World Cup — Mr

Wall of Fame

These pictures have the most value to me and I owe that to my Dad. He taught my brother and I about the rare opportunity it is to take a picture with a professional footballer who’s had the honor and privilege to represent their country in a World Cup. Not many people can say they have a picture with a ‘Mundialista’, and it’s because of him this collection exists.
Esta pagina se la dedico a mi papa.

(Click on player’s name for bio)

Carlos “El Pibe” Valderrama

Long Island, 1988
w/ Wilson Sr.

Colombia, Midfielder
1990 World Cup, Italy
1994 World Cup, USA
1998 World Cup, France

This collection begins with the oldest picture, but also, arguably with the biggest name on this list. One of my favorite pictures and players of all time, if not my top favorite player. Colombian Legend, Idol, Superstar - Carlos “El Pibe” Valderrama. My Dad went to go see a Deportivo Cali friendly game in Long Island and just so happen to see “El Pibe” sitting down on a chair, by himself, chilling. So he took the opportunity and captured this moment on camera. Mind you, this was before he blew up internationally, before his first World Cup in 1990. My Dad kept the negative of this picture and gave it to me years ago. During the pandemic, I found a place to develop it, enlarge it, and create a digital copy. This picture is just one of many items that make up my “El Pibe” shrine. 😁

Marcelo Balboa

Giants Stadium, 2009.
w/ Chris Q. & Wilson Sr.

United States, Defender
1990 World Cup, Italy
1994 World Cup, USA
1998 World Cup, France

The one that started it all.
At a Red Bulls game during the 2009 season, they had a special guest appearance by Marcelo Balboa on the concourse for people to take pictures with him. I knew of him by playing the PC game Backyard Soccer MLS Edition as a kid, but didn’t think much of the occasion. It was my Dad who pushed us to take the picture because he was a ‘Mundialista’. He played in three World Cups and is a USMNT legend. My obsession and collection of pictures with all professional Soccer players began after that.