking Fyodor Smolov. With the same goal, he also took the top spot in club history for goals plus assists with 96.

International career

Youth

2013 South American Youth Championship

Córdoba was selected to wear the number 9 jersey to represent Colombia at the 2013 South American Youth Championship. He scored the decisive goal in the opening match against Paraguay, securing a 1-0 victory. In the following game against Bolivia, he netted two goals in a commanding 6-0 win despite missing several promising opportunities. Consequently, he was not selected for the final group stage match against Argentina, as Colombia had already secured a spot in the next round. Córdoba scored the winning goal in a 1-0 victory over Uruguay, propelling Colombia to the top of their group. Following their triumph in the South American championship, he tallied four goals, significantly contributing to his nation's success. This achievement made him Colombia's second-highest scorer in the tournament, just behind Juan Fernando Quintero, who scored five goals.

2013 U-20 FIFA World Cup

In the opening match against Australia, Córdoba missed several opportunities while Colombia trailed 1-0. However, he redeemed himself by scoring in the 78th minute, securing a 1–1 draw. In the final group match against El Salvador, Córdoba successfully converted a penalty, contributing to a 3-0 victory. He played in the round of 16 match against South Korea, where Colombia was eliminated in a penalty shootout following a 1–1 draw.

Senior

He was first called up in the preliminary list for friendly matches against Chile and Algeria on 12 and 15 October 2019 respectively. In 2020, he was called up to the Colombia preliminary squad for 2022 FIFA World Cup qualification against Venezuela and Chile on 26 and 31 March 2020 respectively. However, he made his first appearance for the senior team as late as 2023.

Style of play

Córdoba is a striker noted for his physical attributes, including height and strength, as well as for his shooting ability and pace. His stature has contributed to his effectiveness in aerial play, and he has occasionally been compared to Didier Drogba.

Personal life

Córdoba's father Manuel was also a professional football striker.

Career statistics

International

No.DateVenueOpponentScoreResultCompetition
1.26 March 2024Metropolitano Stadium, Madrid, Spain1–03–2Friendly
2.15 June 2024Pratt & Whitney Stadium, East Hartford, United States2–03–0Friendly
3.28 June 2024State Farm Stadium, Glendale, United States3–03–02024 Copa América
4.6 July 2024State Farm Stadium, Glendale, United States1–05–02024 Copa América
5.4 September 2025Estadio Metropolitano Roberto Meléndez, Barranquilla, Colombia2–03–02026 FIFA World Cup qualification
6.9 September 2025Estadio Monumental, Maturín, Venezuela6–36–32026 FIFA World Cup qualification

Honours

1. FC Köln
Krasnodar
Colombia U20
Individual