What Happened to Enner Remberto Valencia Lastra?
Enner Valencia is an Ecuadorian professional footballer who currently plays as a forward for Liga MX club Pachuca and captains the Ecuador national team. Widely regarded as Ecuador's all-time top scorer, he has had a distinguished career across South America, Mexico, England, and Turkey, and is notably participating in the 2026 FIFA World Cup as Ecuador's captain.
Quick Answer
Enner Valencia is currently playing as a forward for Liga MX club Pachuca, having rejoined them in September 2025 after a spell with Internacional in Brazil. He is also the captain and all-time leading goal scorer for the Ecuador national team, with 49 goals in over 100 caps. As of June 14, 2026, Valencia, at 36 years old, is representing Ecuador in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where he is considered a key player for 'La Tri'.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline14 events
Born in San Lorenzo, Ecuador
Enner Remberto Valencia Lastra was born in San Lorenzo, Ecuador.
Ecuador Senior National Team Debut
Valencia made his senior international debut for Ecuador against Honduras.
Wins Ecuadorian Serie A with Emelec
Valencia helped Emelec win the Ecuadorian Serie A title and was awarded the Copa Sudamericana Golden Boot.
Joins Pachuca and wins Liga MX Golden Boot
After moving to Mexican club Pachuca, Valencia won the Liga MX Golden Boot in the 2014 Clausura tournament.
Transfers to West Ham United
Valencia joined English Premier League club West Ham United for an estimated £12 million after his impressive performances.
Loaned to Everton
Valencia moved to Everton on a season-long loan from West Ham United.
Signs with Tigres UANL
After his loan spell, Valencia was sold to Mexican club Tigres UANL, where he would win two Liga MX titles.
Joins Fenerbahçe
Valencia signed for Turkish Süper Lig club Fenerbahçe on a free transfer, where he became a top scorer.
Becomes Ecuador's All-Time Top Scorer
Valencia scored his 32nd and 33rd international goals against Bolivia, surpassing Agustín Delgado to become Ecuador's all-time leading goal scorer.
Moves to Internacional
Valencia signed a three-year contract with Brazilian Série A club Internacional on a free transfer.
Returns to Pachuca
Valencia rejoined Liga MX club Pachuca, beginning his second spell with the team.
Earns 100th Cap for Ecuador
Valencia gained his 100th cap for the Ecuador national team, becoming the seventh Ecuadorian to reach this milestone.
Selected for 2026 FIFA World Cup Squad
Valencia was named in Ecuador's 26-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Plays in 2026 FIFA World Cup Match
Valencia is expected to captain Ecuador in their 2026 FIFA World Cup opening match against Ivory Coast.
🔍Deep Dive Analysis
Enner Remberto Valencia Lastra, born on November 4, 1989, has forged a remarkable career as a prolific forward, primarily known for his impactful performances for the Ecuador national team and various clubs across multiple continents. His professional journey began in Ecuador with Emelec, where he played from 2010 to 2013, winning the Ecuadorian Serie A in 2013 and earning the Copa Sudamericana Golden Boot the same year.
His impressive form led to a move to Mexican club Pachuca in 2014, where he quickly became the Liga MX Golden Boot winner in the 2014 Clausura tournament. This success caught the attention of European clubs, and in July 2014, Valencia joined English Premier League side West Ham United for an estimated £12 million. He spent two seasons with the Hammers, also having a season-long loan spell at Everton in 2016-2017.
Following his time in England, Valencia returned to Mexico, signing with Tigres UANL in July 2017. During his tenure, he continued his winning ways, securing the Liga MX Apertura in 2017 and the Clausura in 2019. In August 2020, he moved to Turkish Süper Lig club Fenerbahçe on a free transfer, where he enjoyed a highly successful period, becoming the league's top scorer in the 2022-2023 season and winning the Turkish Cup in his final year.
In June 2023, Valencia signed a three-year contract with Brazilian Série A club Internacional. He played for Internacional until September 2025, when he made a significant return to his former club, Pachuca, in Liga MX.
On the international stage, Valencia is a legendary figure for Ecuador. He made his senior debut in 2012 and has since earned over 100 caps, becoming the nation's all-time top scorer with 49 goals. He has represented Ecuador in multiple Copa América tournaments (2015, 2016, 2019, 2021, 2024) and is particularly renowned for his FIFA World Cup performances, having scored in the 2014 and 2022 editions. As of June 14, 2026, Enner Valencia, at 36 years old, is captaining the Ecuador national team in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, having been selected for the 26-man squad on May 31, 2026. He is expected to be a crucial attacking force for 'La Tri' in what he has confirmed will be his final World Cup appearance.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Enner Remberto Valencia Lastra made different choices?