Santiago Arias Naranjo is a Colombian professional footballer who plays as a right back for Esporte Clube Bahia in Brazil and the Colombia national team.
He rose to fame in European football thanks to his performances in top leagues, demonstrating his skills at clubs such as PSV Eindhoven and Atlético Madrid.
His journey from local clubs in Colombia to international recognition testifies to his dedication and talent in the sport.
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- Full name: Santiago Arias Naranjo
- Date of birth: January 13, 1992
- Age: 32 years old
- Gender: Male
- Place of birth: Medellín, Colombia
- Nationality: Colombian
- Occupation: Professional soccer player
- Height: 5 feet 10 inches (1.77 m)
- Parents: Carmenza Zárate, Radamel García
- Siblings: Not applicable
- Spouse: Karin Jimenez
- Children: Thiago Arias, Lucca Arias
- Relationship status: Married
- Religion: Not applicable
- Ethnicity: Colombian
- Net worth: 13 million USD
Early life and education
Santiago Arias is 32 years old this year. He was born on January 13, 1992 in Medellín, Colombia. Growing up in a family with a strong connection to sports, he started playing football at an early age.
His father, Radamel García, was a former professional soccer player who influenced Santiago’s early interest in the game. Growing up in Medellín, he attended local schools while also developing his skills on the field.
Arias started his football career at La Equidad, where he joined the youth academy. He made his professional debut for the club in 2009 at the age of 17.
Throughout his youth career, he played in a variety of positions but eventually found his niche at right back. His performances with La Equidad gained him recognition and paved the way for his future transfers to European clubs.
Although details about his education are not widely available, it is known that Arias focused mainly on his football career during his youth rather than pursuing higher education. .
Personal life
Santiago Arias married Colombian influencer Karin Jiménez in a ceremony attended by family and friends. The couple has two sons named Thiago and Lucca. They often share glimpses of their family life on social media, sharing their experiences together.
His relationship with Karin is characterized by mutual respect and encouragement as they navigate their careers.
Career
Santiago Arias began his professional career with La Equidad in Colombia, where he quickly established himself as a regular starter.
After impressive performances, he was noticed by European scouts and signed with Sporting CP in Portugal in 2011. However, he spent most of his time with the B team before moving to PSV Eindhoven in the Netherlands in 2013.
At PSV, Arias became an integral part of the team, helping the team win multiple Eredivisie titles and being recognized for his defensive ability as well as his contributions in attack. His success at PSV led to a move to Atlético Madrid in July 2018 for a reported fee of £11 million.
During his time at Atlético Madrid, Arias faced competition for playing time but contributed significantly to the team’s success. He then joined Bayer Leverkusen on loan before returning to play for Galatasaray and eventually signing for Esporte Clube Bahia in early 2024.
On the international stage, Arias has represented Colombia since 2013. He was a member of the teams that participated in major tournaments such as the FIFA World Cup and Copa América, contributing to Colombia’s efforts on the global stage.
Prize
- Eredivisie champion (2015–16, 2016–17, 2017–18) with PSV Eindhoven
- UEFA Europa League title (2010–11) with Atlético Madrid
Net worth
Santiago Arias’s has an estimated net worth of $13 million. A successful career as a professional footballer in many top leagues may have contributed significantly to his financial situation.
Social Media
- Instagram: @santiagoarias
- Twitter: @santiagoarias