Yerry Mina

Yerry Fernando Mina González is a Colombian professional footballer who plays as a centre-back for Serie A club Cagliari and the Colombia national team. Standing 1.95 meters tall, he is known for his aerial dominance, physical strength, and an unusual knack for scoring goals from set pieces. As of 2026, he has earned 55 caps and scored 8 goals for Colombia, and he remains a key figure in defence for both club and country.

Mina's career has taken him from Colombia to Brazil, Spain, and England, with titles at Independiente Santa Fe, Palmeiras, and Barcelona. He made headlines at the 2018 World Cup by scoring three goals, tying the record for most goals by a defender in a single tournament. After a five-year spell at Everton, he moved to Italy, where he now anchors the backline for Cagliari. [edit]

Yerry Mina was born on September 23, 1994, in Guachené, a small town in the Cauca department of Colombia. He grew up in a single room shared with his parents and brother, in what he describes as one of the most humble towns in the country. His father and uncle were both professional goalkeepers, but his father advised him to play a different position. His uncle, Jair Mina, later became his agent and took him to a tryout with Deportivo Pasto.

As a child, Mina walked long distances to training to save his mother money, and during rain he would hitch rides by jumping onto the backs of stationary trucks at red lights. He recalled telling his mother, "One day, I will get us out of here." He joined Deportivo Pasto's youth setup in 2012 and made his professional debut on March 20, 2013, under coach Flabio Torres. His physical attributes and technical skills quickly drew attention, and in January 2014 he transferred to Independiente Santa Fe. [edit]

Mina's breakthrough came at Independiente Santa Fe, where he won the Categoría Primera A, the Superliga Colombiana, and the Copa Sudamericana in 2015, earning Young Player of the Year honors. He moved to Palmeiras in 2016, winning the Brasileirão and being recognized as Brazil's best centre-back. In January 2018, Barcelona signed him, and he won La Liga and the Copa del Rey before joining Everton in August 2018.

At the 2018 World Cup, Mina scored three goals, including a dramatic 93rd-minute equalizer against England in the Round of 16, though Colombia lost on penalties. He spent five seasons at Everton, making 86 appearances and scoring 7 goals. After a brief spell at Fiorentina, he joined Cagliari in February 2024, where his contract runs until June 2028. With Colombia, he has played in four Copa América tournaments, reaching the final in 2024. [edit]

Mina is widely regarded as a humble and charismatic figure, both on and off the pitch. He is known for his aerial ability and goal-scoring from defence, which has made him a fan favorite. He is also praised for his community work, with locals describing him as someone who "watches over the well-being of the community." His social media presence, particularly on Instagram, reflects his approachable personality and dedication to inspiring young people. [edit]

The cultural mythology surrounding Yerry Mina is defined almost exclusively by his physical dominance, specific controversial incidents, and one viral moment involving a future World Cup champion. The most widely retold story in his career occurred during the 2021 Copa America final between Colombia and Argentina. After winning the match via a penalty shootout, Argentine captain Lionel Messi approached Mina, who was visibly celebrating, and famously told him, "Now dance." This interaction became an instant viral moment, symbolizing the contrast between Messi's calm demeanor and Mina's exuberant celebration. Yet, despite this global recognition and a significant social media presence with three million followers on Instagram, iFANN's Global Fame Engine has evaluated this person, but they do not currently hold a placement in the published rankings (Global Top 1,000 or a Top-100 scope list). While he commands respect as a veteran leader for Cagliari and remains a key figure in Colombian defense, he lacks the formal collective identity seen among global superstars. There is no documented fandom name, nor are there records of organized fan campaigns, chart pushes, birthday billboards, subway ads, or fan-funded projects. Unlike global icons, Mina does not appear to have a dedicated fanbase with specific rituals, inside jokes, or a collective army. His influence extends through his charitable foundation and his imposing stature, but the audience follows standard professional athlete engagement rather than an active, organized structure.[edit]

Known affectionately as "Hijo de Guachené" and "La Máquina," Yerry Mina has built a legacy that extends far beyond his towering 1.95-meter frame. He runs the Yerry Mina Foundation, which supports children and youth in his hometown and created the first soccer campus in Colombia for boys and girls aged 7–17. Despite his height, he is surprisingly quick, a trait that has baffled opponents throughout his career. An ambassador for adidas, Mina credits his passion for football with keeping him focused during difficult times. The folklore surrounding his career includes the widely retold story of his "nightmare" tenure under Ernesto Valverde at FC Barcelona, a period he publicly described as one of the lowest points in his life. Another defining moment became viral lore after an alleged bite on Brentford striker Dominic Solanke sparked a VAR review in May 2023, cementing a reputation for physical intensity. Recent reports from March 2026 have also circulated tales of a "nipple pinch" incident and other behaviors, often cited alongside comments by Rasmus Højlund regarding Mina's perceived immunity to officiating. On the international stage, history remembers the unfortunate own goal he scored against Peru during the Copa América, a moment that highlighted the crushing pressure faced by Colombian defenders. Yet, his resilience shone in May 2026 when he scored to guarantee safety for Cagliari, proving his value as a leader both on and off the pitch.[edit]

Mina's father and uncle were both professional goalkeepers. His younger brother, Juan José Mina, is a footballer at Red Bull New York, and he has a half-brother named Cristion from his father's other relationship. His uncle Jair Mina serves as his agent. Mina has spoken about the hardships of his upbringing, noting that his family lived in a single room. He remains close to his roots and often returns to Guachené to give back through his foundation. [edit]

Mina's uncle Jair Mina has been his agent throughout his career. His younger brother Juan José Mina plays for Red Bull New York. Coach Flabio Torres gave him his professional debut at Deportivo Pasto. [edit]

As of 2026, Yerry Mina's relationship status is not publicly documented. No credible sources have reported a current partner, marriage, or engagement. He keeps his personal life private, focusing on his football career and charitable work. [edit]

iFANN currently estimates Yerry Mina's net worth at $10 million as of 2026. This financial standing is anchored by his contract with Cagliari, which remains active until 2028, supplemented by international match fees and a lucrative endorsement deal with adidas. Beyond his personal earnings, Mina directs resources toward community initiatives through his foundation, reflecting a deep commitment to giving back to his roots. His ability to balance high-level performance with charitable investment underscores a career managed with long-term vision.[edit]

Yerry Mina has won major team titles including the Copa Sudamericana, Brasileirão, La Liga, and Copa del Rey. He was named Young Player of the Year in Colombia in 2015 and was included in the FIFA World Cup Fantasy Team in 2018. [edit]