Orlando Enrique Ballesteros Santos Maria (born 24 October 1972) is a Colombian former footballer who played as a forward.

Orlando Ballesteros
Personal information
Full name Orlando Enrique Ballesteros Santos Maria
Date of birth (1972-10-24) 24 October 1972 (age 52)
Place of birth Colombia
Position(s) Forward
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
1991–1994 Alianza Llanos
1995–1997 Deportes Quindío
1997–1999 Atlético Bucaramanga
1999–2001 Atlético Junior
2002 Atlético Bucaramanga
2003–2004 Atlético Junior
2005 Envigado FC
2006 Millonarios FC
2007 Unión Atlético Maracaibo
2008 Deportivo Pereira
2008 Envigado FC
2009 Deportivo Pasto
2010 Bogotá FC
2011 Uniautónoma FC
*Club domestic league appearances and goals

Life and career

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Ballesteros started his career with Colombian side Alianza Llanos. In 1995, he signed for Colombian side Deportes Quindío. In 1997, he signed for Colombian side Atlético Bucaramanga. In 1999, he signed for Colombian side Atlético Junior. In 2002, he returned to Colombian side Atlético Bucaramanga. He was the top scorer of the 2002 Categoría Primera A finals with thirteen goals. In 2003, he returned to Colombian side Atlético Junior. He helped the club win the league.[1]

In 2005, he signed for Colombian side Envigado FC. In 2006, he signed for Colombian side Millonarios FC. In 2007, he signed for Colombian side Unión Atlético Maracaibo. In 2008, he signed for Colombian side Deportivo Pereira. After that, he returned to Colombian side Envigado FC. In 2009, he signed for Colombian side Deportivo Pasto. In 2010, he signed for Colombian side Bogotá FC. In 2011, he signed for Colombian side Uniautónoma FC. He scored 184 goals during his career.[2]

Ballesteros was born on 24 October 1972 in Colombia. He is a native of Barranquilla, Colombia. He has been nicknamed "El Fantastico", as well as "El Fantasma" (the Ghost).[3] He has a brother. After retiring from playing professional football, he worked as a youth manager.[2]

Style of play

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Ballesteros mainly operated as a forward. His playing style was described as "fantastic and ghostly".[2] He was also known for his speed and agility.[1]

References

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  1. ^ a b "Orlando Ballesteros, fue un ´fantasma´ en la primera temporada con Junior". lachachara.org. 26 February 2021.
  2. ^ a b c ""Yo también viví lo de Toloza": Ballesteros". elheraldo.co. 9 December 2017.
  3. ^ "De 'Fantasma' a 'Fantástico': ¿Quién hizo que le cambiaran el apodo a Orlando Ballesteros?". pulzo.com. 25 April 2022.