What Happened to José René Higuita Zapata?
René Higuita is a Colombian former professional footballer renowned for his audacious 'sweeper-keeper' playing style and the iconic 'scorpion kick'. After a controversial playing career marked by both brilliance and legal troubles, he transitioned into coaching and currently serves as the goalkeeping coach for his former club, Atlético Nacional, a role he has held since 2017 and continues in 2026.
Quick Answer
René Higuita, famously known as 'El Loco' for his unconventional goalkeeping, retired from professional play in 2010 after a career that included winning the Copa Libertadores with Atlético Nacional and performing the legendary 'scorpion kick'. Since 2017, he has been the goalkeeping coach for Atlético Nacional, his beloved former club. As of July 2026, Higuita remains actively involved with Atlético Nacional in various capacities, including sports, commercial, and social functions, and continues to comment on Colombian football.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline15 events
Born in Medellín, Colombia
José René Higuita Zapata is born in Medellín, Colombia.
Professional Debut with Millonarios
Higuita begins his professional football career with Colombian club Millonarios.
Joins Atlético Nacional
Higuita transfers to Atlético Nacional, where he would spend the majority of his playing career and achieve significant success.
Wins Copa Libertadores
Higuita helps Atlético Nacional win their first Copa Libertadores title, making four saves and scoring one penalty in the final shootout.
1990 FIFA World Cup Mistake
During the World Cup in Italy, Higuita's attempt to dribble past Roger Milla leads to a goal and Colombia's elimination, highlighting his high-risk style.
Imprisoned for Kidnapping Involvement
Higuita is jailed for seven months for acting as a go-between in a kidnapping case, causing him to miss the 1994 FIFA World Cup.
Performs 'Scorpion Kick'
In a friendly against England at Wembley, Higuita executes his iconic 'scorpion kick' save, clearing a shot with his heels.
Tests Positive for Cocaine
While playing for Aucas, Higuita tests positive for cocaine and receives a six-month ban from football.
Retires from Professional Playing
Higuita officially retires from his professional playing career after a stint with Deportivo Pereira.
Becomes Goalkeeper Coach for Al Nassr FC
Higuita begins a five-year tenure as the goalkeeper coach for Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr FC.
Returns to Atlético Nacional as Goalkeeping Coach
Higuita rejoins his former club, Atlético Nacional, as their goalkeeping coach, fulfilling a long-held dream.
Contract Extension and Expanded Role at Atlético Nacional
Higuita's contract with Atlético Nacional is extended for two years, and he takes on broader roles including sports, commercial, and social functions, and a goalkeeping school project.
Subject of Netflix Documentary
The Netflix documentary 'Higuita: El camino del Escorpión' (Higuita: The Way of the Scorpion) is released, chronicling his life and career.
Comments on Colombian National Team
Higuita provides analysis on the Colombian national team and defends player James Rodriguez ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
Expresses Expectations for Atlético Nacional Final
As goalkeeping coach, Higuita publicly states his expectations for Atlético Nacional in the Liga Betplay final against Junior.
🔍Deep Dive Analysis
José René Higuita Zapata, born on August 27, 1966, revolutionized the role of the goalkeeper with his daring 'sweeper-keeper' style, earning him the nickname 'El Loco' (The Madman). His career began in 1985 with Millonarios before he moved to Atlético Nacional in 1986, where he achieved significant success, including winning the Copa Libertadores in 1989 and two Colombian League titles. Higuita was known for his offensive contributions, scoring 41 goals throughout his career, an unusual feat for a goalkeeper.
His playing career was not without controversy. In 1990, a critical error during the FIFA World Cup against Cameroon, where he attempted to dribble past Roger Milla and lost the ball, led to Colombia's elimination. In 1993, Higuita was imprisoned for seven months without trial for his involvement as a go-between in a kidnapping case, which prevented him from participating in the 1994 FIFA World Cup. He also tested positive for cocaine in 2004, resulting in a six-month ban.
The defining moment of his career, however, came on September 6, 1995, when he performed the iconic 'scorpion kick' save during a friendly match against England at Wembley Stadium. This acrobatic clearance, where he cleared the ball with his heels while diving forward, cemented his place in football folklore.
Higuita officially retired from playing professional football in 2010. Following his retirement, he pursued a coaching career. He served as a goalkeeper coach for Real Valladolid in 2008, and then for Al Nassr FC in Saudi Arabia from 2011 to 2016. On June 28, 2017, Higuita returned to his beloved Atlético Nacional as the goalkeeping coach, a role he described as 'the dream of my life'.
As of July 4, 2026, René Higuita remains an integral part of Atlético Nacional. His contract was extended for two more years in July 2019, and he now undertakes diverse responsibilities within the club, encompassing sports, commercial, and social functions, including involvement in a goalkeeping school project. He continues to be a prominent voice in Colombian football, offering his analysis on the national team's performance and players like James Rodriguez in the lead-up to the 2026 World Cup. In June 2026, he publicly shared his expectations for Atlético Nacional in the Liga Betplay final. His enduring legacy was also highlighted by the 2023 Netflix documentary, "Higuita: El camino del Escorpión" (Higuita: The Way of the Scorpion).
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if José René Higuita Zapata made different choices?