Carlos Bacca; Footballer who was a bus conductor

• Carlos Bacca is one of the rich footballers who came from a humble background. His father was a fisherman, and his mother sold fish. 
• Carlos Bacca struggled before making it into professional football. He worked as a bus conductor and fisherman so as to pay his bills. 
• Carlos is now among the richest Colombian footballers. He has a net worth of $1,2 million. 

Football stars in Europe are among the richest athletes in the world. The majority of rich footballers have built their fortune from the sport. 

Professional footballers from South America and Africa are from humble backgrounds. The rise of poor footballers from humble backgrounds like Ronaldinho, Dani Alves, Antonio Valencia, Angel Di Maria and Roberto Firmino have inspired many young people. 

Carlos Bacca is one of the famous professional footballers from humble backgrounds. Bacca was a bus conductor before making it as a professional footballer. He even practised fishing as a means of surviving.

Carlos Bacca. Photo/ SportMob.

Early Life

The lethal striker was born in Puerto Colombia on September 8, 1986. Bacca’s parents struggled to make a living. His father, Gilberto Bacca, was a fisherman, whereas his mother helped sell the fish. 

While Carlos was growing up, he often accompanied his father fishing. He had no other option because that was the only means of ensuring the family’s welfare. 

Carlos’ mother noticed that he loved football more than anything else as a child. He rejected toy cars as he only wanted football. As Carlos was growing up, his father used to grant him some time so he could play football with other boys in the streets.

Carlos’ parents enrolled him at a local football academy at the age of nine. His passion for football grew more as he played at the academy. According to his trainer at the academy, Carlos would create time and train himself how to head and kick with other few boys. 

The striker got a chance to play for Atletico Junior in 2006. However, Things didn’t go well for Carlos, who was by then 21 at Atletico Junior.

The striker decided to join the transport industry, where he worked as a bus conductor. He also practised fishing to meet his fast, dwindling finances. At that time, Carlos was also taking care of his parents, who had done their best to support him. 

Carlos Bacca Success

The Colombian striker became a star after returning on loan from Barranquilla. He got more playing time at Atletico Junior, where he proved his goalscoring prowess. Carlos helped Atletico Junior win the Categoria Primera A during the 2010-11 season.

Carlos got the attention of Club Brugge scouts hence joining the Belgian club in the summer of 2011. He spent two seasons at Club Brugge, scoring 28 goals in 45 appearances. 

Bacca joined Sevilla in 2013, where he continued with his goalscoring ability. During his two seasons with Sevilla, Bacca scored 34 goals in 72 appearances. He helped Sevilla win the UEFA Europa League two times, 2013-14 and 2014-15.

Carlos Bacca with the UEFA Europa League trophy. Photo/ Eurosport.

The Colombian star joined AC Milan in 2015 and won the Supercoppa Italiano in 2016. He spent three years with the Italian giants before joining Villareal in 2018. Carlos was part of the Villareal team that won the 2020-21 UEFA Europa League after defeating Manchester United in penalty shoot-outs. 

Carlos spent the 2021-22 season at Granada. He returned to his boyhood club, Atletico Junior, in Colombia this summer. 

Is Carlos a good player?

Carlos Bacca was one of the best strikers during his prime days. The prolific goalscorer is still renowned for his impressive performance. He can easily score when with the ball in the opposition’s box. 

The Colombian striker is strong, skilful, quick and has eye for goal.

Carlos Bacca personal life

Carlos Bacca, who was previously a bus conductor and a fisherman, is among the richest players in South America. The Colombian star has a net worth of $1.2 million. He has earned his wealth from professional football. 

Bacca is one of the most religious footballers in the world. The lethal striker attributes his success in football to God. He is a member of the Evangelical Christian faith. At one time, it was rumoured that Carlos Bacca wanted to join Roma so he can close to the Pope. 

Carlos Bacca is married to his childhood girlfriend. The two keeps their love life private as they avoid controversies. They have two kids, Valentina Bacca and Carlos Daniel Bacca.