David Ospina: Early Life, Clubs, Family, Net Worth, Career & Stats

David Ospina is a Colombian professional footballer who plays as a goalkeeper for Saudi Professional League club Al Nassr and is the current captain of Colombia’s national team. Ospina began his career at Atlético Nacional, making his debut with the club in 2005. He later joined French side Nice. In 2014, he joined Arsenal on a four-year deal. During his time in London, he won three trophies. In 2018, Ospina was loaned out to Serie A club Napoli, he later saw the contract materializing into a permanent deal.

PERSONAL INFORMATION

In 2020, Ospina played a pivotal role in Napoli’s conquering of the Coppa Italia. Ospina signed for SPL side Al-Nassr in 2022. Ospina has represented his country at a full international level since 2007. He became the youngest goalkeeper to make an appearance for Colombia. He has since earned 127 caps for his nation, making him his nation’s most-capped player of all time, appearing at four Copa Américas and two World Cups. Ospina’s great judgmental skills and shot-stopping ability make him a champion goalkeeper.

EARLY LIFE

Ospina was born in Itagüí, Colombia, and began his professional career with Colombian club Atlético Nacional in 2005. He made his senior debut in 2006 and helped the club win the Copa Libertadores in 2007. Ospina’s success would not be possible without the support of his parents, Hernan Ospina and Lucia Ramirez.

Also Read: Al-Nassr FC Players: The club’s goalkeepers, defenders, midfielders, forwards and coaches

CLUB CAREER

ATLÉTICO NACIONAL

At the age of 17 Ospina started his professional career in Categoría Primera A club Atlético Nacional in 2005. Ospina played a total of 97 matches with the team and was also called up to the national team. With the club, Ospina achieved three league titles.

OGC NICE

After three seasons at Atlético Nacional Ospina transferred to Nice in France, it was a handsome fee for the teenager. Ospina was reportedly signed to become the long-term replacement for Hugo Lloris, who had transferred to Lyon earlier.

However, Ospina served as a substitute to Lionel Letizi for the first few months of his career, before breaking into the first team. Four years into his career at Nice, Ospina wished to leave the club in the summer of 2012, Turkish club Besiktas attempted to sign Ospina, however the move fell through.

After Ospina’s performances at the 2014 World Cup and his rejection of a contract extension, he was linked to many European sides. Despite being heavily linked to Atlético Madrid, Puel announced that Ospina would depart the club to join English side Arsenal.

ARSENAL

On 27 July 2014, Arsenal confirmed signing Ospina had signed for the club for £3 million, on a four-year deal. On 23 September 2014, Ospina made his debut for Arsenal in the League Cup match against Southampton, a 2–1 home defeat. In October, Ospina suffered a thigh injury that would keep him out effectively for the rest of the 2014 calendar year.

Ospina resumed his cup duties in a 2–0 win against Hull City, but maintained his place for his full Premier League debut a week later, keeping a clean sheet in a 3–0 win against Stoke City. He played every remaining league game until the end of the season Ospina’s performances earned him a place on the FIFA Ballon d’Or longlist for the 2015 campaign.

In the 2015–16 Champions League Ospina made his first appearance of the season in a 2–1 away defeat against Dinamo Zagreb. Ospina was later dropped from Champions League duties in place of each. He suffered a shoulder injury during October’s international break that saw him ruled out until November.

Ospina made his first start for Arsenal of the 2016–17 season in the club’s opening game in the UEFA Champions League Group stage against French champions Paris Saint Germain, producing a man-of-the-match performance as Arsenal drew 1–1. Ospina himself drew praise for many saves made during the game, mainly against striker Edinson Cavani. He started in the FA Cup final where he conceded 1 goal as Arsenal won 2–1.

Ospina made his first appearance of the season in a 1–0 win over Doncaster Rovers in the Carabao Cup. After Arsenal suffered four straight defeats Ospina kept a clean sheet as the Gunners beat A.C. Milan 2–0 at the San Siro Stadium in the Europa League round of 16 on 8 March.

NAPOLI

Following the arrival of Bernd Leno, Ospina requested to go on loan to gain more playing time. On 15 August, Serie A team Napoli agreed to a one-year loan deal with an option to buy following new signing Alex Meret’s injury. Later on 17th March 2023, He suffered a serious head injury during a match against Udinese and later collapsed mid-game.

On 4 July 2019, Napoli permanently signed Ospina from Arsenal. In 2020 He was suspended for the final against Juventus on 17 June, however; Meret started in his place, with Napoli winning 4–2 on penalties following a goalless draw.

AL NASSR

On 11 July 2022, Ospina joined Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr on a free transfer.

INTERNATIONAL CAREER

Ospina was called up for the first time in the national U-20 team for 2005 FIFA World Youth Championship. At only 16 years old, Ospina was the youngest member of the squad. however, he did not play any game during the whole tournament. Ospina was called back for the 2007 South American U-20 Championship, where he played four games.

However, Colombia failed to qualify for the World Cup, the last youth tournament he had the opportunity to play in. Ospina made his debut for the Colombia national team as a substitute in the 1–3 defeat against Uruguay. He played his first match in a 2010 FIFA World Cup qualification match against Bolivia, becoming the youngest goalkeeper to play for the Colombia national team. Ospina was selected as the main goalkeeper for Colombia throughout the 2014

In May 2018, he was named in Colombia’s preliminary 35-man squad for the 2018 World Cup in Russia. Despite saving a penalty against Jordan Henderson in the Round of 16 penalty shoot-out against England, Colombia was eliminated 3–4 on penalties. On 6 September 2019, Ospina played his 100th international match against Brazil, becoming the first Colombian goalkeeper to reach this milestone.

AWARDS ACHIEVEMENTS

Atlético Nacional

Categoría Primera A: 2005 Apertura, 2007 Apertura, 2007 Finalización

Arsenal

FA Cup: 2014–15, 2016–17

FA Community Shield: 2017

Napoli

Coppa Italia: 2019–20

Colombia U20

Central American and Caribbean Games: 2006

Colombia

Copa América third place: 2016, 2021

Individual

Saudi Professional League Goalkeeper of the Month: October 2022.

PERSONAL LIFE

David’s father, Hernan, was a professional footballer. His sister, Daniela, is a model and fitness instructor. David Ospina married with Colombian model Jesica Sterling.

NET WORTH

David Ospina’s NET WORTH is $1.5 million.

FAMILY

He married Jessica Sterling in 2012. They have a daughter named Dulce Maria and a son named Max. His sister Daniela was married to James Rodríguez and they had a daughter together.

PARTNER

David Ospina’s wife is Jesica Sterling. The couple married in 2012 and have been inseparable ever since with Jes running her nail bar and spa. Jesica Sterling was born into a prosperous family. Hence, she did not face major financial challenges. They have two children together.