How delightful to acquaint you with the football journey of one José Cifuentes. Born on the 12th of March 1999 in the sun-bathed climes of Ecuador, young Cifuentes had loftier ambitions than kicking a battered football around the dusty streets of his hometown. Now, at the ripe old age of 26, he finds himself donning the No. 15 jersey and plying his trade in the central midfield position for Rangers – rather a far cry from games in the sunshine of South America, wouldn’t you say?
Standing at a modest 5 foot 10 inches (1.78m for our metric enthusiasts) and weighing in at a svelte 70kg (or 11 stone in proper terms), this Ecuadorian midfield maestro has certainly proven his worth in the football world, both at club level and representing his homeland.
Ah, but let's delve into the terrifying world of finances, shall we? Cifuentes, in the footballing equivalent of checking one’s change under the sofa cushions, has managed to amass a current market value around £4.26 million according to that reliable font of wisdom, Transfermarkt. His contract with Rangers also doesn't appear to be on the brink of termination just yet. With a whole year and 12 months to spare, the only date Rangers fans will be marking in their calendars is the 30th of June 2027.
Fancy a trip down memory lane for dear Cifuentes? Breathe it in. From 2020 through to 2023, our Ecuadorian friend decided to try out the American Dream, making quite a few appearances for Los Angeles FC in USA. A total of 102 first team outings to be exact, with an equally commendable 14 goals. Ah, the joys of the Major League Soccer!
But he didn’t stop there! Not content with the bright lights of LA, he took his talents to the rather less star-studded Rangers in Scotland in the 2023-2024 season. A short 9 appearances there, before moving on quickly to Brazil's Cruzeiro in 2024. A mere 3 appearances there hinted at an unsettled pattern. But he seemed to have found his rhythm in Greece with 29 first team appearances and a single goal for Aris FC in 2024-2025 season. Talk about globe-trotting!
Back to the international stage now. Cifuentes rocked up to the World Cup Qualifiers South America 2024 -2026 for Ecuador with three starts. And would you believe it, he also made a mark in the Europa League 2023 – 2024 for Rangers, with three starts and two appearences as the waterboy...sorry substitute. What a wild ride his career has been!
