Radamel Falcao

Falcao made his debut for Lanceros Boyacá in the Colombian Categoría Primera B (second tier) on 28 August 1999, playing the last 40 minutes against Deportivo Pereira at the age of 13 years and 199 days, thus becoming the youngest debutant at that level of Colombian professional football.{{cite news|last1=Montes|first1=Jimmy|last2=Ascencio|first2=José Orlando|date=20 February 2010|title=En Colombia se vive la 'Falcaomanía'|language=es|trans-title='Falcaomania' is rife in Colombia|work=El Tiempo|url=http://www.eltiempo.com/archivo/documento/CMS-7295310|access-date=26 December 2012}}{{Cite web|last=Warrier|first=Rahul|date=3 January 2018|title=How Falcao rose to the top and overcame an unlikely fall from grace|url=https://thesefootballtimes.co/2018/01/03/how-falcao-rose-to-the-top-and-overcame-an-unlikely-fall-from-grace/|access-date=16 November 2020|website=These Football Times}} In 2000, Lanceros' coach, Hernán Pacheco, began to consider the 14-year-old more seriously; Falcao played seven matches that year.{{cite web|last=Marín S.|first=William J.|date=12 April 2012|title=Radamel Falcao García jugó en la Segunda División en Colombia|url=http://dimayor.com/noticias/radamel_falca_garcia_jugo_en_la_segunda_division_en_colombia_540.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121120064037/http://dimayor.com/noticias/radamel_falca_garcia_jugo_en_la_segunda_division_en_colombia_540.html|archive-date=20 November 2012|access-date=26 December 2012|publisher=División Mayor del Fútbol Profesional Colombiano|language=es}} On 23 July, at the Estadio Olímpico del Sol in Sogamoso, he scored his first and only goal for the club, to seal a 2–0 win against Club El Cóndor that took Lanceros off the bottom of the table.{{cite news|date=25 April 2000|title=Lanceros frenó al Cóndor|language=es|trans-title=Lanceros put the brakes on Cóndor|work=El Tiempo|url=http://www.eltiempo.com/archivo/documento/MAM-1247214|access-date=26 December 2012}} In his two years with the club, he played eight matches and scored once.

After training with Millonarios, who did not take up their option to purchase the player,{{cite news|date=15 May 2012|title=Falcao García no podrá vestir camiseta de Millonarios|language=es|trans-title=Falcao García couldn't wear the Millonarios shirt|work=El País|location=Cali|url=http://www.elpais.com.co/elpais/deportes/noticias/falcao-garcia-podra-vestir-camiseta-millonarios|access-date=26 December 2012}} Falcao was sold to River Plate of Argentina in February 2001, for a $500,000 fee.{{cite news|last=Varsky|first=Juan Pablo|date=1 October 2007|title=San Falcao, la experiencia religiosa a la que se aferra River|language=es|trans-title=Saint Falcao, the religious experience that River clings to|work=La Nación|location=Buenos Aires|url=http://www.lanacion.com.ar/EdicionImpresa/deportiva/nota.asp?nota_id=949050|access-date=26 December 2012}} He began his River career in the youth team, playing in the eighth division of Argentine football. River's coach, Leonardo Astrada, gave Falcao his professional debut in the 2005 Torneo Clausura, on 6 March 2005, in a game that finished in a 3–1 victory for his club against Instituto de Córdoba.{{cite web|date=6 March 2005|title=River ganó con autoridad y sigue arriba|url=http://espndeportes.espn.go.com/futbol/reporte?juegoId=178475|archive-url=https://archive.today/20161107125530/http://espndeportes.espn.go.com/futbol/reporte?juegoId=178475|url-status=dead|archive-date=7 November 2016|access-date=19 March 2016|publisher=ESPN}}{{cite web|date=7 June 2013|title=Historias y anécdotas de cuando Falcao llegó a River con 15 años|url=http://canchallena.lanacion.com.ar/1589245-historias-y-anecdotas-de-cuando-falcao-llego-a-river-con-15-anos|access-date=19 March 2016|publisher=La Nación}}

Falcao became a regular in the first team during the 2005 Apertura. He scored twice in a match for the first time in Argentina, on 2 October in a game against Independiente that finished as a 3–1 win for River.{{cite news|date=3 October 2005|title=Falcao hizo festejar a River|language=es|trans-title=Falcao had a ball at River|work=Infobae|url=http://www.infobae.com/notas/nota.php?Idx=214029&IdxSeccion=100795|access-date=26 December 2012|archive-date=24 December 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121224054822/http://www.infobae.com/notas/nota.php?Idx=214029&IdxSeccion=100795|url-status=dead}} On 9 November 2005, Falcao scored a brace, which contributed to a 4–1 home win against Lanús.{{cite news|date=9 November 2005|title=El colombiano Falcao Garcia se consolida como goleador de River|language=es|trans-title=The Colombian Falcao García establishes himself as River's goalscorer|work=Diario de Cuyo|location=San Juan, Argentina|url=http://www.diariodecuyo.com.ar/home/new_noticia.php?noticia_id=126467|access-date=26 December 2012|archive-date=23 September 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150923214410/http://www.diariodecuyo.com.ar/home/new_noticia.php?noticia_id=126467|url-status=dead}} The following week, he scored two goals in five minutes and assisted Marcelo Gallardo as River won 5–1 against San Lorenzo;{{cite news|date=17 November 2005|title=Falcao García marca dos tantos en goleada de River a San Lorenzo|language=es|trans-title=Falcao García scores two in River's goalfest at San Lorenzo|work=Terra|agency=EFE|url=http://www.terra.com/deportes/articulo/html/fox209973.htm|access-date=26 November 2012|archive-date=24 December 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121224044453/http://www.terra.com/deportes/articulo/html/fox209973.htm}} however, shortly after scoring his second goal, he suffered a ligament injury and missed the remainder of the Apertura.{{cite news|date=23 November 2005|title=River Plate perdió a Falcao García para el resto del Apertura 2005|language=es|trans-title=River Plate lost Falcao García for the rest of the 2005 Apertura|publisher=Radio Cooperativa|url=http://www.cooperativa.cl/noticias/deportes/futbol/liga-argentina/river-plate-perdio-a-falcao-garcia-para-el-resto-del-apertura-2005/2005-11-23/120610.html|access-date=26 December 2012}} The Colombian striker ended the campaign with seven goals from as many games under the management of Reinaldo Merlo, who gave Falcao the trust he needed to establish himself in the team.

During pre-season in January 2006, he sustained a more serious ligament injury to the same knee, which required surgery, causing him to miss the entire 2006 Clausura and 2006 Copa Libertadores as he was kept off the pitch for about 7 months.{{cite news|date=20 January 2006|title=Grave lesión de colombiano Falcao|language=es|trans-title=Serious injury to the Colombian Falcao|work=Terra|url=http://www.terra.com/deportes/articulo/html/fox220456.htm|access-date=26 December 2012|archive-date=24 December 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121224044450/http://www.terra.com/deportes/articulo/html/fox220456.htm}} He returned to the field in September, soon after the start of the 2006 Apertura, in which he made 12 appearances, mainly as a substitute; he scored just once, to seal a 2–0 win against Rosario Central on 23 October that took River clear at the top of the table.{{cite news|date=23 October 2006|title=River construyó una victoria que lo llevó a la punta|language=es|trans-title=River constructed a victory that took them to the top|work=Infobae|url=http://www.infobae.com/notas/nota.php?Idx=282428&IdxSeccion=100803|access-date=26 December 2012|archive-date=24 December 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121224054806/http://www.infobae.com/notas/nota.php?Idx=282428&IdxSeccion=100803}} A few days earlier, he made his debut in CONMEBOL competition, in the last eight of the 2006 Copa Sudamericana against Atlético Paranaense. He was replaced at half-time, and the match finished 2–2; this meant River were eliminated on aggregate, as they lost the home leg 1–0.{{cite news|date=12 October 2006|title=Eliminan a River|language=es|trans-title=River go out|work=Los Tiempos|location=Bolivia|url=http://www.lostiempos.com/diario/actualidad/deportes/20061013/eliminan-a-river_22989_22989.html|access-date=26 December 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140201172633/http://www.lostiempos.com/diario/actualidad/deportes/20061013/eliminan-a-river_22989_22989.html|archive-date=1 February 2014}}

He was sent off in his only outing in the 2007 Copa Libertadores, against Colo-Colo on 22 February 2007.{{Cite web|date=22 February 2007|title=Colo-Colo vs River Plate - Copa Libertadores 2007|url=https://www.besoccer.com/match/colo-colo/ca-river-plate/200748643|access-date=21 September 2021|website=Besoccer.com}} Domestically, he made little impression on the 2007 Clausura. He scored in only one of the eight games he played: River's first two goals as they beat Racing Club 4–2 away from home.{{cite news|date=25 February 2007|title=River ganó 4–2 y lidera con Arsenal el torneo argentino|language=es|trans-title=River won 4–2 and lead the Argentina league alongside Arsenal|work=El Universo|location=Ecuador|url=http://www.eluniverso.com/2007/02/25/0001/15/D53357A5AC704AC69961E6235F9A05C8.html|access-date=26 December 2012}} Falcao scored his first professional hat-trick on 27 September 2007, as River made a historic comeback against Botafogo to win the series 4–3 after trailing 3–1 on aggregate and progress into the quarter-finals of the 2007 Copa Sudamericana.{{Cite web|last=|date=28 September 2017|title=Otra remontada Monumental|url=https://www.ole.com.ar/river-plate/copa-botafogo-wilstermann-falcao_0_r1W-4p5o-.html|access-date=21 September 2021|website=Olé|language=es}}{{Cite web|last=|date=27 September 2007|title=River hizo el milagro y sigue en la Sudamericana|url=https://www.clarin.com/ediciones-anteriores/river-hizo-milagro-sigue-sudamericana_0_Hyf-Udyk0Ke.html|access-date=21 September 2021|website=Clarïn|language=es}} Three days later, he scored in a 3–3 draw against Rosario Central,{{Cite web |date=30 September 2007 |title=River Plate - Rosario Central 3:3 (Primera División 2007/2008 Apertura, 11. Round) |url=https://www.worldfootball.net/report/primera-division-2007-2008-apertura-river-plate-rosario-central/#google_vignette |access-date=2025-05-14 |website=worldfootball.net |language=en}} and the following week, he scored his first goal in a Superclásico as River beat Boca Juniors 2–0.{{cite news|date=7 October 2007|title=River gana el clásico y Pasarella respira|language=es|trans-title=Rover win the derby and Passarella breathes|work=El País|location=Uruguay|url=http://www.elpais.com.uy/07/10/07/ultmo_306950.asp|access-date=26 December 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071020164945/http://www.elpais.com.uy/07/10/07/ultmo_306950.asp|archive-date=20 October 2007}} On 26 October 2007, Falcao scored with a long range strike in a 2–2 draw away to Defensor Sporting; a goal which later proved to be crucial as River advanced to the Copa Sudamericana semi-finals on away goals.{{Cite web |date=26 October 2007 |title=Defensor Sporting - River Plate 2:2 (Copa Sudamericana 2007, Quarter-finals) |url=https://www.worldfootball.net/report/copa-sudamericana-2007-viertelfinale-defensor-sporting-river-plate/ |access-date=2025-05-14 |website=worldfootball.net |language=en}}

River Plate were reported to have rejected a $15 million offer from Milan for Falcao in early 2008, as well as bids from clubs including Aston Villa and Fluminense.{{Cite web |last=Gorrie |first=Jonathan |date=2018-09-13 |title=The one who got away: Radamel Falcao and Aston Villa |url=https://www.footballfancast.com/premier-league/aston-villa/the-one-who-got-away-radamel-falcao-and-aston-villa/ |access-date=2025-01-29 |website=FootballFanCast |language=en}}{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=8 December 2007|title=Fluminense admite interés por el colombiano Falcao García|url=https://caracol.com.co/radio/2007/12/08/deportes/1197110760_517588.html|access-date=21 September 2021|website=Caracol Radio|language=es}} On 27 February, Falcao scored, but was red-carded, in a 2–1 win over Club América in the 2008 Copa Libertadores group stage.{{Cite web |date=27 February 2008 |title=River Plate - CF América 2:1 (Copa Libertadores 2008, Group 5) |url=https://www.worldfootball.net/report/copa-libertadores-2008-gruppe-5-river-plate-cf-america/ |access-date=2025-05-14 |website=worldfootball.net |language=en}} He was a key player in River's 2008 Clausura title, his first domestic title, scoring 6 goals.{{Cite web |date=2021-04-11 |title=Radamel Falcao » Primera División 2007/2008 Clausura |url=https://www.worldfootball.net/player_summary/radamel-falcao/arg-primera-division-2007-2008-clausura/river-plate/3/ |access-date=2025-05-14 |website=worldfootball.net |language=en}} His performances linked him with moves to a variety of clubs, including Man United and Arsenal.{{cite news|last=Sica|first=Gregory|date=2 July 2008|title=Madrid, Man United Chase Falcao|publisher=Goal.com|url=http://www.goal.com/en/news/8/main/2008/07/02/759413/madrid-man-united-chase-falcao|access-date=26 December 2012}}{{Cite web|date=7 July 2008|title=FALCAO KEEN ON ARSENAL|url=https://www.eurosport.com/geoblocking.shtml|access-date=21 September 2021|website=Eurosport}} Nevertheless, he remained with River as they suffered the worst campaign in their history, finishing bottom of the 2008 Apertura, with Falcao scoring 5 goals.{{cite news|last=Blotto|first=Martín|date=14 December 2008|title=¡Guau! River último|language=es|trans-title=Wow! River last|work=Olé|url=http://www.ole.clarin.com/notas/2008/12/14/futbollocal/01822237.html|access-date=26 December 2012}}{{Cite web |date=2021-04-11 |title=Radamel Falcao » Primera División 2008/2009 Apertura |url=https://www.worldfootball.net/player_summary/radamel-falcao/arg-primera-division-2008-2009-apertura/river-plate/3/ |access-date=2025-05-14 |website=worldfootball.net |language=en}}

In 2009, the club had a difficult start: they were eliminated in the group stage of the 2009 Copa Libertadores and won few games at the beginning of the 2009 Clausura. Falcao retained his eye for goal and was instrumental in Nestor Gorosito's plans; having matured as a striker in the 2007–08 and 2008–09 seasons, he scored 35 combined goals in his last two years with El Millonario.

File:2010–11 UEFA Europa League - SK Rapid Wien vs F.C. Porto (01).jpg in 2010]]

On 15 July 2009, Primeira Liga team Porto signed Falcao on a four-year contract worth €3.93 million for 60% of his economic rights after Porto sold striker Lisandro López to Lyon for €24 million.{{cite web|date=19 July 2009|title=Acordo de princípio para a compra do atleta Falcao|trans-title=Agreement in principle to purchase the athlete Falcao|url=http://www.fcporto.pt/IncFCP/PDF/Investor_Relations/FactosRelevantes/CompraFalcao_150709.pdf|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101231201950/http://www.fcporto.pt/IncFCP/PDF/Investor_Relations/FactosRelevantes/CompraFalcao_150709.pdf|archive-date=31 December 2010|access-date=12 March 2011|work=FC Porto|language=pt}}{{cite web|date=7 July 2010|title=Acordo com o Lyon para a transferência de Lisandro|trans-title=Agreement with Lyon for Lisandro's transfer|url=http://www.fcporto.pt/Noticias/Futebol/noticiafutebol_futcomunicadolisandro_070709_44582.asp|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090710014807/http://www.fcporto.pt/Noticias/Futebol/noticiafutebol_futcomunicadolisandro_070709_44582.asp|archive-date=10 July 2009|access-date=12 December 2010|publisher=FC Porto|language=pt}} In the transaction, Porto also sold Mario Bolatti for €1.5 million to a third party owner, Natland Financier B.V., in exchange for 35% of the economic rights of Falcao.{{cite web|date=25 October 2010|title=FC Porto 2009–10 Annual Report|url=http://www.fcporto.pt/IncFCP/PDF/Investor_Relations/RCConsolidado20092010.pdf|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101231153103/http://www.fcporto.pt/incfcp/pdf/investor_relations/RCConsolidado20092010.pdf|archive-date=31 December 2010|access-date=18 May 2011|work=FC Porto|language=pt}} A week before, Porto rivals Benfica came very close to signing Falcao after making a €4.7 million offer, but the reluctance of the club to pay an additional €700,000 requested by Falcao for awards and delayed salaries dictated the end of negotiations.{{Cite web|date=7 July 2009|title=Benfica desiste de tirar Falcao García do River Plate|url=http://espn.com.br/noticia/60447_benfica-desiste-de-tirar-falcao-garcia-do-river-plate|access-date=10 May 2012|website=ESPN|language=pt}}{{Cite web|last=Mira|first=Luis|date=7 July 2009|title=Benfica Give Up On River Plate's Radamel Falcao {{!}} Goal.com|url=https://www.goal.com/en/news/11/transfer-zone/2009/07/07/1369128/benfica-give-up-on-river-plates-radamel-falcao|access-date=16 November 2020|website=Goal.com}} He made his debut against Paços de Ferreira on the opening matchday and scored an important goal to earn the team a draw.{{cite web|date=16 August 2008|title=P. Ferreira 1–1 FC Porto|url=https://www.thefinalball.com/jogo.php?id=852946|access-date=12 December 2010|publisher=footballzz.co.uk}} He went on to score three goals in as many games, making him one of the few to score four goals in the first four matchdays of the Portuguese league.

On 30 September 2009, Falcao scored his first UEFA Champions League goal, a backheel, in a 2–0 group stage win over his future club, Atlético Madrid.{{cite web|date=30 September 2009|title=Match details / line-up: FC Porto – Atlético Madrid (Champions League 2009/2010)|url=http://www.worldfootball.net/spielbericht/champions-league-2009-2010-gruppe-d-fc-porto-atletico-madrid/|access-date=15 December 2010|publisher=worldfootball.net}} On 12 December, Falcao scored a header to defeat rivals Sporting in a 1–0 home victory.{{cite web|date=26 September 2009|title=FC Porto 1–0 Sporting|url=https://www.thefinalball.com/jogo.php?id=852983|access-date=12 December 2010|publisher=footballzz.co.uk}} On 10 January 2010, Falcao scored a brace, including the winning goal, in a 3–2 league victory over Uniao de Leiria.{{Cite web|date=10 January 2010|title=FC Porto vs Uniao de Leiria Primeira Liga 2009/2010|url=https://www.football-lineups.com/match/65925/|access-date=25 November 2020|website=Football-Lineups}} On 2 February, Falcao scored twice in a 5–2 Taça de Portugal quarter-finals victory against rivals Sporting.{{cite web|date=2 February 2010|title=FC Porto 5–2 Sporting|url=https://www.thefinalball.com/jogo.php?id=1154534|access-date=12 December 2010|publisher=footballzz.co.uk}} In the same month, he scored the winning goal in a Champions League round of 16 victory over Arsenal, his fourth goal in the tournament, even though Porto were later eliminated from the competition.{{cite web|date=17 February 2010|title=Match details: FC Porto – Arsenal FC 2009/10 Champions League|url=http://www.worldfootball.net/spielbericht/champions-league-2009-2010-achtelfinale-fc-porto-arsenal-fc/|access-date=15 December 2010|publisher=worldfootball.net}} On 3 April, Falcao scored a brace against Marítimo to lead the scoring charts with 20 goals,{{cite web|date=3 April 2009|title=Doblete de Falcao García en la victoria del Porto contra Marítimo en el fútbol portugués|trans-title=Falcao Garcia double in Porto's victory against Maritimo in the Portuguese League|url=http://www.eltiempo.com/archivo/documento/CMS-7527019|access-date=15 December 2010|publisher=El Tiempo|language=es}} although he would eventually finish the season as the second-highest league scorer with 25 goals, behind only Benfica's Óscar Cardozo, who had 26. Falcao later scored two more braces in away victories over Vitoria Setubal and Leiria on 24 April and 8 May respectively.{{Cite web|date=24 April 2010|title=Vitória Setúbal vs. Porto|url=https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2010/04/24/portugal/portuguese-liga-/vitoria-setubal/futebol-clube-do-porto/807077/|access-date=1 December 2020|website=Soccerway}}{{Cite web|date=8 May 2010|title=União de Leiria vs. Porto|url=https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2010/05/08/portugal/portuguese-liga-/uniao-leiria/futebol-clube-do-porto/807092/|access-date=1 December 2020|website=Soccerway}} He scored in his last game of the season, the 2010 Taça de Portugal Final, where Porto won 2–1 against Chaves.{{cite web|date=16 May 2010|title=Chaves 1–2 FC Porto|url=https://www.thefinalball.com/jogo.php?id=1230135|access-date=12 December 2010|publisher=footballzz.co.uk}} Falcao wrapped up the campaign with a career-high 34 goals in all competitions.

Falcao made an impressive start to the 2010–11 season, scoring a goal in the 2010 Portuguese Super Cup 2–0 victory over Benfica.{{cite web|date=8 August 2010|title=FC Porto 2–0 Benfica|url=https://www.thefinalball.com/jogo.php?id=1242054|access-date=12 December 2010|publisher=footballzz.co.uk}} He scored his first two league goals on the second matchday of the season in a 3–0 victory against Beira-Mar on 22 August 2010.{{cite web|date=22 August 2010|title=FC Porto 3–0 Beira-Mar|url=https://www.thefinalball.com/jogo.php?id=1270486|access-date=12 December 2010|publisher=footballzz.co.uk}} He scored his second double for the club in a 5–1 victory over União de Leiria on 25 October.{{Cite web|title=Porto v União de Leiria Match Report 25/10/2010, Primeira Liga|url=https://www.goal.com/en-ng/match/porto-v-uni%C3%A3o-de-leiria/commentary-result/babnalleew4i9hz5vdruhmjf9|access-date=17 September 2020|website=Goal.com}} On 7 November, he scored twice, one of them a backheel goal, in a 5–0 victory against the defending champions Benfica.{{cite web|date=7 November 2010|title=FC Porto 5–0 Benfica|url=https://www.thefinalball.com/jogo.php?id=1270550|access-date=12 December 2010|publisher=footballzz.co.uk}}

On 2 December, Falcao scored his first hat-trick for Porto in a 3–1 victory against Rapid Wien during a UEFA Europa League clash, becoming the top goal scorer with seven goals.{{Cite news|date=2 December 2010|title=Prolific Falcao wins Group L for Porto|work=UEFA|url=https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuropaleague/news/01ec-0e7673856fe0-173e4b00d192-1000/|access-date=17 September 2020}} On 7 April 2011, Falcao scored another hat-trick and provided an assist in the quarter-finals of the Europa League against Russian side Spartak Moscow in a 5–1 victory, bringing his goal tally in the tournament to ten.{{Cite news|date=7 April 2011|title=Falcao hat-trick as Porto stun Spartak {{!}} FC Porto 5-1 FC Spartak Moskva|work=UEFA|url=https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuropaleague/match/2007722--porto-vs-spartak-moskva/|access-date=17 September 2020|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110411041248/http://www.uefa.com/uefaeuropaleague/matches/season=2011/round=2000131/match=2007722/index.html|archive-date=11 April 2011}} In the second leg, he scored another goal and provided another assist in another victory with the same scoreline in a 10–3 aggregate thrashing that took Porto to the tournament's semi-final stage.

On 17 April, he scored a double against rivals Sporting CP to help defeat them 3-2.{{Cite web|date=17 April 2011|title=Porto 3-2 Sporting Lisbon: Radamel Falcao fires hosts to victory|url=https://www.goal.com/en/news/91/portugal/2011/04/17/2446161/porto-3-2-sporting-lisbon-radamel-falcao-fires-hosts-to|access-date=18 September 2020|website=GOAL.com}} He further added to his position as top scorer in the Europa League by scoring four goals in the semi-final against Villarreal two weeks later, which finished 5–1 for Porto.{{Cite web|date=28 April 2011|title=Porto-Villarreal 5-1|url=https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuropaleague/match/2007739--porto-vs-villarreal/|access-date=17 September 2020|website=UEFA}}{{Cite news|date=28 April 2011|title=Four-goal Falcao stuns Spaniards as Porto take charge of semifinal|work=CNN|url=https://edition.cnn.com/2011/SPORT/football/04/28/football.braga.benfica.villarreal.porto/index.html|access-date=15 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110607223638/https://edition.cnn.com/2011/SPORT/football/04/28/football.braga.benfica.villarreal.porto/index.html|archive-date=7 June 2011}} In the Europa League final against domestic rivals Braga, Falcao scored the only goal of the game with a header after a cross from Fredy Guarín, giving the title to Porto.{{Cite web|date=18 May 2011|title=Falcao heads Porto to Europa League glory|url=https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuropaleague/news/0250-0c50f8680b62-7a96c1afdbf0-1000--falcao-heads-porto-to-europa-league-glory/|access-date=18 September 2020|website=UEFA}} He set a new goalscoring record of 17 goals in 14 games during the Europa League campaign, surpassing Jürgen Klinsmann's previous record of 15 goals.{{Cite web|date=18 May 2011|title=UEFA Europa League 2010/11 - Top goalscorers|url=https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuropaleague/season=2011/statistics/round=2000128/players/type=topscorers/index.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20140423104725/http://www.uefa.com/uefaeuropaleague/season=2011/statistics/round=2000128/players/type=topscorers/index.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=23 April 2014|access-date=18 September 2020|website=UEFA}}{{Cite web|date=18 May 2011|title=Seventeen-goal Falcao signs off with record|url=https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuropaleague/news/0250-0c50f81b7942-fac67f6ec49d-1000--seventeen-goal-falcao-signs-off-with-record/|access-date=20 July 2021|website=UEFA}} In July 2011, Falcao extended his contract until 2015 with an added €45 million buy-out clause.{{cite web|date=14 July 2011|title=COMUNICADO|trans-title=Communication|url=http://www.fcporto.pt/IncFCP/PDF/Investor_Relations/FactosRelevantes/ir_renovacaoFalcao_14072011.pdf|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111224074043/http://www.fcporto.pt/IncFCP/PDF/Investor_Relations/FactosRelevantes/ir_renovacaoFalcao_14072011.pdf|archive-date=24 December 2011|access-date=19 August 2011|publisher=FC Porto official site|language=pt}} Porto paid a commission of €6.58 million to extend the contract.{{cite web|date=29 February 2012|title=RELATÓRIO E CONTAS CONSOLIDADO 1º SEMESTRE 2011/2012|trans-title=Half-Year Report and Accounts on 31 December 2011|url=http://www.fcporto.pt/IncFCP/PDF/Investor_Relations/RelatoriosContas/ir_RelatorioContas1S11Consolidado_290212.pdf|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120523112110/http://www.fcporto.pt/IncFCP/PDF/Investor_Relations/RelatoriosContas/ir_RelatorioContas1S11Consolidado_290212.pdf|archive-date=23 May 2012|access-date=22 March 2012|publisher=FC Porto|language=pt}}

On 18 August 2011, Atlético announced they had signed Falcao from Porto on a €40 million transfer fee; the fee could potential rise to €50 million based on performance-based clauses, making him the most expensive player in the club's history.{{cite web|date=18 August 2011|title=Atletico sign striker Radamel Falcao from Porto for £34.7m|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2011/aug/19/atletico-madrid-radamel-falcao-porto|access-date=20 August 2011|work=The Guardian}}{{cite news|date=19 August 2011|title=Atletico sign Porto's £35m Falcao to plug Aguero gap|work=The Independent|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/transfers/atletico-sign-portos-16335m-falcao-to-plug-aguero-gap-2340364.html|access-date=23 August 2011}} Atlético and the Colombian forward also agreed on a four-year contract.

Falcao made his Atlético debut on 11 September away to Valencia, playing the full 90 minutes in a 1–0 defeat. A week later, on 18 September, Falcao scored his first hat trick for Atlético in a 4–0 win against Racing Santander.{{Cite web|title=Atletico Madrid vs. Racing Santander {{!}} 18 September 2011 - ESPN|url=https://www.espn.com/soccer/match?gameId=323997|access-date=16 September 2020|website=ESPN.com}} On 3 November, Falcao netted a goal in Atlético's 4–0 triumph over Udinese – the goal meant that Falcao had scored 19 goals in his last 18 Europa League games.{{Cite web|date=3 November 2011|title=Atletico thump Udinese|url=https://www.skysports.com/football/a-madrid-vs-udinese/report/249612|access-date=16 September 2020|website=Sky Sports}}

File:Falcao_Celebración_Europa_League_2012.JPG with Atlético Madrid]]

Falcao's second hat-trick in La Liga came on 21 January 2012, when he led his team to a 4–0 victory against Real Sociedad at the Anoeta Stadium. On 16 February, in the first leg of the Europa League round of 32, Falcao scored twice and assisted a goal in an 3–1 away victory against Lazio to progress to the round of 16.{{Cite web|date=17 February 2012|title=Atlético temperament pleases Falcao and Co|url=https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuropaleague/match/2007427--lazio-vs-atleti/|access-date=16 September 2020|website=UEFA}}{{Cite web|date=16 February 2012|title=Falcao at the double|url=https://www.skysports.com/football/lazio-vs-a-madrid/report/254084|access-date=16 September 2020|website=Sky Sports}} In the second leg of Atlético's Round of 16 clash against Turkish club Beşiktaş, Falcao scored one goal and provided Eduardo Salvio's goal in a 3–0 victory, advancing 6–1 on aggregate.{{Cite web|last=Vermeiren|first=Dirk|date=15 March 2012|title=Polished Atlético too good for Beşiktaş|url=https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuropaleague/news/01fb-0e7d42435cf9-a7ebbfafc5e1-1000--polished-atletico-too-good-for-besiktas/|access-date=16 September 2020|website=UEFA}} On 21 March, Falcao netted a second half double to propel his side to a 2–1 victory over Athletic Bilbao and keep Atlético in the race for European places.{{Cite web|title=Atletico Madrid vs. Athletic Bilbao - Football Match Summary - March 21, 2012|url=https://www.espn.com/soccer/match?gameId=323769|access-date=17 September 2020|website=ESPN.com}} In both legs of the Europa League quarter-final tie versus Hannover 96, Falcao managed to score a goal in each leg, helping Atlético seal a 4–2 aggregate victory and increasing his goal tally to eight in the competition.{{cite web|date=29 March 2012|title=Salvio strike tips balance in Atlético's favour|url=https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuropaleague/news/01fb-0e7d82b9a401-c3b0cab9c0e7-1000--salvio-strike-tips-balance-in-atletico-s-favour/|access-date=15 November 2020|publisher=UEFA}}{{cite web|date=5 April 2012|title=Atlético edge through against dogged Hannover|url=https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuropaleague/news/01fc-0e7da8e45ccc-57245c45f2ea-1000--atletico-edge-through-against-dogged-hannover/|website=5 April 2013|publisher=UEFA}}

Falcao played his first Madrid Derby against Real Madrid on 11 April 2012. He had missed the first match at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium due to injury, and scored Atlético's only goal as his side fell 4–1 due to a hat trick by Cristiano Ronaldo.{{Cite web|date=11 April 2012|title=Atlético Madrid 1-4 Real Madrid {{!}} La Liga match report|url=http://www.theguardian.com/football/2012/apr/11/atletico-madrid-real-madrid-la-liga|access-date=16 September 2020|website=The Guardian}} Four days later, he scored his 30th goal of the season in all competitions against Rayo Vallecano in a crucial 1–0 victory for Atlético.{{Cite news|date=15 April 2012|title=La Liga: Rayo 0 – 1 Atlético {{!}} Falcao decides the match with a fastbreak goal in the second half|work=Atleticofans.com|url=http://www.atleticofans.com/12990/la-liga-rayo-0-1-atletico/?__cf_chl_jschl_tk__=f90949fa5052cdfd843e6273732e1c0ae3ee31ef-1600275027-0-AWilIzxhiJzQJHMGv7OC7WyvnWBOpoRGOK6oyVZsbxnwIkXB1OjwM3NhSSj-k2XvJ9QAIDso7wQiYSX5D3r5Svyslpsq3D7H65rSSWaW_LE7kxvBbpZyR01UQjILqosv1F52uC9UQrnhhAxOKvzchNeaSsQsl80r36pEU2DlOT8h3OAlJIvN0nc0G4fxm1DxaEqIvYH3ySSACKHehJVNj4oplCkJ283LEeNcY92dSgfJkKp3ozk58W1cnjrnv9uuq6Y3R1W2sNiRM7u8zxkr63_20yVsM-qqr9ASCbxo-22T1lRkJmMuhcujt9gfUn2bag}} In the first leg of the 2011–12 Europa League semi-finals against Valencia, Falcao scored a double in a 4–2 victory while making Atlético the first team to win ten consecutive matches in a single Europa League season.{{cite web|date=19 April 2012|title=Atlético in control against rivals Valencia|url=https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuropaleague/news/01fc-0e81c31196a3-da72bcbc09de-1000--atletico-in-control-against-rivals-valencia/|access-date=15 November 2020|publisher=UEFA}} Falcao added to his Europa League tally in the final against fellow La Liga side Athletic Bilbao, netting Atlético's opening two goals in a 3–0 triumph at the Arena Națională in Bucharest on 9 May 2012.{{cite web|date=9 May 2012|title=Falcao at double as Atlético march to title|url=https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuropaleague/news/0250-0c50fb7a9e5f-dc5a349f670c-1000--falcao-at-double-as-atletico-march-to-title/|access-date=17 September 2020|publisher=UEFA}}{{Cite news|date=9 May 2012|title=Atl Madrid 3-0 Athletic Bilbao|work=BBC Sport|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/17995827|access-date=17 September 2020}} In so doing, Falcao not only became the top goal scorer in a Europa league season again, with 12 goals, but became the first player in history to win two consecutive Europa League titles with two different teams.{{Cite news|date=9 May 2012|title=Falcao shines again as Atletico rule Europa|work=FIFA.com|url=http://www.fifa.com/worldfootball/clubfootball/news/newsid=1628393.html|access-date=17 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120522014921/http://www.fifa.com/worldfootball/clubfootball/news/newsid=1628393.html|archive-date=22 May 2012}}{{Cite web|date=9 May 2012|title=UEFA Europa League - Top Scorers 2012/13|url=https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuropaleague/season=2012/statistics/round=2000272/players/type=topscorers/index.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111022175319/http://www.uefa.com/uefaeuropaleague/season=2012/statistics/round=2000272/players/type=topscorers/index.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=22 October 2011|access-date=17 September 2020|website=UEFA}} Four days after the final, Falcao scored the only goal late into a match against Villarreal to give his team a victory in the last game of the season.{{Cite web|title=Villarreal vs. Atletico Madrid - 13 May 2012|url=https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2012/05/13/spain/primera-division/villarreal-club-de-futbol/club-atletico-de-madrid/1141013/|access-date=17 September 2020|website=int.soccerway.com}} After his outstanding debut season with the club, his purchase was called the "best purchase of the 21st century".{{cite web|date=2 May 2012|title=Falcao es el mejor fichaje del siglo XXI –|url=http://www.marca.com/2012/05/01/futbol/equipos/atletico/1335862111.html|access-date=2 January 2013|work=Marca (newspaper)}}

Falcao scored two hat-tricks at the start of the 2012–13 season; first in the league game against 2012 Europa League finalists Athletic Bilbao on 27 August 2012,{{Cite web|date=28 August 2012|title=Simeone: Falcao was nearly perfect against Athletic Bilbao|url=https://www.goal.com/en/news/12/spanish-football/2012/08/28/3336180/simeone-falcao-was-nearly-perfect-against-athletic-bilbao|access-date=16 September 2020|website=Goal.com}} and the second in the 4–1 defeat of Chelsea during the 2012 UEFA Super Cup four days later.{{cite web|date=31 August 2012|title=Falcao fires Atlético to Super Cup glory|url=https://www.uefa.com/uefasupercup/news/0250-0c50fa589096-8b8c4d40d72f-1000--falcao-fires-atletico-to-super-cup-glory/|publisher=UEFA}} At the same time, Falcao became the first player in history to score a hat trick in a UEFA Super Cup final in its current format; the original format was two legged before turning into a single legged final format in 1998. After the match, Simeone described Falcao's performance as "indescribable".{{Cite web|date=5 April 2013|title=2012 Super Cup: Falcao blows Chelsea away|url=https://www.uefa.com/uefasupercup/news/0250-0c50ffb0f84c-83ec3888d89c-1000--2012-super-cup-falcao-blows-chelsea-away/|access-date=20 July 2021|website=UEFA}} On 16 September, Falcao scored what turned out to be the decisive goal from the penalty spot in a 4–3 win over Rayo Vallecano,{{Cite web|date=16 September 2012|title=Atletico Madrid holds off Rayo Vallecano, 4-3|url=https://www.foxnews.com/sports/atletico-madrid-holds-off-rayo-vallecano-4-3|access-date=16 September 2020|website=Fox News}} and did the same a week later in a 2–1 triumph against Real Valladolid, before going off at half-time in order to avoid a possible groin injury.{{Cite web |date=September 23, 2012 |title=Atletico Madrid vs. Real Valladolid |url=https://www.espn.co.uk/football/commentary?gameId=350171 |access-date=16 September 2020 |website=ESPN.com}} Falcao scored a double in a 4–2 away victory over Real Betis, converting a cross for the first and then scoring from the penalty spot.{{cite web|date=26 September 2012|title=Real Betis 2 – 4 Atlético Madrid|url=http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/football/spanish-liga/2012-2013/real-betis-atletico-madrid-526567.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121021151801/http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/football/spanish-liga/2012-2013/real-betis-atletico-madrid-526567.html|archive-date=21 October 2012|publisher=Yahoo Sports}} In October 2012, he was nominated for the 2012 FIFA Ballon d'Or, and came in 5th place.{{Cite web|title=FIFA Ballon d'Or 2012 - Voting results|url=https://www.fifa.com/mm/document/ballond'or/general/01/98/08/52/fboawards-byrank.pdf|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131231194555/https://www.fifa.com/mm/document/ballond'or/general/01/98/08/52/fboawards-byrank.pdf|archive-date=31 December 2013|access-date=16 November 2020|website=FIFA.com}} He was also in the 2012 FIFPro World XI.

On 7 October, Falcao scored a header early into the game against Málaga, and also forced Málaga defender Weligton to score an own goal, giving Atlético the 2–1 victory in the final minute. Three weeks later, he scored once again versus Real Sociedad, this time with a rare free-kick which was a last minute winner in the 1–0 victory. That was Falcao's first professional free kick goal.{{cite web|date=21 October 2012|title=Liga – Brilliant Falcao grabs late win for Atletico|url=http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/news/liga-brilliant-falcao-grabs-late-win-atletico-213126062.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121028235205/http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/news/liga-brilliant-falcao-grabs-late-win-atletico-213126062.html|archive-date=28 October 2012|publisher=Yahoo Sport}}{{Cite web|last=Lowe|first=Sid|date=22 October 2012|title=Radamel Falcao displays eye of the tiger to fire Atlético Madrid to win|url=http://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2012/oct/22/radamel-falcao-tiger-atletico-madrid|access-date=30 November 2020|website=The Guardian}} In a match against Sevilla, Falcao scored a penalty and assisted another goal in a 4–0 victory; the strike marked his 50th goal for Atlético.{{cite web|title=Atlético Madrid 4–0 Sevilla: Falcao marks 50th goal from the spot|url=http://www.insidespanishfootball.com/atletico-madrid-4-0-sevilla-falcao-marks-50th-goal-from-the-spot/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121128201329/http://www.insidespanishfootball.com/atletico-madrid-4-0-sevilla-falcao-marks-50th-goal-from-the-spot/|archive-date=28 November 2012|access-date=2 January 2013|publisher=Inside Spanish Football}} In the 6–0 victory against Deportivo de La Coruña on 9 December, Falcao scored an astonishing five goals, becoming the first player in La Liga since Fernando Morientes in 2002 to net five goals in a match.{{cite web|date=9 December 2012|title=Five-star show from Falcao|url=http://espnfc.com/us/en/report/348372/report.html?soccernet=true&cc=5901|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140421125323/http://espnfc.com/us/en/report/348372/report.html?soccernet=true&cc=5901|archive-date=21 April 2014|publisher=ESPNFC}}{{Cite web|last=Gitelman|first=Dan|date=22 December 2012|title=Radamel Falcao Scores Five Goals to Destroy Deportivo La Coruna|url=http://futbolpulse.com/2012/12/21/radamel-falcao-scores-five-goals-to-destroy-deportivo-la-coruna/|access-date=16 September 2020|website=FutbolPulse}}{{Cite web|last=Rosenblatt|first=Ryan|date=9 December 2012|title=Falcao plays Superman, scores five in Atletico win|url=https://www.sbnation.com/soccer/2012/12/9/3747632/atletico-madrid-vs-deportivo-la-coruna-final-score-6-0-falcao-plays|access-date=16 September 2020|website=SBNation.com}}

Falcao missed the first La Liga match of 2013 due to muscle fatigue, but returned in the second match against Real Zaragoza on 13 January, where he scored a penalty in a 2–0 victory.{{Cite web|title=Atletico Madrid vs. Real Zaragoza - Football Match Commentary - January 13, 2013 - ESPN|url=https://www.espn.com/soccer/commentary?gameId=348341|access-date=15 September 2020}} In the first leg of the Copa del Rey quarter-finals against Betis, Falcao scored a header in a 2–0 victory on 18 January.{{Cite web|date=18 January 2013|title=Live Commentary: Atletico Madrid 2-0 Real Betis - as it happened|url=https://www.sportsmole.co.uk/fb_64549.html|access-date=15 September 2020|website=Sports Mole}} He suffered an muscle injury in a match on 20 January, causing him to miss 3 games, including the second leg of the Copa del Rey quarter finals against Betis and the first leg of the semi-finals against Sevilla.{{Cite web|date=21 January 2013|title=Atletico match record run with Levante win|url=https://www.sportskeeda.com/football/atletico-match-record-run-with-levante-win|access-date=15 September 2020|website=Sportskeeda}}{{Cite web|last=Woosley|first=Zach|date=20 January 2013|title=Falcao injures hamstring, will undergo test Monday|url=https://www.sbnation.com/soccer/2013/1/20/3897580/radamel-falcao-injury-atletico-madrid|access-date=15 September 2020|website=SBNation.com}} Falcao returned for the second leg to score against Sevilla in a 2–2 draw, helping Atlético advance to the finals with a 4–3 aggregate scoreline. Falcao scored a double against Granada in a comfortable 5–0 victory on 14 April. The second goal marked Falcao's 200th career goal (counting both club and nation).{{cite web|title=Falcao roars to 200-goal mark|url=http://www.marca.com/2013/04/15/en/football/spanish_football/1366015836.html|access-date=13 May 2013|publisher=MARCA.com}}{{Cite web|title=Atletico Madrid vs. Granada - 14 April 2013 - Soccerway|url=https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2013/04/14/spain/primera-division/club-atletico-de-madrid/granada-club-de-futbol/1323248/|access-date=15 September 2020|website=int.soccerway.com}} A week later, Falcao scored the only goal in a 0–1 away victory against Sevilla at the Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán Stadium.{{Cite news|date=21 April 2013|title=Falcao gives Atletico important win over Sevilla: La Liga|work=CBC|url=https://www.cbc.ca/sports/soccer/falcao-gives-atletico-important-win-over-sevilla-la-liga-1.1406114}}

In the Madrid Derby the following week, Falcao scored Atlético's only goal once more, albeit in a 1–2 home loss.{{cite web|date=27 April 2013|title=Di Maria earns Real victory at Atletico|url=https://www.fifa.com/worldfootball/clubfootball/news/newsid=2065072.html?intcmp=newsreader_news_box_3|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130503070935/https://www.fifa.com/worldfootball/clubfootball/news/newsid=2065072.html|archive-date=3 May 2013|publisher=FIFA.com}} That goal was Falcao's 50th league goal with the club in just 64 appearances.{{Cite web|last=Diaz|first=Francisco J.|date=29 April 2013|title=Radamel Falcao lleva 50 goles en Liga batiendo otro récord|url=https://as.com/futbol/2013/04/29/primera/1367202486_749140.html|access-date=1 December 2020|website=AS.com|language=es}} On 8 May, Falcao scored the last goal for Atlético in a 3–1 away victory over Celta de Vigo. The win assured Atlético Madrid would appear in the next season's Champions League for the first time in four years.{{Cite web|date=8 May 2013|title=Falcao grabs winner as Atlético beat Celta Vigo|url=https://www.eurosport.com/football/la-liga/2011-2012/celta-vigo-v-atletico-madrid-live_sto3748089/story.shtml|access-date=15 September 2020|website=Eurosport}} He scored his last league goal that season in a 1–2 loss against Barcelona four days later.{{Cite web|last=Woosley|first=Zach|date=12 May 2013|title=10-man Barca comeback to beat Atletico Madrid|url=https://www.sbnation.com/soccer/2013/5/12/4324212/atletico-madrid-vs-barcelona-2013-la-liga-final-score-match-report-result|access-date=16 September 2020|website=SBNation.com}}{{Cite web|date=12 May 2013|title=Messi injury mars Barca success|url=https://www.skysports.com/football/a-madrid-vs-barcelona/report/268534|access-date=16 September 2020|website=Sky Sports}} Falcao ended the season with 28 league goals, putting him third in the top scorers chart, only behind Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. In the 2013 Copa del Rey Final, Atlético were trailing 1–0 when Falcao delivered a timely assist to Diego Costa to tie the game. They went on to win 2–1 and defeat their arch-rivals Real Madrid for the first time in 14 years.{{cite web|date=18 May 2013|title=Atlético deny rivals Madrid to lift Copa del Rey|url=http://www.uefa.com/memberassociations/association=esp/news/newsid=1953423.html?rss=1953423+Atl%C3%A9tico+deny+rivals+Madrid+to+lift+Copa+del+Rey|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130615054930/http://www.uefa.com/memberassociations/association=esp/news/newsid=1953423.html?rss=1953423+Atl%C3%A9tico+deny+rivals+Madrid+to+lift+Copa+del+Rey|url-status=dead|archive-date=15 June 2013|access-date=24 May 2013|publisher=UEFA}}

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| quote = It makes me laugh at times when I get asked why I didn't stay at a particular club or why I haven't moved to another side, as if the player has a choice in the matter. I'd say back to journalists: why don't you work at CNN or ESPN? It's the same in football; on very few occasions can the player make the decision to move from one club or to another. There have been occasions when I've not been able to live in the way I want, many times. I want to go to a particular club and in finally I end up at another.

| source = Falcao in 2014, speaking on his move from Atlético Madrid to Monaco.{{cite news|url=https://www.espn.com/soccer/league-name/story/2217441/headline|title=Radamel Falcao: I knew I would be leaving Atletico after just four months|publisher=ESPN|date=27 December 2014|access-date=25 November 2020}}

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In May 2013, Atlético Madrid general manager Miguel Ángel Gil Marín announced that the club would not stand in the way if Falcao decided to leave, and that he and the club would support him in his decision.{{Cite web|date=20 May 2013|title=Gil Marín: "El Atlético estará con Falcao en la decisión que tome"|url=https://as.com/futbol/2013/05/20/primera/1369055880_496299.html|access-date=26 November 2020|website=AS.com|language=es}} Despite being linked with various clubs such as Atlético Madrid's city rivals Real Madrid and English side Chelsea,{{Cite news|date=21 November 2013|title=Rumour: Chelsea on high alert as Radamel Falcao set to quit AS Monaco|work=SportsKeeda|url=https://www.sportskeeda.com/football/rumour-chelsea-on-high-alert-as-radamel-falcao-set-to-quit-as-monaco|access-date=17 November 2020}}{{Cite web|last=Veysev|first=Wayne|date=1 May 2013|title=Deals agreed: Mourinho & Falcao are Chelsea-bound|url=https://www.goal.com/en/news/11/transfer-zone/2013/05/01/3944929/deals-agreed-mourinho-falcao-are-chelsea-bound|access-date=17 November 2020|website=GOAL.com}} he eventually signed for newly promoted Ligue 1 side Monaco on 31 May 2013.{{Cite web|date=31 May 2013|title=Radamel Falcao completes transfer to Monaco from Atletico Madrid|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/european/10092422/Radamel-Falcao-completes-transfer-to-Monaco-from-Atletico-Madrid.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220112/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/european/10092422/Radamel-Falcao-completes-transfer-to-Monaco-from-Atletico-Madrid.html |archive-date=12 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|access-date=17 November 2020|website=The Telegraph}}{{cbignore}} Falcao subsequently signed a five-year contract for an undisclosed fee,{{cite web|date=31 May 2013|title=Falcao pens five-year deal with ambitious Monaco|url=http://www.uefa.com/memberassociations/association=fra/news/newsid=1957875.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130615101700/http://www.uefa.com/memberassociations/association=fra/news/newsid=1957875.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=15 June 2013|access-date=1 June 2013|publisher=UEFA}}{{cite news|date=31 May 2013|title=Monaco agree deal with Atlético Madrid for Falcao|publisher=AS Monaco|url=http://www.asm-fc.com/en/news/team/agreement-with-atletico-madrid-for-radamel-falcao|access-date=31 May 2013|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130615054640/http://www.asm-fc.com/en/news/team/agreement-with-atletico-madrid-for-radamel-falcao|archive-date=15 June 2013}} believed to be around €60 million, with his net annual salary at Monaco being reported to be around €14 million.{{cite news|date=31 May 2013|title=Monaco confirm £50m Falcao signing|publisher=ESPN.co.uk|url=http://www.espn.co.uk/football/sport/story/209948.html|access-date=31 May 2013|archive-date=5 October 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131005001940/http://www.espn.co.uk/football/sport/story/209948.html|url-status=dead}}{{Cite web|date=31 May 2013|title=Monaco announces Falcao capture|url=https://www.foxnews.com/sports/monaco-announces-falcao-capture|access-date=15 September 2020|website=Fox News}} Despite the Colombian showing optimism about his Monaco future, Falcao gave an emotional farewell to Atlético during a press interview,{{cite web|date=1 June 2013|title=Emoción y lágrimas en la despedida de Falcao|url=http://www.marca.com/2013/06/01/futbol/equipos/atletico/1370103331.html|access-date=1 June 2013|publisher=MARCA.com}} expressing his enjoyment with the club and considering it to be "the best time of his career".{{cite web|date=19 May 2012|title=Falcao leaves Atletico after 'best years' of career|url=https://www.fifa.com/worldfootball/clubfootball/news/newsid=2096855.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130726103952/http://www.fifa.com/worldfootball/clubfootball/news/newsid=2096855.html|archive-date=26 July 2013|access-date=1 June 2013|publisher=FIFA.com}} Falcao went on to say that part of his reason for choosing Monaco was to follow the footsteps of his idol, Thierry Henry.{{cite news|date=2 June 2013|title=AS Monaco: Falcao a signé grâce à Thierry Henry|language=fr|publisher=But! Football Club|url=http://www.butfootballclub.fr/411935-as-monaco-falcao-a-signe-grace-a-thierry-henry/|url-status=live|access-date=15 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130609122836/https://www.butfootballclub.fr/411935-as-monaco-falcao-a-signe-grace-a-thierry-henry/|archive-date=9 June 2013}}{{cite news|date=2 June 2013|title=Radamel Falcao crying all the way to the bank as he says tearful farewell to Atletico Madrid – video|publisher=Metro|url=http://metro.co.uk/2013/06/02/radamel-falcao-crying-all-the-way-to-the-bank-as-he-says-tearful-farewell-to-atletico-madrid-video-3825415/|access-date=6 June 2013}} Monaco sporting director Vadim Vasilyev said that the club hoped to build a team around Falcao and provide a direct challenge in Ligue 1 to Qatari backed PSG. The Colombian forward added that he wanted to bring Monaco "to the top of European Football."{{cite web|date=10 July 2013|title=Falcao aims to take Monaco to 'European peak' | Sports, Football|url=http://www.dailystar.com.lb/Sports/Football/2013/Jul-10/223151-falcao-aims-to-take-monaco-to-european-peak.ashx|access-date=15 November 2013|publisher=Daily Star}}

Falcao's move to Monaco was generally considered a surprise as he was widely regarded as the best and most sought after striker in the world.{{Cite web |last=Ilango |first=Sriram |title=Why did Radamel Falcao move to AS Monaco? |url=https://www.sportskeeda.com/football/why-did-radamel-falcao-move-to-as-monaco |access-date=29 May 2022 |website=sportskeeda.com |date=June 2013 }} According to Sportskeeda, a major factor in Falcao's move to Monaco was his third-party ownership: in 2009, when wanting to move out of South America from River Plate to Porto, Falcao became a property of a group named Doyen Sports, which from that moment onwards owned a 55% stake in him. Doyen Sports wanted him to become more profitable, though eventually had invested too much in Falcao. Subsequently, Doyen Sports desperately wanted to cash Falcao out for a profit and Monaco were the only club who could manage the funds for Falcao's transfer.

File:Radamel_Falcao_2014.jpg in 2014]]

Falcao made his Ligue 1 debut in the first match against Bordeaux on 10 August, where he managed to score in the 88th minute, sealing a 2–0 victory.{{Cite web|last=Cohen|first=Steven|date=12 August 2013|title=Falcao scores 1st goal for Monaco|url=https://colombiareports.com/falcao-scores-first-goal-for-monaco/|access-date=15 September 2020|website=Colombia Reports}}{{Cite web|date=10 August 2013|title=Falcao scores as Monaco win on return|url=https://www.eurosport.com/football/ligue-1/2011-2012/falcao-scores-as-monaco-win-on-ligue-1-return_sto3877825/story.shtml|access-date=15 September 2020|website=Eurosport}} Eight days later, he scored the opening goal, a penalty, in a 4–1 victory against Montpellier.{{Cite web|date=18 August 2013|title=Monaco put four past Montpellier|url=https://www.foxsports.com/stories/soccer/monaco-put-four-past-montpellier|access-date=26 November 2020|website=FOX Sports}} In a match against Marseille on 1 September, Falcao scored the equalizer in a 2–1 victory.{{cite web|date=1 September 2013|title=Radamel Falcao on target as Monaco beat Marseille to top the table|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2013/sep/01/radamel-falcao-monaco-marseille|access-date=15 November 2013|newspaper=The Guardian}} In a match against Lorient, Falcao scored an early penalty kick, which proved to be the winner in a 1–0 victory.{{Cite web|title=Monaco vs. Lorient 1-0 - 15 September 2013 - Soccerway|url=https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2013/09/15/france/ligue-1/association-sportive-monaco-fc/football-cub-lorient-bretagne-sud/1479092/|access-date=15 September 2020|website=int.soccerway.com}} Falcao managed to equalize with a diving header in a tough away match against French champions Paris Saint-Germain; the game would end 1–1 and keep Monaco on top of the league table.{{Cite web|title=PSG vs. Monaco - 22 September 2013 - Soccerway|url=https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2013/09/22/france/ligue-1/paris-saint-germain-fc/association-sportive-monaco-fc/1479102/?ICID=PL_MS_10|access-date=15 September 2020}} Days later, Falcao scored a double against Bastia in a 3–0 victory.{{Cite web|date=26 September 2013|title=Ligue 1: Falcao brace fires Monaco to big win over Bastia|url=https://www.rediff.com/sports/report/ligue-1-falcao-brace-fires-monaco-to-big-win-over-bastia/20130926.htm|access-date=28 September 2013|website=Rediff}}{{Cite web|date=25 September 2013|title=Monaco 3 Bastia 0 - Ligue 1 2013/14|url=https://www.whoscored.com/Matches/716988/Live/France-Ligue-1-2013-2014-Monaco-SC-Bastia|website=whoscored.com}} This also brought his goal tally to seven, making him top scorer in Ligue 1.{{Cite web|date=26 September 2013|title=Official Top Scorer Chart|url=http://www.ligue1.com/ligue1/classementButeurs|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130926123833/http://www.ligue1.com/ligue1/classementButeurs|archive-date=26 September 2013|access-date=15 September 2020|website=Ligue 1}}

Falcao ended his four-game goal drought for Monaco in a 2–1 win over Lyon, scoring with an impressive chip.{{cite web|date=28 October 2013|title=PSG stay unbeaten, top after controversial draw – Yahoo!7 Sport|url=http://au.sports.yahoo.com/football/news/article/-/19572316/falcao-swoops-again-as-monaco-back-top-of-ligue-1/|access-date=15 November 2013|publisher=Au.sports.yahoo.com}} On 27 November, it was reported that Falcao failed to fully recover from a thigh injury prior to his last match for the club, and he was forced to miss the next four league matches.{{cite web|last=Murphy|first=Clenn|date=7 December 2013|title=Falcao out for Monaco|url=http://www.givemesport.com/408841-falcao-out-for-monaco|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131212094456/https://www.givemesport.com/408841-falcao-out-for-monaco|archive-date=12 December 2013|access-date=9 January 2014|publisher=GiveMeSport}}{{Cite news|last=Ballerini|first=Etienne|date=12 December 2013|title=Falcao still on Monaco's injured list|work=Reuters|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/uk-soccer-france-monaco-idUKBRE9BB0MA20131212|access-date=18 September 2020}} Falcao made his return after being brought on within the second half against Valenciennes, where he missed a penalty kick as Monaco lost 2–1.{{citation needed|date=April 2025}}

Falcao was reportedly heavily linked with Chelsea during the winter transfer window,{{Cite news|date=2 December 2013|title=Rumour: Chelsea agree record fee for AS Monaco forward - Radamel Falcao|work=SportsKeeda|url=https://www.sportskeeda.com/football/rumour-chelsea-agree-record-fee-for-as-monaco-forward-radamel-falcao|access-date=17 November 2020}}{{Cite news|last=Coast|first=Tom|date=28 November 2013|title=Chelsea agree mind boggling €80m deal with French club, now just need player to fall in line|work=Sport Witness|url=http://sportwitness.ning.com/forum/topics/chelsea-agree-mind-boggling-80m-deal-with-french-club-now-just-ne|access-date=17 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131204133104/http://sportwitness.ning.com/forum/topics/chelsea-agree-mind-boggling-80m-deal-with-french-club-now-just-ne|archive-date=4 December 2013}} with Chelsea even agreeing to an "£80 million deal" with Monaco, but Vasilvey denied these rumours and said Falcao "wasn't going anywhere" and is "very happy at the club."{{Cite news|date=6 December 2013|title=Falcao ne quittera pas Monaco|language=fr|trans-title=Falcao will not leave Monaco|work=Le10Sport|url=http://www.le10sport.com/football/mercato/mercato-as-monaco-vasilyev-falcao-ne-quittera-pas-monaco127691|access-date=18 November 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140411033443/http://www.le10sport.com/football/mercato/mercato-as-monaco-vasilyev-falcao-ne-quittera-pas-monaco127691|archive-date=11 April 2014}}

Falcao started 2014 by making his Coupe de France debut in a match against Vannes, where he both assisted and scored a goal in a 3–2 victory.{{cite web|date=5 January 2014|title=Live Commentary: Vannes OC 2–3 AS Monaco – as it happened|url=http://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/vannes-oc/coupe-de-france/live-commentary/live-commentary-vannes-oc-2-3-as-monaco-as-it-happened_128499.html|access-date=9 January 2014|publisher=Sports Mole}} Falcao's second goal of the month came in the Coupe de France once more, where he scored a goal before being substituted due to an injury sustained in the first half of a 0–3 victory against Monts d'Or Azergues Foot.{{cite web|date=22 January 2014|title=Live Commentary: Monts D'or Azergues 0–3 AS Monaco – as it happened|url=http://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/monts-dor-azergues/coupe-de-france/live-commentary/live-commentary-monts-dor-azergues-vs-as-monaco_132091.html|access-date=14 June 2014|publisher=Sports Mole}}{{Cite news|last=Pretot|first=Julien|date=24 January 2014|title=Falcao doubtful for World Cup after knee injury|work=Reuters|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/soccer-monaco-falcao-idINDEEA0N01E20140124|access-date=16 November 2020}}

On 23 January, the club confirmed on its website that Falcao had suffered a severe ACL injury in his left knee that would require 6 months to recover,{{Cite news|date=23 January 2014|title=Medical release, Radamel Falcao|work=AS Monaco|url=http://www.asm-fc.com/en/article/medical-release-radamel-falcao-64068.html|access-date=16 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140220173211/http://www.asm-fc.com/en/article/medical-release-radamel-falcao-64068.html|archive-date=20 February 2014}} and would also miss the 2014 FIFA World Cup, while effectively ending his 2013–14 season entirely.{{cite web|date=23 January 2014|title=Exámenes médicos indican que Falcao se perdería el Mundial – Chilevisión – Te Ve de Verdad|url=http://www.chilevision.cl/noticias/deportes/futbol-internacional/examenes-medicos-indican-que-falcao-se-perderia-el-mundial/2014-01-23/113031.html|access-date=14 June 2014|publisher=Chilevision.cl}} Falcao went on to say that he and his doctors were confident in a speedy recovery.{{Cite news|last=Hughes|first=Rob|date=26 January 2014|title=For Mata and Falcao, a Fresh Start and an Early Finish|work=The New York Times|location=London|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2014/01/27/sports/soccer/for-mata-and-falcao-a-fresh-start-and-an-early-finish.html|access-date=16 November 2020|issn=0362-4331}} Falcao also went on to say that he wanted to play in the match himself, and that Monaco head coach Claudio Ranieri did not force him to.{{cite web|title=Técnico del Mónaco asegura que Falcao le pidió jugar ante el Chasselay | Ligue 1 (Francia)|date=24 January 2014 |url=http://www.golcaracol.com/futbol-internacional/otras-ligas-internacionales/ligue-1-francia/video-282793-tecnico-del-monaco-asegura-falcao-le-pidio-jugar-e|access-date=14 June 2014|publisher=Golcaracol.com}}

Falcao's full recovery was confirmed in mid-July, where he would play regularly in pre-season matches for Monaco after six months sidelined.[http://comutricolor.com/radamel-falcao-regresa-canchas-despues-seis-meses/ Radamel Falcao regresa a la canchas despúes de seis meses] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140719071210/http://comutricolor.com/radamel-falcao-regresa-canchas-despues-seis-meses/ |date=19 July 2014 }}. ComuTricolor.com (17 July 2014). Retrieved on 8 November 2015. He returned on the field at the Emirates Cup coming on as a substitute for Dimitar Berbatov in the 72nd minute as Monaco drew 2–2 against Spanish side Valencia.{{cite web|date=2 August 2014|title=Valencia 2–2 Monaco – Report|url=http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/20140802/valencia-2-2-monaco-report|publisher=Arsenal.com}} The next day, he played the first hour of the match against Arsenal and scored the only goal of the game in the 36th minute.{{cite web|date=4 August 2014|title=Arsenal 0 – 1 Monaco Match Report|url=http://www.arsenal.com/match/report/1415/post/first-team/arsenal-v-as-monaco-match-report|publisher=Arsenal.com}}

On 10 August, in his first competitive match since his injury, Falcao came on for Lucas Ocampos after 59 minutes and scored a penalty, though Monaco lost 2–1 at home to Lorient.{{cite news|date=10 August 2014|title=Monaco 1–2 Lorient|work=BBC Sport|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/28687991|access-date=2 September 2014}} Two weeks later, he started away to Nantes and scored the only goal of the game, heading in Layvin Kurzawa's cross before half-time for the club's first points of the season.{{cite news|date=24 August 2014|title=Nantes 0–1 Monaco|work=BBC Sport|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/28920092|access-date=2 September 2014}} Amidst rumours of a transfer, Falcao was not included in Monaco's next match against Lille, and watched from the stands next to club owner Vadim Vasilyev.{{cite news|date=30 August 2014|title=Monaco 1–1 Lille|work=BBC Sport|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/28985917|access-date=2 September 2014}} Falcao's father later said that Falcao left Monaco because they changed the "original plan" and decided to sell all the players they had bought, mostly referring to the departure of James Rodriguez to Real Madrid.{{Cite news|last=Ran|first=Ed|date=4 September 2014|title=Radamel Falcao's father reveals why he signed for Manchester United|work=Sports Keeda|url=https://www.sportskeeda.com/football/radamel-falcao-father-reveals-why-signed-manchester-united|access-date=17 November 2020}}

File:Chelsea_1_Man_Utd_0_(16578195303).jpg in 2015]]

On 1 September 2014, Manchester United agreed to sign Falcao on a season-long loan for £6 million subject to a medical examination with an option to sign permanently for £43.5 million (€55 million) at season's end.{{cite news|last1=Stone|first1=Simon|date=1 September 2014|title=Radamel Falcao: Man Utd complete deadline-day loan|work=BBC Sport|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/29011493|access-date=1 September 2014}} The deal saw him earn £265,000 per week at the club.{{cite news|date=17 February 2015|title=Radamel Falcao: Is his time at Manchester United running out?|work=BBC Sport|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/31497997|access-date=17 February 2015}} Manchester City had previously opted out of signing him due to squad size, and he had also been linked to Juventus, Arsenal, and Real Madrid. United confirmed the transfer in the early hours of 2 September.{{cite news|date=2 September 2014|title=Manchester United sign Falcao on loan|publisher=Manchester United F.C.|url=http://www.manutd.com/en/News-And-Features/Football-News/2014/Sep/radamel-falcao-signs-for-manchester-united-on-loan.aspx|url-status=live|access-date=2 September 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170126060515/http://www.manutd.com/en/News-And-Features/Football-News/2014/Sep/radamel-falcao-signs-for-manchester-united-on-loan.aspx|archive-date=26 January 2017}} Despite joining temporarily under a loan contract, Falcao said he would fight to stay at United for many years and become a legend at the club.{{cite news|date=11 September 2014|title=Falcao: I want to stay at Manchester United for many years|publisher=Goal.com|url=http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/2896/premier-league/2014/09/11/5097965/falcao-i-want-to-stay-at-manchester-united-for-many-years|access-date=17 September 2014}}{{cite news|date=14 September 2014|title=Radamel Falcao – Extended Interview|work=Sky Sports|url=http://www1.skysports.com/watch/video/sports/football/9470366/radamel-falcao-extended-interview|access-date=15 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141027093942/https://www.skysports.com/watch/video/sports/football/9470366/radamel-falcao-extended-interview|archive-date=27 October 2014}} Cristiano Ronaldo praised Falcao and United for the transfer, calling him a "top, quality, very good player", saying that United did "very well" and that he was a "fantastic buy."{{Cite web|last=Sunderland|first=Tom|title=Manchester United Transfer News: Cristiano Ronaldo Hails Radamel Falcao Deal|url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2184049-manchester-united-transfer-news-cristiano-ronaldo-hails-radamel-falcao-deal|access-date=16 November 2020|website=Bleacher Report}}{{Cite web|date=1 September 2014|title=RONALDO OFFERS GLOWING FALCAO APPRAISAL, QUESTIONS PEREZ|url=https://www.eurosport.com/football/premier-league/2014-2015/ronaldo-offers-glowing-falcao-appraisal-questions-perez_sto4384547/story.shtml|access-date=16 November 2020|website=eurosport.com}}

{{Quote box

| quote = Every football player wants to play, that's very normal, but I respect the manager and the decisions he makes. I keep working hard in training, learning every day how to play in different systems, in different styles of football.

Manchester United is a great club, I am very happy to be here and because of this I am happy to be patient.

| source = Falcao in 2015, speaking on his development under Louis van Gaal.{{cite news |url=http://www.espnfc.com/manchester-united/story/2389555/falcao-i-want-to-play-for-man-utd-but-i-respect-louis-van-gaals-decisions |title=Falcao: I want to play for Man Utd, but I respect Louis van Gaal's decisions |work=ESPN FC |publisher=ESPN Sports Media |date=9 April 2015 |access-date=8 November 2015 }}

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}}

Falcao made his debut at Old Trafford on 14 September, playing the final 23 minutes of a 4–0 win over Queens Park Rangers in place of Juan Mata, as United won for the first time in the season.{{cite news|date=14 September 2014|title=Man Utd 4–0 QPR|work=BBC Sport|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/29098240}} His debut was marked by rapturous applause from the club's supporters as they continuously chanted his name both while he was warming up and on the pitch.{{cite news|date=15 September 2014|title=Falcao thanks United fans for warm welcome|publisher=Manchester United Official Website|url=http://www.manutd.com/en/News-And-Features/Football-News/2014/Sep/Radamel-Falcao-thanks-United-fans.aspx|access-date=17 September 2014}} On 5 October, he scored his first goal for United, the winner in a 2–1 home victory against Everton.{{cite news|last1=Henson|first1=Mike|date=5 October 2014|title=Man Utd 2–1 Everton|work=BBC Sport|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/29398862|access-date=5 October 2014}} On 8 December, Falcao was left on the bench over 19-year-old James Wilson against Southampton, and Van Gaal later said that Falcao "was only fit enough to play 20 minutes."{{Cite news|date=7 December 2014|title=Man Utd's Radamel Falcao only fit for 20 minutes - Louis van Gaal|work=BBC Sport|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/30372378|access-date=16 November 2020}} On 20 December, Falcao made his return for the first time in the starting line-up to score a goal in the second half in a 1–1 draw with Aston Villa.{{cite news|date=20 December 2014|title=Aston Villa 1–1 Manchester United|website=BBC Sport|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/30459793|access-date=6 January 2015}} Six days later, he provided an assist for Wayne Rooney against Newcastle United, and United went on to win the match 3–1.{{cite news|date=26 December 2014|title=Manchester United 3–1 Newcastle United|website=BBC Sport|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/30544155|access-date=6 January 2015}} On New Year's Day 2015, Falcao equalised against Stoke City in a 1–1 away draw.{{cite news|date=1 January 2015|title=Stoke City 1–1 Manchester United|website=BBC Sport|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/30600756|access-date=6 January 2015}}

After being left out of the squad against Southampton on 11 January in favor of 19-year-old James Wilson again, Van Gaal said he did not regret making that decision,{{Cite news|date=12 January 2015|title=No regrets over Falcao - Van Gaal|work=BBC Sport|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/30772060|access-date=16 November 2020}} and furthermore, his future at United was put under doubt when his agent, Jorge Mendes, stated a few days later that his client "may not be at Old Trafford at the start of next season".{{Cite news|date=13 January 2015|title=Falcao may leave Man Utd - agent|work=BBC Sport |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/30806619|access-date=16 November 2020}} After failing to offer any shots, either on or off target, and only having 26 touches against League One side Preston North End on 17 February, BBC commentator Martin Keown, described his performance as "another night of nothing from Falcao" and questioned if he was "fit enough".{{cite news |last=Bevan |first=Chris|date=17 February 2015|title=Radamel Falcao: Is his time at Manchester United running out?|website=BBC Sport |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/31497997|access-date=17 February 2015}} On 10 March, a day after being an unused substitute as United were knocked out of the FA Cup by Arsenal, Falcao played for their under-21 team in a 1–1 draw with Tottenham Hotspur, being substituted after 72 minutes,{{cite news|date=10 March 2015|title=Radamel Falcao: Man Utd striker faces Tottenham Under-21s|work=BBC Sport |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/31825953|access-date=10 March 2015}} though Van Gaal said that he didn't "intend to humiliate" Falcao.{{cite news |last=Anwar|first=Daniel|date=11 March 2015|url=http://www.squawka.com/news/dietmar-hamann-louis-van-gaal-cant-treat-radamel-falcao-like-chris-smalling-or-jonny-evans/326445|title=Dietmar Hamann: Louis van Gaal can't treat Radamel Falcao like Chris Smalling or Jonny Evans|publisher=Squawka News |access-date=8 November 2015}}{{Cite web|date=13 March 2015|title=Louis van Gaal insists he did not want to humiliate Radamel Falcao in Under-21s |url=http://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/mar/13/manchester-united-louis-van-gaal-radamel-falcao-humiliation|access-date=17 November 2020|website=The Guardian}} Diego Maradona also criticised Van Gaal for his treatment of Falcao, saying he was "closer to the devil than anything."{{Cite web|date=10 April 2015 |title=Diego Maradona: 'Louis van Gaal is closer to the devil than anything'|url=http://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/apr/10/diego-maradona-louis-van-gaal-devil |access-date=17 November 2020|website=The Guardian}} At season's end, he was adjudged by many to be among the worst signings of the season.{{cite web |last=Jenkins|first=Will|title=Worst 5 Signings Of The 2014/2015 Premier League Season So Far|url=http://www.thesportbible.com/articles/worst-5-signings-of-the-2014-2015-premier-league-season-so-far|archive-url=https://archive.today/20160509032515/http://www.thesportbible.com/articles/worst-5-signings-of-the-2014-2015-premier-league-season-so-far|url-status=dead|archive-date=9 May 2016|access-date=4 November 2015|publisher=Sport Bible}}{{cite news|date=4 June 2015|title=20 worst Premier League signings of the 2014/15 season|work=The Daily Telegraph|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/competitions/premier-league/11616110/20-worst-Premier-League-signings-of-the-201415-season.html?frame=3257609|access-date=4 November 2015}} On 24 May 2015, United announced they would not exercise their option to buy Falcao, ending a spell at the club in which he scored 4 goals in 29 appearances.{{cite news |last=Stone |first=Simon |date=24 May 2015 |title=Radamel Falcao: Manchester United decide not to sign striker|work=BBC Sport |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/32865649 |access-date=24 May 2015}}{{Cite news |last=Lawrence |first=Amy |date=2015-05-24 |title=Radamel Falcao: a fallen superhero who deserves sympathy, not scorn |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/may/24/radamel-falcao-manchester-united-form-premier-league-colombia |access-date=2024-06-11 |work=The Guardian |issn=0029-7712}}

File:Falcao_vs_Arsenal.jpg in 2015]]

On 3 July 2015, Chelsea signed Falcao on a season-long loan deal worth £4 million with the option of a permanent transfer at the end of the season for a fee of £38 million (€50 million),{{Cite web|date=25 January 2016|title=Falcao's Chelsea loan deal from Monaco 'sets transfer fee at £38million' |url=http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/falcaos-chelsea-loan-deal-from-monaco-sets-transfer-fee-at-38million-34394826.html|access-date=26 January 2016|website=Belfast Telegraph}} and with a salary of £170,000 a week.{{Cite news|last=Fifield|first=Dominic|date=17 June 2015 |title=Radamel Falcao looks less of a gamble for Chelsea the more you look at it|work=The Guardian|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2015/jun/17/radamel-falcao-chelsea-manchester-united-jose-mourinho|access-date=16 November 2020|issn=0261-3077}}{{Cite web|date=16 June 2015|title=Chelsea agree terms with Monaco for season-long Radamel Falcao loan|url=http://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/jun/16/chelsea-agree-radamel-falcao-loan-deal-monaco|access-date=16 November 2020 |website=The Guardian}} The move briefly reunited him with his Colombia teammate Juan Cuadrado and former Atlético Madrid teammates Diego Costa and Thibaut Courtois. Midfielder Mario Pašalić went to Monaco on loan in exchange for Falcao joining Chelsea.{{cite news|date=3 July 2015|title=Radamel Falcao: Chelsea sign Monaco striker on loan|website=BBC Sport |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/33384795|access-date=3 July 2015}}

Falcao made his debut on 2 August in the 2015 FA Community Shield at Wembley Stadium, replacing Loïc Rémy at half time as Chelsea lost 1–0 to rivals Arsenal.{{cite news|last1=Cryer|first1=Andy|date=2 August 2015|title=Arsenal 1–0 Chelsea|website=BBC Sport|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/33667216|access-date=2 August 2015}} His league debut came six days later in a 2–2 home draw with Swansea City, playing the final six minutes in place of Willian.{{cite news|last1=Johnston|first1=Neil|date=8 August 2015|title=Chelsea 2–2 Swansea|website=BBC Sport|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/33744668|access-date=8 August 2015}} On 29 August, again as a replacement for Willian, Falcao scored his first and only Chelsea goal, equalising in an eventual 1–2 home defeat to Crystal Palace.{{cite news|last1=Rose|first1=Gary|date=29 August 2015|title=Chelsea 1–2 Crystal Palace|website=BBC Sport|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/34025310|access-date=29 August 2015}} On 3 November, Falcao picked up a muscular injury in training, and was ruled out for a "few weeks".{{Cite web|date=3 November 2015|title=Chelsea's Falcao out for 'few weeks,' Ivanovic, Pedro resume training|url=https://www.espn.com/soccer/chelsea/story/2695494/chelsea-striker-radamel-falcao-out-for-a-few-weeks|access-date=26 January 2016|website=ESPN.com}} On 30 December, he reinjured his thigh, and new manager Guus Hiddink said he "might be fit again within 10 days, although not to play."{{Cite news|date=30 December 2015|title=Chelsea: Radamel Falcao out until mid-January after setback|work=BBC Sport|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/35203362|access-date=17 November 2020}} However, on 15 January 2016, Hiddink confirmed that Falcao's latest injury setback was "very serious".{{Cite web|date=15 January 2016|title=Radamel Falcao's latest injury 'very serious' – Guus Hiddink|url=https://www.espn.com/soccer/chelsea/story/2787644/radamel-falcaos-latest-injury-very-serious-guus-hiddink|access-date=26 January 2016|website=ESPN.com}} He was dropped from the team's Champions League squad the following month, in favour of new addition Alexandre Pato.{{cite news|date=3 February 2016|title=Radamel Falcao: Chelsea striker dropped from Champions League squad|website=BBC Sport|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/35488481|access-date=4 February 2016}}

File:397806 sPICT.jpg

Upon Falcao's return to Monaco in July 2016, he was made team captain by coach Leonardo Jardim.{{cite news|date=12 March 2017|title=Radamel Falcao part two: Atlético and Monaco success|work=UEFA|url=https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/0237-0e96775437ec-a8dee214e193-1000--radamel-falcao-part-two-atletico-and-monaco-success/}} On 27 July, Falcao scored for Monaco in his first appearance for the club in two seasons; a Champions League qualifier against Fenerbahçe.{{cite news|date=27 July 2016|title=Falcao scores as Monaco return ends in defeat to Fenerbahce|work=Goal.com|url=http://www.goal.com/en-us/news/174/uefa-champions-league/2016/07/27/26001552/falcao-scores-as-monaco-return-ends-in-defeat-to-fenerbahce}} On 17 September, he scored his first Ligue 1 goal of the season in a 3–0 win over Stade Rennais at the Stade Louis II.{{cite news|date=17 September 2017|title=Radamel Falcao scores in Monaco win over Rennes|work=ESPN|url=http://www.espnfc.com.au/french-ligue-1/story/2953204/ligue-1-radamel-falcao-scores-in-monaco-win-over-rennes}} On 5 November, he scored twice in the first half as Monaco defeated Nancy 6–0 in a league match, following his two first-half goals against CSKA Moscow in a Champions League group stage match three days earlier.{{cite news|date=5 November 2016|title=Falcao highlights Monaco ambition after Nancy thrashing|publisher=Goal.com|url=http://www.goal.com/en/news/1722/ligue-1/2016/11/05/29224542/falcao-highlights-monaco-ambition-after-nancy-thrashing}}

On 3 December, he scored two goals against Bastia in a 5–0 win.{{cite web|date=11 December 2016|title=El Tigre Falcao back on prowl for Monaco|url=http://www.ligue1.com/ligue1/article/el-tigre-falcao-back-on-prowl-for-monaco.htm|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180617015306/https://www.ligue1.com/ligue1/article/el-tigre-falcao-back-on-prowl-for-monaco.htm|archive-date=17 June 2018|access-date=26 May 2020|website=ligue1.com}} A week later, on 10 December, Falcao scored his first Ligue 1 hat-trick in a 4–0 win against Bordeaux which boosted his 2016–17 season tally to 14 goals in 15 competitive games, and 10 goals in Ligue 1 with just 579 minutes of Ligue 1 playing time, meaning that Falcao scored an average of one Ligue 1 goal in every 58 minutes of Ligue 1 playing time.{{Cite news|last=Ian|first=Holyman|date=10 December 2016|title=FALCAO HITS HAT-TRICK AS MONACO STEAM TO TOP|work=Ligue 1 Official Website|url=http://www.ligue1.com/ligue1/article/falcao-hits-hat-trick-as-monaco-steam-to-top.htm|access-date=25 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161220081758/http://www.ligue1.com/ligue1/article/falcao-hits-hat-trick-as-monaco-steam-to-top.htm|archive-date=20 December 2016}}

On 4 February 2017, Falcao scored a brace in a 3–0 victory over Nice.{{Cite news|date=4 February 2017|title=Monaco 3-0 Nice|work=BBC Sport|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/38798910|access-date=26 November 2020}} A week later, he scored another brace, this time in a 5–0 victory over Metz.{{Cite news|date=11 February 2017|title=Monaco 5-0 Metz|work=BBC Sport|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/38946752|access-date=26 November 2020}} On 21 February, Falcao scored two goals; the first with a diving header from Fabinho's cross from the right and the second with a chip over Willy Caballero, but missed a penalty in a 5–3 away loss to Manchester City in the Champions League round of 16 first leg match.{{cite web|date=21 February 2017|title=Manchester City 5–3 Monaco|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/39030973|access-date=23 February 2017|website=BBC Sport}}{{cite web|date=21 February 2017|title=Monaco go down to City in eight-goal thriller|url=http://www.ligue1.com/autresCompetitions/article/monaco-go-down-to-city-in-eight-goal-thriller.htm|publisher=ligue1.com}} Despite him missing out at the second leg at home due to injury, Monaco eventually won the match 3–1 (6–6 on aggregate) and qualified to the quarter-finals on away goals rule.{{Cite news|date=16 March 2017|title=Monaco 3–1 Man City (Agg: 6–6): City out of Champions League on away goals|work=Sky Sports|url=http://www.skysports.com/football/monaco-vs-man-city/368244|access-date=4 February 2018}} On 19 April, he scored Monaco's second in their 3–1 victory over Borussia Dortmund to put the team into the Champions League semi-finals for the first time since 2004.{{Cite news|date=19 April 2017|title=Monaco 3–1 Dortmund|work=The Guardian|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/live/2017/apr/19/monaco-v-borussia-dortmund-champions-league-quarter-final-live}} Falcao scored a brace on the final league matchday in a 4–0 victory against Lille on 14 May.{{Cite news|date=14 May 2017|title=Monaco 4-0 Lille|work=BBC Sport|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/39909573|access-date=1 December 2020}} Falcao ended the season claiming the Ligue 1 title and as the club's top scorer with 30 goals in 43 appearances.{{cite web|last=Young-Myles|first=Olivier|date=30 September 2017|title=How Monaco goal machine Radamel Falcao has evolved since Man Utd and Chelsea spells|url=http://www.squawka.com/news/how-monaco-goal-machine-radamel-falcao-has-evolved-since-man-utd-and-chelsea-spells-analysis/994201#qwWhTh07CruVYuUJ.97|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180103161958/http://www.squawka.com/news/how-monaco-goal-machine-radamel-falcao-has-evolved-since-man-utd-and-chelsea-spells-analysis/994201|archive-date=3 January 2018|publisher=Squawka}} On 1 June, Falcao extended his contract a further three years, keeping him at the club until 2020.{{Cite web|last=O'Callaghan|first=Rory|date=2 June 2017|title=Radamel Falcao signs three-year contract extension with Monaco|url=https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11816/10902049/radamel-falcao-signs-three-year-contract-extension-with-monaco|access-date=15 November 2020|website=Sky Sports}}

Falcao started off the season with a goal in Monaco's first league match, Monaco's second in a 3–2 win at home to Toulouse. Two weeks later, he scored the first hat-trick of the Ligue 1 season in a 4–1 win against Dijon.{{Cite magazine |date=14 August 2017|title=WATCH: Radamel Falcao Nets Goal of the Season Contender In Monaco Hat Trick|url=https://www.si.com/soccer/2017/08/14/video-radamel-falcaos-goal-season-contender-after-sensational-performance-against-dijon|access-date=27 May 2020|magazine=Sports Illustrated}} He then scored the only goal against Metz, and a week later scored a double – including a penalty – against Marseille, raising his tally to seven goals in four matches.{{cite web|date=27 August 2017|title=Falcao scores brace, Mbappe sits as Monaco pound Marseille; Lille draw|url=http://www.espnfc.com/french-ligue-1/story/3190542/falcao-scores-brace-mbappe-sits-as-monaco-pound-marseille|access-date=26 May 2020|publisher=ESPN}} Falcao's form led him to being nominated for 2017 Ballon d'Or.{{cite web|date=9 October 2017|title=Ballon d'Or nominees: Kane joins Messi and Ronaldo in shortlist|url=https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/ballon-dor-nominees-in-full-harry-kane-joins-lionel-messi-and-cristiano-ronaldo-in-30man-shortlist-a3654071.html|publisher=EveningStandard}}{{Cite web|title=Who are Ballon d'Or 2017 nominees? Messi, Ronaldo and 30 stars of football {{!}} Goal.com|url=https://www.goal.com/en-us/lists/messi-ronaldo-and-the-30-stars-nominated-for-the-2017-ballon/1e7b3t0o3msd41kvijvuuwtggb|access-date=27 May 2020|website=Goal.com}} After losing a match 4-0 at the hands of OGC Nice, Falcao responded with two more braces against Strasbourg and Lille respectively. Upon scoring for Monaco against former club FC Porto in a Champions League game in December 2017, Falcao refused to celebrate out of respect to his former club. He was applauded by Porto fans for the gesture.{{cite news|title=Porto 5 – 2 Monaco LIVE Commentary – 7/12/17 UEFA Champions League|website=Goal.com|url=http://m.goal.com/c/en-au/match/porto-vs-monaco/2579392/live-commentary|access-date=11 October 2018}} Five days later, he opened his mark in the Coupe de la Ligue match vs Caen, which ended in a 2–0 win.{{Cite web|title=Monaco vs. Caen - 12 December 2017 - Soccerway|url=https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2017/12/12/france/coupe-de-la-ligue/association-sportive-monaco-fc/stade-malherbe-caen-calvados-basse-norma/2682948/|access-date=15 September 2020|website=int.soccerway.com}} On 31 January 2018, he scored a double against Montpellier at the Stade Louis II to help send Monaco to the final,{{Cite web|date=1 February 2018|title=Coupe de la Ligue report: Monaco 2 Montpellier 0|url=https://www.goal.com/en-ae/match/monaco-v-montpellier/report/nyr944mgmm9mxsi8fd352q96|access-date=15 September 2020|website=goal.com}} where Monaco eventually lost 3–0 to PSG. Falcao finished the season as top scorer with 18 league goals in 26 matches.

Falcao began the season on a high note during Monaco's first match of the season, assisting Monaco's second and scoring their third in a 3–1 away victory against Nantes.{{Cite news|date=11 August 2018|title=Falcao comes off the bench to help Monaco beat Nantes 3-1|work=The Tribune|url=https://www.sanluisobispo.com/sports/article216516055.html|url-status=live|access-date=26 May 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180811230710/https://www.sanluisobispo.com/sports/article216516055.html|archive-date=11 August 2018}} He scored the decisive goal in a 1–0 victory against Caen on 24 November 2018, a free-kick which ended Monaco's winless streak of 13 games.{{Cite web|date=24 November 2018|title=Radamel Falcao strikes as Monaco boss Thierry Henry finally wins first game|url=https://www.espn.com/soccer/report?gameId=512246|access-date=15 September 2020|website=ESPN.com}} Four days later, Falcao played against his former club Atletico Madrid for the first time since his departure in 2013 as part of a Champions League group stage match. Monaco eventually lost 2–0, and Falcao missed a penalty.{{Cite web|date=28 November 2018|title=El Atleti, en octavos sin sudar|url=https://as.com/futbol/2018/11/28/champions/1543425323_762228.html|access-date=15 November 2020|website=AS.com|language=es}} On 4 December 2018, Falcao scored two penalties in an 0–2 away win against Amiens.{{Cite web|date=4 December 2018|title=Falcao penalty double gives Monaco 2-0 win over Amiens|url=https://au.eurosport.com/football/football-news-radamel-falcao-penalty-double-gives-henry-s-monaco-2-0-win-over-amiens_sto7038870/story.shtml|access-date=27 May 2020|website=Eurosport Australia}} On 22 January 2019, Falcao opened his tally in the Coupe de France, scoring in a 1–3 loss to Metz. Despite Falcao's goal, Monaco were eliminated from the competition.{{Cite web|title=Monaco vs. Metz - 22 January 2019 - Soccerway|url=https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2019/01/22/france/coupe-de-france/association-sportive-monaco-fc/fc-de-metz/2957993/?ICID=PL_MS_06|access-date=15 September 2020|website=int.soccerway.com}} Although he finished as Monaco's top scorer with 16 goals across all competitions, this was certainly a season to forget for the club, as they barely avoided relegation and finished in 17th place.

On 2 September 2019, Falcao joined Süper Lig club Galatasaray on a free transfer, as his contract with Monaco had expired, with a three-year contract and a salary of €5 million per year.{{cite web|date=2 September 2019|title=Radamel Falcao Galatasaray'da|trans-title=Radamel Falcao is Galatasaray's|url=https://www.galatasaray.org/haber/gs-sportif-a-s/radamel-falcao-galatasaray-da/44792|access-date=2 September 2019|publisher=Galatasaray SK|language=tr}}{{Cite news|date=2 September 2019|title=Soccer-Falcao joins Turkey's Galatasaray for three years on free transfer|work=Reuters|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/soccer-galatasaray-falcao-idUSL5N25T23F|access-date=15 November 2020}} He was welcomed by over 25,000 fans on the previous day at the Istanbul Atatürk Airport.{{cite web|date=2 September 2019|title=Falcao Welcomed By 25,000 Galatasaray Fans At Ataturk Airport|url=https://turkish-football.com/falcao-welcomed-by-25000-galatasaray-fans-at-ataturk-airport/|access-date=2 September 2019|publisher=Turkish Football}} He scored a goal on his debut in a 1–0 home win against Kasimpasa on 13 September.{{Cite web|date=13 September 2019|title=Falcao Scores In Galatasaray Debut|url=https://www.beinsports.com/us/turkish-super-league/video/falcao-scores-in-galatasaray-debut/1291934|access-date=27 May 2020|website=beIN SPORTS USA}}{{Cite web|last=Kinsella|first=Nizaar|date=10 October 2019|title='Falcao needs time' - Misfiring Galatasaray striker backed to come good by ex-Fenerbahce star Tuncay|url=https://www.goal.com/en-us/news/falcao-needs-time-misfiring-galatasaray-striker-backed-to/1bec0edlimsjd1kovpwscoluf4|access-date=27 May 2020|website=Goal.com}} In a Turkish Cup match against Tuzlaspor on 17 December, he scored a goal to help his team make it to the next round and overturn a 0–2 first leg loss.{{Cite web|date=17 December 2019|title=Tuzlaspor vs. Galatasaray - Turkish Cup - Match Report|url=https://us.soccerway.com/matches/2019/12/17/turkey/cup/tuzlaspor/galatasaray-sk/3183041/|access-date=15 September 2020|website=us.soccerway.com}} On 28 December, he scored his first brace with the club in a 5–0 win over Antalyaspor at home.{{Cite web|date=28 December 2019|title=Falcao Brace For Galatasaray Against Antalyaspor|url=https://www.beinsports.com/us/turkish-super-league/video/falcao-brace-for-galatasaray-against-antalyas/1379211|access-date=27 May 2020|website=beIN SPORTS USA}} On 1 March 2020, he scored his first brace of the year against Gençlerbirliği in a 3–0 win at the Türk Telekom Stadium.{{Cite web|date=1 March 2020|title=Galatasaray vs Gençlerbirliği 3-0 - Match Report|url=https://www.foxsports.com/soccer/boxscore?id=59786|access-date=15 September 2020|website=FOX Sports}}

Falcao played 22 matches, scored 11 goals, and got one assist in all competitions during the season.

Falcao began the season by scoring twice and assisting in his club's league debut victory against Gaziantep on 12 September 2020.{{Cite web|title=Galatasaray vs Gaziantep FK (3-1) Sep 12, 2020 Match Stats|url=https://www.footballcritic.com/super-lig-galatasaray-sk-gaziantep-fk/match-stats/2154867|access-date=11 September 2021|website=FootballCritic}} On 11 April 2021, Falcao collided with Kerem Aktürkoğlu head-on during a training session and was taken to the hospital.{{Cite web|date=11 April 2021|title=Falcao undergoes surgery after clash of heads|url=https://www.espn.com/soccer/galatasaray/story/4357547/galatasarays-falcao-undergoes-surgery-after-clash-of-heads-in-training|access-date=10 September 2021|website=ESPN.com}} He was diagnosed with a facial bone fracture and had surgery.{{cite web |title=Medical Park Sağlık Raporu: Radamel Falcao - Kerem Aktürkoğlu |url=https://www.galatasaray.org/haber/medical-park-saglik-raporu/medical-park-saglik-raporu-radamel-falcao-kerem-akturkoglu/48485 |publisher=Galatasaray.org |access-date=1 September 2021}} After 2 weeks, he started training with a mask.{{cite web |title=Galatasaray'da Radamel Falcao özel maskeyle antrenmana çıktı |url=https://www.hurriyet.com.tr/sporarena/galatasarayda-radamel-falcao-ozel-maskeyle-antrenmana-cikti-41797427 |website=hurriyet.com.tr |date=26 April 2021 |access-date=1 September 2021}}

He finished the season with 17 games, 9 goals and 2 assists. Falcao missed 24 games during the season due to injuries.

In an official statement made by Galatasaray on 1 September 2021, Falcao and the club mutually agreed to terminate the player's contract.{{cite web |title=Profesyonel futbolcu Radamel Falcao Garcia Zarate'nin sözleşme feshi hakkında |url=https://www.galatasaray.org/haber/kulup/profesyonel-futbolcu-radamel-falcao-garcia-zaratenin-sozlesme-feshi-hakkinda/49271 |publisher=Galatasaray.org |access-date=1 September 2021}}

The Colombian striker's time at Galatasaray was plagued with injuries. He missed 49 matches during his time at the Turkish club, (24 in 2019–20, 25 in 2020–21), and played 43 out of 92 possible games.{{cite web|title=Falcao, Galatasaray'da 49. maçını kaçırdı|url=https://www.sporx.com/falcao-galatasaray-da-49-macini-kacirdi-SXHBQ926140SXQ|access-date=1 September 2021|website=sporx.com|date=15 May 2021 }}{{Cite web|date=18 September 2021|title=Yes, Falcao can achieve a double digit goal tally with Rayo Vallecano|url=https://www.marca.com/en/football/spanish-football/opinion/2021/09/18/61463d3d46163f9e418b458b.html|access-date=23 September 2021|website=Marca}}

On 4 September 2021, Falcao signed for La Liga club Rayo Vallecano.{{Cite news|title=Radamel Falcao nuevo jugador del Rayo Vallecano|url=http://www.rayovallecano.es/noticia/radamel-falcao-nuevo-jugador-del-rayo-vallecano |website=Rayo Vallecano |date=4 September 2021 |access-date=4 September 2021 |language=es}} He was presented at the Estadio de Vallecas on 16 September 2021 before 2,000 fans.{{Cite web|url=https://cadenaser.com/ser/2021/09/16/deportes/1631815783_246822.html|website=Cadena SER|title=La presentación de Radamel Falcao con el Rayo Vallecano se convierte en una protesta contra Martín Presa|date=16 September 2021}} Falcao chose to the jersey number 3, an unfamiliar number mostly worn by defenders and is not traditionally associated with attacking players.{{Cite web|last=Millar|first=Colin|date=14 September 2021|title=Radamel Falcao joins football's shirt number crime list with Rayo Vallecano move|url=https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/football-shirt-numbers-radamel-falcao-24984667|access-date=3 October 2021|website=Mirror.co.uk|publisher=Mirror}} His decision to don that jersey was to honour his late father Radamel García, who played as a defender and mostly played with that jersey number. The number 3 jersey was being worn by Fran García at Rayo Vallecano before his arrival, however García agreed and switched to the number 33 to make that available for him. He made his debut with Rayo in a home fixture versus Getafe CF on 18 September 2021, scoring one goal in a 3–0 win.{{Cite web|url=https://www.eurosport.es/futbol/la-liga/2021-2022/resultado-rayo-getafe-debut-gol-falcao_sto8547516/story.shtml|website=eurosport|title=LaLiga, Rayo-Getafe: ⚽🐯 Falcao debuta con gol en el recital rayista ante un rival hundido (3-0).|date=18 September 2021}} Falcao scored the only goal in a famous league win over Barcelona on 27 October.{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/59070159|title=Memphis Depay missed a penalty as Barcelona lost at Rayo Vallecano to increase the pressure on Ronald Koeman.|website=BBC|date=27 October 2021|access-date=29 October 2021}} The result led to the sacking of Barcelona manager Ronald Koeman.{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/58633405|title=Ronald Koeman: Barcelona sack head coach after Rayo Vallecano loss|website=BBC|date=27 October 2021|access-date=29 October 2021}}

On 20 June 2024, Falcao returned to Colombia and joined Millonarios.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/40397493/radamel-falcao-returns-colombia-play-millonarios|title=Radamel Falcao returns to Colombia to play for Millonarios|website=ESPN|date=20 June 2024}} In a league match against Patriotas Boyacá on 1 September, he scored his first goal for Millonarios as a tribute to one of its fans, who died of euthanasia one day earlier.{{Cite web|first=Juan Camilo|last=Rodríguez Parrado|title=Así fue la dedicatoria de Falcao García a Javier Acosta tras marcar su primer gol con Millonarios: "Nunca te olvidaremos"|url=https://www.infobae.com/colombia/deportes/2024/09/01/asi-fue-la-dedicatoria-de-falcao-garcia-a-javier-acosta-tras-marcar-su-primer-gol-con-millonarios-nunca-te-olvidaremos/|website=Infobae|date=1 September 2024|access-date=27 November 2024|language=es}} Although on 21 January 2025 Millonarios informed that Falcao's contract with the club would not be renewed in spite of the willingness of both parties to extend their link for the 2025 season, given that a deal to compensate for the player's tax obligations (income and patrimony taxes) could not be reached,{{Cite web|title="Falcao se va": confirman que 'el Tigre' no sigue en Millonarios para 2025 por temas de impuestos|trans-title="Falcao leaves": they confirm that the Tiger does not continue at Millonarios for 2025 due to tax issues|url=https://www.marca.com/co/2025/01/21/678fdf4c46163f421c8b45a6.html|website=Marca|date=21 January 2025|access-date=21 January 2025|language=es}} seven days later the club confirmed that the player ultimately renewed his contract for a further six months.{{Cite web|title=Falcao extendió su vínculo con Millonarios y seguirá escribiendo historia|trans-title=Falcao extended his link with Millonarios and will keep writing history|url=https://millonarios.com.co/falcao-extendio-su-vinculo-con-millonarios-y-seguira-escribiendo-historia/|publisher=Millonarios F.C.|date=28 January 2025|access-date=28 January 2025|language=es}}

In his first season with Millonarios, Falcao played 16 league matches, half of them as a starter, and scored five goals. He also suffered two injuries: a fractured finger that ruled him out for a month and shortly later a calf injury that sidelined him for a further two months.{{Cite web|title=El adiós de Falcao a Millonarios: "6 meses tatuados en mi alma"|trans-title=Falcao's farewell to Millonarios: "6 months tattooed on my soul"|url=https://colombia.as.com/futbol/el-adios-de-falcao-a-millonarios-6-meses-tatuados-en-mi-alma-n/|website=Diario AS|date=21 January 2025|access-date=21 January 2025|language=es}}

{{see also|List of international goals scored by Radamel Falcao}}

Falcao participated with the Colombia national under-17 team at the 2001 South American U-17 Championship, where he played four matches{{Cite news|date=4 March 2001|title=Un castigo demasiado alto|url=http://www.eltiempo.com/archivo/documento/MAM-599410|access-date=19 March 2016|newspaper=El Tiempo|publisher=Casa Editorial El Tiempo|language=es}}{{cite web|date=8 March 2001|title=Selección Colombia goleó 4–1 a una extenuada Bolivia|url=http://www.colombia.com/futbol/noticias/DetalleNoticia4247.asp|access-date=19 March 2016|publisher=Colombian Football Federation|language=es}}{{cite web|date=10 March 2001|title=Triunfo con lo justo|url=http://www.eltiempo.com/archivo/documento/MAM-594433|access-date=19 March 2016|website=El Tiempo|publisher=Casa Editorial El Tiempo|language=es}}{{cite web|date=11 March 2001|title=Eliminada la selección sub 17 en Arequipa Perú|url=http://www.colombia.com/futbol/noticias/DetalleNoticia4307.asp|access-date=19 March 2016|publisher=Colombian Football Federation|language=es}} and scored one goal against Bolivia. He was also called up to the U-17 team for the 2003 FIFA U-17 World Championship, but sustained an injury before the tournament and had to drop out.{{Cite web|last=Wilson|first=Jonathan|date=6 September 2014|title=Powerful Radamel Falcao – El Tigre – is ready to roar for Manchester United|url=http://www.theguardian.com/football/2014/sep/06/radamel-falcao-manchester-united-monaco-atletico-madrid|website=The Guardian|access-date=16 November 2020}}

In 2003, Falcao received his first call-up to the under-20 team for a friendly match against Venezuela at Copa Simón Bolívar.{{cite web|date=7 January 2003|title=La Sub-17 se concentra para torneo internacional en Venezuela|url=http://www.colombia.com/futbol/noticias/DetalleNoticia17792.asp|access-date=19 March 2016|publisher=Colombian Football Federation|language=es}}{{cite web|date=27 June 2003|title=Convocada selección Sub'17 para la Copa Simón Bolívar venezolana|url=http://wvw.nacion.com/ln_ee/2003/junio/27/udeportes-la3.html|access-date=19 March 2016|publisher=Nación.com|language=es}} He played in the 2004 Toulon Tournament, scoring his only goal at the tournament against Turkey.{{cite web|last=Zea|first=Antonio|date=15 June 2005|title=Tournoi Espoirs de Toulon 2004|website=RSSSF|url=https://www.rsssf.org/tablest/toulon04.html|access-date=19 March 2016}} In the 2005 South American U-20 Championship, where he was champion with his team, he played five matches{{cite web|date=13 January 2005|title=Colombia 5 – Bolivia 0: Café dulce para Rodallega|url=http://www.colombia.com/futbol/noticias/DetalleNoticia25114.asp|access-date=20 March 2016|publisher=Colombia.com|language=es}}{{cite web|date=21 January 2005|title=Colombia 1–1 Argentina: Se conformaron con el empate|url=http://www.colombia.com/futbol/noticias/DetalleNoticia25258.asp|access-date=20 March 2016|publisher=Colombian Football Federation|language=es}}{{cite web|date=2 February 2005|title=Colombia 1–1 Argentina: El Campeón se definirá en Manizales|url=http://www.colombia.com/futbol/noticias/DetalleNoticia25468.asp|access-date=20 March 2016|publisher=Colombian Football Federation|language=es}}{{cite web|date=25 January 2005|title=Colombia 4–3 Chile: Goles, emociones y fútbol|url=http://www.colombia.com/futbol/noticias/DetalleNoticia25324.asp|access-date=20 March 2016|publisher=Colombian Football Federation|language=es}}{{cite web|last=Viana Rojas|first=Jaime|date=7 February 2005|title=Llorar es cosa de hombres!|url=http://www.eltiempo.com/archivo/documento/MAM-1675399|access-date=20 March 2016|publisher=El Tiempo|language=es}} and scored once on 23 January in the 1–1 draw against Argentina. In the 2005 FIFA World Youth Championship, Falcao played three matches and scored twice, against Canada and Syria.{{cite web|title=FIFA Tournaments {{!}} Players & Coaches – Radamel FALCAO|url=https://www.fifa.com/fifa-tournaments/players-coaches/people=229444/#career|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160331201308/http://www.fifa.com/fifa-tournaments/players-coaches/people=229444/#career|archive-date=31 March 2016|website=FIFA}}

On 7 February 2007, Falcao debuted for the Colombian senior squad in a friendly match against Uruguay.{{Cite web|title=Se cumplen 17 años del debut de Falcao en la Selección Colombia: "El Tigre" marcó una época|trans-title=It has been 17 years since Falcao's debut in the Colombian National Football Team: "El Tigre" marked an era|url=https://www.noticiasrcn.com/deportes/se-cumplen-17-anos-del-debut-de-falcao-en-la-seleccion-colombia-el-tigre-marco-una-epoca-464705|website=Noticias RCN|date=7 February 2024|access-date=23 November 2024|language=es}} He scored his first goal on 3 June against Montenegro at the Kirin Cup.{{Cite web|title=Falcao celebró su primer gol con la Selección Colombia, hace 10 años|trans-title=10 years ago, Falcao celebrated his first goal with the Colombian National Team|url=https://www.futbolred.com/curiosidades-de-futbol/falcao-garcia-celebro-su-primer-gol-con-la-seleccion-colombia-hace-10-anos-56535|website=Futbolred|date=3 June 2017|access-date=23 November 2024|language=es}} The same year on 13 October, Falcao played his first goalless competitive match in a goalless 2010 World Cup qualification draw against Brazil.{{Cite web|title=Colombia 0-0 Brasil... Los cafeteros merecieron más|trans-title=Colombia 0–0 Brazil... The coffee growers deserved more|url=https://www.mediotiempo.com/futbol/colombia-0-0-brasil-los-cafeteros-merecieron-mas|website=Medio Tiempo|date=14 October 2007|access-date=23 November 2024|language=es}}

Falcao did not participate in the 2010 FIFA World Cup qualification matches against Chile and Paraguay due to an injury he suffered while playing for River Plate. He returned to action and scored the only goal of the game in a friendly match against Nigeria on 19 November 2008. On 10 June 2009, Falcao scored the only goal of the same tournament match in a victory against Peru at Estadio Atanasio Girardot. In total, Falcao played 10 games and scored once during the qualifying campaign.{{Citation needed|date=November 2024}}

After missing the 2007 edition due to injuries, Falcao's first major international tournament was the 2011 Copa América in Argentina. After failing to score against Costa Rica and the hosts, he netted both goals in a 2–0 win against Bolivia, the second a penalty, leading Colombia to top their group.{{cite news|date=10 July 2011|title=Colombia vence a Bolivia 2–0 y va a cuartos de final en Copa América|language=es|trans-title=Colombia defeat Bolivia 2–0 and advance into the Copa América quarter-finals|publisher=CNN|agency=Reuters|url=http://mexico.cnn.com/deportes/2011/07/10/colombia-vence-a-bolivia-2-0-y-va-a-cuartos-de-final-en-copa-america|access-date=24 May 2015}} In the quarter-finals, Falcao missed a penalty kick against Peru, which would have won the game had it gone in, and the opponents were able to score two goals in extra time to eliminate his team.{{cite news|date=18 July 2015|title=Perú venció 2–0 a Colombia y jugará las semifinales de la Copa América|language=es|trans-title=Peru win 2–0 against Colombia and will play in the semi-finals of the Copa América|publisher=RPP|url=http://www.rpp.com.pe/2011-07-16-peru-vencio-2-0-a-colombia-y-jugara-las-semifinales-de-la-copa-america-noticia_385405.html|access-date=24 May 2015}}

File:Radamel_Falcao.jpg against Uruguay in 2013]]

Falcao's first match in the 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifiers started off with a goal against Bolivia in the last minute of added time, giving Colombia the win on 11 October 2011 at the Estadio Hernando Siles.{{Cite web |date=11 October 2011 |title=Bolivia 1–2 Colombia |url=http://www.skysports.com/football/bolivia-vs-colombia/250485 |access-date=28 August 2018 |publisher=Sky Sports}} Under new management of the national team led by Argentine José Pékerman, Falcao scored a goal against Mexico in a friendly that ended 2–0. On 7 September 2012, Falcao scored a header in the second minute to help Colombia win 4–0 against Uruguay. In the same match, he assisted Juan Camilo Zúñiga, for Colombia's fourth goal in the final minutes of stoppage time.{{Cite web|last=Gowar|first=Rex|date=8 September 2012|title=Falcao stays hot as Colombia put Uruguay to sword|url=https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-soccer-world-colombia/falcao-stays-hot-as-colombia-put-uruguay-to-sword-idUKBRE88700220120908|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180828203252/https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-soccer-world-colombia/falcao-stays-hot-as-colombia-put-uruguay-to-sword-idUKBRE88700220120908|url-status=dead|archive-date=28 August 2018|publisher=Reuters|access-date=28 August 2018}} Falcao scored again days later and assisted Teófilo Gutiérrez against Chile to help give Colombia a 3–1 away win after having trailed 0–1 in Santiago. This result put Los Cafeteros second in the table, one point behind Argentina.{{Cite web|date=11 September 2012|title=Chile vs. Colombia 1-3|url=https://espndeportes.espn.com/futbol/partido/_/juegoId/332204|access-date=26 June 2021|website=ESPNdeportes.com|language=es}} On 12 October 2012, Falcao scored both goals in a 2–0 victory over Paraguay.{{Cite web|last=McCauley|first=Kim|date=12 October 2012|title=Falcao sinks Paraguay|url=https://www.sbnation.com/2014-world-cup-qualifying/2012/10/12/3495556/colombia-vs-paraguay-final-score-2-0-falcao-continues-to-dominate|access-date=15 September 2020|website=SBNation.com}}

{{Quote box

| quote = "When they told me at first that I had a serious injury and there was only a small chance of participating (in Brazil), I didn't care whether it was 10, 20 or 50 percent; I was counting on THAT chance. This is my hope and with this dream, I will work every day. A lot has to do with my emotional state. This is something that I can manage each day."

| source = Falcao on his injury and a possible chance to make it to the 2014 FIFA World Cup.{{cite web|last=Coerts |first=Stefan |url=https://www.espn.com/soccer/news/story/_/id/1695186/radamel-falcao-optimistic-world-cup-chances-acl-surgery |title=Radamel Falcao Hopeful for World Cup |publisher=ESPN FC |date=27 January 2014 |access-date=28 January 2014}}

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In Falcao's first game of 2013, he scored the fourth goal during a 5–0 qualifier victory against Bolivia in March.{{Cite news|date=22 March 2013|title=Five-star Colombia go second|work=FIFA.com|url=https://www.fifa.com/worldcup/preliminaries/news/newsid=2042862/index.html|access-date=14 August 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140801145732/http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/news/y=2013/m=3/news=five-star-colombia-second-2042862.html|archive-date=1 August 2014}}{{Cite web|last=Garcia|first=Jorge|date=22 March 2013|title=Colombia liquida a Bolivia y se acerca al Mundial de Brasil|url=https://as.com/futbol/2013/03/22/internacional/1363990415_196951.html|access-date=30 November 2020|website=AS.com|language=es}} Falcao scored a penalty against Peru in the 13th minute where Colombia won 2–0.{{cite web|date=11 June 2013|title=Argentina held by Ecuador, Colombia win|url=https://www.fifa.com/worldcup/preliminaries/news/newsid=2106183/index.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130615011837/http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/preliminaries/news/newsid=2106183/index.html|archive-date=15 June 2013|access-date=15 November 2013|publisher=FIFA.com}}{{cite web|date=12 June 2013|title=Uruguay rebound, Colombia on the verge|url=https://www.fifa.com/worldcup/preliminaries/news/newsid=2106440/index.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130615023650/http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/preliminaries/news/newsid=2106440/index.html|archive-date=15 June 2013|access-date=15 November 2013|publisher=FIFA.com}} On 11 October 2013, in the penultimate World Cup qualifying match against Chile, Falcao scored two penalties to tie 3–3 after trailing 3–0. This result ensured Colombia qualified for the World Cup for the first time since 1998.{{cite web|date=13 August 2013|title=Colombia se prueba sin Falcao, en amistoso contra Serbia – Noticias de Fútbol Internacional|url=http://www.eltiempo.com/deportes/futbol/ARTICULO-WEB-NEW_NOTA_INTERIOR-12990546.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131012013435/http://www.eltiempo.com/deportes/futbol/ARTICULO-WEB-NEW_NOTA_INTERIOR-12990546.html|archive-date=12 October 2013|access-date=15 November 2013|publisher=Eltiempo.Com}}{{cite web|date=12 October 2013|title=Colombia progress with thrilling fightback|url=https://www.fifa.com/worldcup/preliminaries/news/newsid=2194779/index.html?intcmp=newsreader_news_box_3|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131013021909/http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/preliminaries/news/newsid=2194779/index.html?intcmp=newsreader_news_box_3|archive-date=13 October 2013|access-date=15 November 2013|publisher=FIFA.com}} Falcao ended the 2014 FIFA World Cup qualification campaign as Colombia's top scorer, with nine goals in thirteen appearances.{{cite news|title=Top scorers|work=FIFA|url=https://www.fifa.com/worldcup/preliminaries/southamerica/statistics/topscorers.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071117162558/http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/preliminaries/southamerica/statistics/topscorers.html|archive-date=17 November 2007|access-date=16 October 2013}}{{Cite web|date=2 June 2014|title=Radamel Falcao pulls out of Colombia World Cup squad with knee injury|url=http://www.theguardian.com/football/2014/jun/02/radamel-falcao-colombia-world-cup-injury|access-date=18 July 2021|website=The Guardian}}

On 23 January 2014, due to a severe ACL injury, it was announced that Falcao would likely miss the World Cup.{{Cite web|last=Goldberg|first=Rob|date=22 January 2014|title=Radamel Falcao Injury: Updates on Monaco Star's Knee and Recovery|url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/1932835-radamel-falcao-injury-updates-on-monaco-stars-knee-and-recovery|access-date=17 November 2020|website=Bleacher Report}} However, Falcao expressed his optimism, believing that it was possible to make a speedy recovery.{{Cite news|date=25 January 2014|title=Radamel Falcao could be fit for World Cup after knee surgery|work=BBC Sport|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/25853148|access-date=18 July 2021}} Falcao received tremendous support worldwide on social media for a speedy recovery; a social media movement entitled 'Fuerza Tigre' (meaning 'stay strong Tiger' in Spanish) rapidly grew popularity.{{Cite web|date=23 January 2014|title=#FuerzaTigre, le piden a Falcao en las redes sociales|url=https://www.eluniversal.com.co/deportes/futbol/fuerzatigre-le-piden-falcao-en-las-redes-sociales-149317-DWEU240047|access-date=15 September 2020|website=eluniversal.com.co|language=ES-es}} Among those who wished him a quick recovery was Pau Gasol, professional basketball player in the NBA.{{Cite web|date=22 January 2014|title=Mucho ánimo @FALCAO. Espero que tu lesión no sea muy grave y puedas volver a estar en los campos jugando pronto. Mucha fuerza campeón!|url=https://twitter.com/paugasol/status/426129076718276608|access-date=15 September 2020|website=Twitter}} Juan Manuel Santos, former president of Colombia, visited Falcao in the hospital he was staying at in Porto.{{Cite web|date=25 January 2014|title=Falcao given 50-50 World Cup chance|url=http://www.espn.co.uk/football/sport/story/277121.html|access-date=15 September 2020|website=ESPN.co.uk}}{{Dead link|date=February 2025 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}{{Cite news|last=Acosta|first=Luis Jaime|date=25 January 2014|title=Falcao given 50-50 World Cup chance after knee surgery|work=Reuters|url=https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-soccer-world-falcao-idUKBREA0O0PV20140125|access-date=15 September 2020}}{{dead link|date=September 2024|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}

File:Mural a Falcao- Estadio Olímpico Pascual Guerrero (Interior) 04.JPG

On 5 February, Falcao was included in José Pékerman's initial 30-man squad for the World Cup.{{cite web|date=23 January 2014|title=Colombia striker Falcao could be set for World Cup after all – HITC Sport|url=http://hereisthecity.com/en-gb/2014/02/05/tmb-colombia-striker-falcao-could-be-set-for-world-cup-after-all/|access-date=14 June 2014|publisher=Hereisthecity.com}} In mid-May, Falcao's father, Radamel García, told RCN Radio that Falcao was "60 percent fit, but not fully match-fit."{{Cite web|date=14 May 2014|title=Falcao no está futbolísticamente bien para el Mundial, dice su padre|url=https://www.rcnradio.com/deportes/falcao-no-esta-futbolisticamente-bien-para-el-mundial-dice-su-padre-136501|access-date=17 November 2020|website=RCN Radio|language=es}} In March, his surgeon said there was "no reason why Falcao couldn't play at the World Cup."{{Cite news|date=12 March 2014|title=Falcao on 'right track' for World Cup|work=ESPN FC|url=http://espnfc.com/news/story/_/id/1748091/surgeon-backs-falcao-play-world-cup|access-date=15 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140317070159/http://espnfc.com/news/story/_/id/1748091/surgeon-backs-falcao-play-world-cup|archive-date=17 March 2014}} On 25 May, Falcao arrived in Argentina to train with the rest of the squad.{{Cite web|date=20 May 2014|title=Falcao se unirá a la selección colombiana en Buenos Aires|url=https://as.com/futbol/2014/05/20/mundial/1400611851_143218.html|access-date=26 November 2020|website=Diario AS.com|language=es}} However, he eventually made the decision not to join the squad as he did not feel right taking up a position if not at full health, and was left out of the final 23-man-squad on 2 June.{{cite web|date=2 June 2014|title=Radamel Falcao Left off Colombia's World Cup Roster|url=http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2083816-radamel-falcao-reportedly-left-off-colombias-world-cup-roster|access-date=14 June 2014|publisher=Bleacher Report}}{{Cite news|date=9 June 2014|title=World Cup 2014: Radamel Falcao out of Colombia squad|work=BBC Sport|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/27401309|access-date=16 November 2020}}

Falcao would score his first international goal in 11 months against El Salvador on 10 October 2014, after starting for the first time since his ACL injury. It was his first ever headed goal for his country while influencing the other two goals in a 3–0 victory.{{cite news |last=Richards |first=Alex|date=11 October 2014|title=Manchester United's Radamel Falcao nets first Colombia goal in 11 months in win over El Salvador |publisher=Mirror|url=https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/manchester-uniteds-radamel-falcao-nets-4419139|access-date=9 November 2015}}{{Cite news |last= |first= |date=2014-10-11 |title=Radamel Falcao scores first goal for Colombia in nearly a year |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2014/oct/11/radamel-falcao-scores-colombia-el-salvador |access-date=2024-06-18 |work=The Guardian |issn=0261-3077}} His last goal before the injury was in a 2–0 friendly victory against Belgium in November 2013.{{Cite web|last1=Bartunek|first1=Robert-Jan|last2=Blenkinsop|first2=Philip|date=14 November 2013|title=Colombia's Falcao and Ibarbo hand Belgium 2–0 defeat|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-soccer-belgium-friendly-idUSBRE9AD1E120131114|publisher=Reuters|access-date=28 August 2018}} In a friendly against Bahrain on 26 March 2015, Falcao assisted one goal and scored a double in a 6–0 win.{{cite news |last=Marshall|first=Adam|date=26 March 2015|title=Falcao sparkles for Colombia against Bahrain|publisher=Manutd.com|url=http://www.manutd.com/en/News-And-Features/Football-News/2015/Mar/radamel-falcao-captains-colombia-against-bahrain.aspx|url-status=live|access-date=9 November 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304081919/http://www.manutd.com/en/News-And-Features/Football-News/2015/Mar/radamel-falcao-captains-colombia-against-bahrain.aspx |archive-date=4 March 2016}}{{Cite news|date=26 March 2015|title=Bahrain 0-6 Colombia: Man Utd striker Radamel Falcao scored twice as Colombia beat Bahrain|work=BBC Sport|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/32080565|access-date=17 November 2020}} Four days later, he scored his 24th goal for the country and put himself one goal shy of equalling Arnoldo Iguarán's record with a penalty in a 3–1 win over Kuwait.{{cite news|date=30 March 2015|title=Radamel Falcao: Manchester United striker equals goal record|work=BBC Sport|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/32125464|access-date=30 March 2015}}

On 6 June, he tied the record as Colombia's all-time top scorer by scoring his 25th goal in a 1–0 friendly victory against Costa Rica in Buenos Aires ahead of the 2015 Copa América.{{cite news|date=7 June 2015|title=Falcao, máximo goleador de la selección colombiana|language=es|trans-title=Falcao, highest goalscorer in the Colombian national team|work=Marca|url=http://www.marca.com/2015/06/07/futbol/copa-america/1433699163.html|access-date=8 June 2015}} He captained the team at the tournament, despite having a shoddy season, but failed to score and grab any assists in three group matches.{{cite news|date=2 June 2015|title=Falcao named team captain over James despite shoddy season|work=Colombia Reports|url=http://colombiareports.com/falcao-named-team-captain-over-james-despite-shoddy-season/}} He didn't start the quarter-final against Argentina on 26 June, and came on as a substitute for Jackson Martínez in the 74th minute; Colombia ended up losing 5–4 on penalties.{{cite news|date=26 June 2015|title=Colombia captain Falcao dropped for Argentina clash|work=Yahoo|url=https://sports.yahoo.com/news/colombia-captain-falcao-dropped-argentina-clash-235122942--sow.html}}

File:FWC_2018_-_Round_of_16_-_COL_v_ENG_-_Photo_092.jpg match against England]]

On 4 November 2016, Falcao was recalled to the Colombia squad for the first time in 388 days for Colombia's next two 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifying matches against Chile on 10 November and Argentina on 15 November. He had last played for Colombia on 13 October 2015, in a 3–0 loss to Uruguay in a 2018 World Cup qualifying match in Montevideo, and had not been selected in Colombia's squad for the Copa América Centenario.{{cite news|date=5 November 2016|title=Falcao thrilled with 'special' Colombia recall|publisher=Goal.com|url=http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/3526/world-cup-2018/2016/11/05/29206332/falcao-thrilled-with-special-colombia-recall}}{{cite news|date=5 November 2016|title=Falcao gets Colombia recall|publisher=supersport.com|url=http://www.supersport.com/football/south-america/news/161105/Falcao_gets_Colombia_recall}}

On 7 June 2017, Falcao became the Colombia national team's all-time top-goalscorer, scoring his 26th goal in a 2–2 draw with Spain.{{cite news|date=7 June 2017|title=Falcao becomes Colombia's all-time top goalscorer|work=FourFourTwo|url=https://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/falcao-becomes-colombias-all-time-top-goalscorer|access-date=26 May 2020}} He went on to score twice in the team's four remaining World Cup qualifying matches, as Colombia confirmed their qualification for the 2018 FIFA World Cup on 10 October 2017.{{cite news|date=11 October 2017|title=Night to remember for Uruguay, Argentina and Colombia|work=FIFA|url=https://www.fifa.com/worldcup/news/y=2017/m=10/news=una-noche-magica-para-uruguay-argentina-y-colombia-2913140-2913296.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171012043639/http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/news/y=2017/m=10/news=una-noche-magica-para-uruguay-argentina-y-colombia-2913140-2913296.html|archive-date=12 October 2017}} The last qualifying match against Peru ended up in a 1–1 draw, a result that sent Colombia through automatically and Peru into a play-off with New Zealand at Chile's expense as they lost to Brazil. Footage emerged of Falcao talking to the Peruvian players in what was suggested could be an alleged "pact" to see both teams through.{{Cite web|date=12 October 2017|title=Radamel Falcao makes revealing admission following match-fixing allegations in Peru vs Colombia draw|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/international/radamel-falcao-match-fixing-colombia-peru-draw-world-cup-south-america-qualifying-renato-tapia-a7996226.html|access-date=15 September 2020|website=The Independent}}{{Cite web |last=Garcia |first=Adriana |date=12 October 2017 |title=Colombia's Radamel Falcao admits on-pitch Peru result discussion in qualifier |url=https://www.espn.com/soccer/colombia/story/3227298/colombias-radamel-falcao-admits-on-pitch-peru-result-discussion-in-qualifier |access-date=29 August 2022 |website=ESPN.com }} Peruvian midfielder Renato Tapia admitted to the speculation by saying that the Colombians approached them about the draw as they knew the results of the other games. Falcao admitted to knowing what was happening in the other games, but denied making any arrangement.{{Cite web|date=11 October 2017|title=Falcao negó haber pactado el empate entre Colombia y Perú|url=https://www.elespectador.com/deportes/futbol-internacional/falcao-nego-haber-pactado-el-empate-entre-colombia-y-peru/|access-date=15 September 2020|website=El Espectador|language=es}}{{Cite web|last=Prenderville|first=Liam|date=12 October 2017|title=Falcao sparks match-fixing allegations after World Cup qualifying draw|url=http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/radamel-falcao-sparks-match-fixing-11328991|access-date=15 September 2020|website=Mirror}}

Having missed the previous World Cup due to injury, Falcao made his World Cup debut against Japan on 19 June, in Colombia's first group game of the 2018 World Cup, with Colombia losing 1–2.{{cite news|date=24 June 2018|title=Colombia 1 – 2 Japan|work=BBC Sport|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/44439048}} On 24 June, Falcao scored his first World Cup goal in Colombia's 3–0 win over Poland.{{cite news|date=24 June 2018|title=Dominant Colombia end Poland's hope of last 16|work=BBC Sport|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/44439197}} After his goal, Falcao left the field to a standing ovation, and Colombia's manager, José Pékerman, stated after the game: "I think (Falcao's goal) is one of the greatest joys that we received tonight. He is a symbol of the national team, a symbol of Colombian football." Following a 1–1 draw with England in the round of 16, although Falcao converted his penalty in the shoot-out, Colombia lost 4–3.

On 30 May 2019, Falcao was included in the 23-man final Colombia squad for the 2019 Copa América.{{cite news|date=30 May 2019|title=LISTA DE 23 JUGADORES PARA LA COPA AMÉRICA BRASIL 2019|language=es|publisher=FCF|url=http://fcf.com.co/index.php/2019/05/30/lista-de-23-jugadores-para-la-copa-america-brasil-2019/|access-date=19 October 2019|archive-date=30 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190530224417/http://fcf.com.co/index.php/2019/05/30/lista-de-23-jugadores-para-la-copa-america-brasil-2019/|url-status=dead}} He had a poor tournament overall, with no goals or assists to his name, and didn't play the full 90 minutes in any of his matches. Colombia eventually lost 5–4 on penalties to Chile in the quarter-finals.

On 24 September 2022, he played his 100th match with Colombia in a friendly match against Guatemala.{{cite web |url=https://www.elespectador.com/deportes/seleccion-colombia/el-mensaje-de-falcao-por-sus-100-partidos-con-la-seleccion-de-colombia/ |title=El mensaje de Falcao por sus 100 partidos con la selección de Colombia |website=El Espectador |language=es |date=25 September 2022 }}

Falcao has been described as a "natural goal scorer" and a striker with the "ability to bag a goal from nothing".{{cite web|title=The world's top 5 strikers|url=http://www.totalfootballmag.com/features/world-football/the-worlds-current-top-5-strikers|access-date=24 January 2013|publisher=totalfootballmag.com}}{{cite web|date=30 October 2012|title=Falcao: Several players deserve the Ballon d'Or|url=https://www.fifa.com/news/falcao-several-players-deserve-the-ballon-1804906-x5667|access-date=1 January 2020|publisher=FIFA}}{{dead link|date=October 2021|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}} He can hold up the ball well due to his high strength and is able to play off the shoulder of the last defender.{{Cite web|last=Atkins|first=Christopher|date=23 May 2013|title=Radamel Falcao: Analysing His Tactical Contribution and How Best to Exploit Him?|url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/1649229-radamel-falcao-analysing-his-tactical-contribution-and-how-best-to-exploit-him|access-date=15 September 2020|website=Bleacher Report}} Described as a "poacher", Falcao is frequently labeled as a "pure striker", often playing as a traditional "number 9" and capitalizing on less amount of chances than the typical goal scorer.{{Cite news|last=Murray|first=Andrew|date=18 May 2017|title=Radamel Falcao: How to be a penalty-box predator|publisher=FourFourTwo|url=https://www.fourfourtwo.com/performance/training/radamel-falcao-how-be-a-penalty-box-predator|access-date=17 November 2020}}{{Cite news|last=Chandra|first=Sameer|date=15 October 2012|title=Radamel Falcao vs. Edinson Cavani: Who is the best?|work=SportsKeeda|url=https://www.sportskeeda.com/football/radamel-falcao-vs-edinson-cavani|access-date=16 November 2020}} His powerful and accurate shots are highly noticeable throughout his games regardless of distance and/or positions, and he is also known to have a tendency to take curved and chip shots.{{Cite web|last=Kaustav|first=Bera|date=31 August 2012|title=A case of mistaken identities - How Radamel Falcao would be perfect for Chelsea's style of play|url=https://www.goal.com/en-india/news/2292/editorials/2012/08/31/3342171/a-case-of-mistaken-identities-how-radamel-falcao-would-be|access-date=17 November 2020|website=GOAL.com}}{{Cite news|last=West|first=Andy|date=29 November 2012|title=Radamel Falcao: Atletico Madrid striker cut out for England|work=BBC Sport|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/20503192|access-date=17 November 2020}} Falcao is well known for having a strong weak foot (left) that is on equals with his right foot (preference), allowing him to be flexible with goal scoring.{{Cite web|last=Makhija|first=Akshay|date=24 May 2012|title=Top 10 most valuable Strikers - #6 Falcao|url=https://www.goal.com/en-india/news/2292/editorials/2012/05/24/3117152/top-10-most-valuable-strikers|access-date=16 November 2020|website=GOAL.com}} Falcao controls a well-balanced pace, helping him keep his stamina in check and allowing him to often outrun other players in the most critical 50/50 moments. While Falcao is only of average height (1.77 m), his heading and jumping technique has given him an edge in aerial battles for balls.{{Cite web|last=Akerman|first=Nick|date=6 December 2013|title=Chelsea Transfer Rumours: Radamel Falcao Would Fire Blues to the Title|url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/1878179-chelsea-transfer-rumours-radamel-falcao-would-fire-blues-to-the-title|access-date=17 November 2020|website=Bleacher Report}}{{Cite news|date=31 October 2013|title=Fearless Falcao: The story behind El Tigre's Ballon d'Or nomination|work=SportsKeeda|url=https://www.sportskeeda.com/football/fearless-falcao-the-story-behind-el-tigres-ballon-dor-nomination|access-date=17 November 2020}} Falcao has also been praised for his free-kick ability, which is rarely seen from a striker.{{Cite web|last=Cartlidge|first=David|date=24 October 2012|title=Eye of the Tigre: Why Falcao is rivalling Ronaldo and Messi as the best player in Spain|url=http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/falcoa-1397128|access-date=15 September 2020|website=mirror}}

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| quote = I'd like to play with him. Falcao is a great player and is at a very high level. He has won everything in a season in which he scored many goals. He is, today, the great reference of Colombian football.

| source = Lionel Messi, June 2011.[http://www.espnfc.com/player/_/id/87706/radamel-zarate-falcao-garcia?cc=5739 "Radamel Falcao profile"]. ESPN. Retrieved 17 May 2014

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He is often regarded as one of the greatest strikers of his generation{{Cite web |title=Falcao, the world's best 'number 9' |url=https://www.marca.com/2013/01/08/en/football/spanish_football/1357663643.html |access-date=24 January 2022 |website=marca.com}}{{cite web |last=Mott |first=Alex |date=10 February 2020 |title=Just how good was Radamel Falcao at Atlético Madrid? |url=https://en.onefootball.com/%F0%9F%8E%A5-just-how-good-was-radamel-falcao-at-atletico-madrid/ |website=Onefootball}}{{cite web |date=23 July 2015 |title=Radamel Falcao: Chelsea striker was best of 'human players' |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/33638562 |website=BBC Sport}} and as one of the greatest Colombian footballers of all time.{{cite web |date=19 August 2020 |title=Los usuarios de GolCaracol.com dieron su veredicto: Falcao García, el mejor de la historia |url=https://gol.caracoltv.com/colombianos-en-el-exterior/usuarios-de-golcaracol-com-dieron-veredicto-falcao-garcia-mejor-futbolista-de-la-historia |website=Gol Caracol}} In his prime before his ACL injury, he was widely considered one of the best strikers in the world. Some media outlets regarded him as the best.{{Cite web|date=28 June 2013|title=Top 35 Best Strikers in the World 2012/13: 10-1|url=http://www.just-football.com/2013/06/top-35-best-strikers-in-the-world-2013-10-1-cavani-van-persie-falcao/|access-date=16 November 2020|website=Just Football}}{{Cite web|last=Hunter|first=Andy|date=12 November 2012|title=Radamel Falcao: The Best Striker in The World|url=https://www.sportskeeda.com/football/radamel-falcao-the-best-striker-in-the-world|access-date=17 November 2020|website=SportsKeeda}} Falcao's talents have been recognized by many footballers and managers. Former Atletico Madrid president Enrique Cerezo thought Falcao was the "best striker in the world" and that he "wouldn't swap him for Cristiano Ronaldo or Lionel Messi."{{cite web|date=2 October 2012|title=Cerezo would not swap Falcao|url=https://www.fifa.com/worldfootball/clubfootball/news/newsid=1713487.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140712020643/http://www.fifa.com/world-match-centre/nationalleagues/nationalleague=spain-liga-2000000037/news/newsid/171/348/7/index.html|archive-date=12 July 2014|access-date=2 January 2013|publisher=FIFA}} Former Barcelona and current Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola described him as "sensational" and as one of the most talented in the world.{{cite web|last=Mott|first=Alex|date=4 September 2012|title=People were criticizing Falcao in January, says Atletico chief – Yahoo Sports|url=https://sports.yahoo.com/news/people-were-criticizing-falcao-january-181900210--sow.html|access-date=15 November 2013|publisher=Sports.yahoo.com}}{{cite web|title=Manager de Falcao es el mismo de Cristiano Ronaldo y José Mourinho – Colombianos en el Exterior – Fútbol|date=21 June 2011 |url=http://www.colombia.com/futbol/colombianos-en-el-exterior/sdi26/13392/manager-de-falcao-es-el-mismo-de-cristiano-ronaldo-y-jose-mourinho|access-date=15 November 2013|publisher=Colombia.com}}[http://feeds.univision.com/feeds/article/2012-02-25/guardiola-falcao-es-el-mejor Guardiola: Falcao es "el mejor jugador de área" del mundo – Univision Feeds] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120404204121/http://feeds.univision.com/feeds/article/2012-02-25/guardiola-falcao-es-el-mejor|date=4 April 2012}}. Feeds.univision.com (25 February 2012). Retrieved 10 May 2012. Before Falcao's ACL injury, Fabio Capello considered him to be on the same level as Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.{{cite web|date=13 September 2012|title='Radamel Falcao as impressive as Lionel Messi,' says Fabio Capello – ESPN FC|url=http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story/_/id/1158248/%27radamel-falcao-as-impressive-as-lionel-messi%2C%27-says-fabio-capello?cc=5901|access-date=2 January 2013|publisher=ESPN FC|archive-date=16 September 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120916040832/http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story/_/id/1158248/%27radamel-falcao-as-impressive-as-lionel-messi%2C%27-says-fabio-capello?cc=5901|url-status=dead}} Hernán Crespo said Falcao was the best of "human players", also mentioning that Ronaldo and Messi are "on another level." Former Atlético Madrid teammate Gabi said in 2012 that he thought Falcao was the best at heading the ball and finishing in the world.{{cite web|date=10 September 2012|title=Atletico Madrid's Gabi hails Falcao as world's best No. 9 – ESPN FC|url=http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story/_/id/1155047/atletico-madrid%27s-gabi-hails-falcao-as-world%27s-best-no.-9?cc=5901|access-date=2 January 2013|publisher=ESPN FC|archive-date=28 July 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130728094658/http://espnfc.com/news/story/_/id/1155047/atletico-madrid%27s-gabi-hails-falcao-as-world%27s-best-no.-9?cc=5901|url-status=dead}}{{Cite news|date=30 August 2012|title=Gabi: Falcao's the best finisher in the world|work=FIFA.com|url=http://www.fifa.com/world-match-centre/news/newsid/168/932/0/index.html|access-date=15 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151119023111/http://www.fifa.com/world-match-centre/news/newsid/168/932/0/index.html|archive-date=19 November 2015}} Lionel Messi spoke highly on him: he said, "Falcao is a great player: his quality on the ball and the way he shoots are really impressive."{{Cite web|date=7 February 2017|title=How brilliant is Monaco's Radamel Falcao?|url=https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/0236-0e9626838f72-817b341be8cf-1000--how-brilliant-is-monaco-s-radamel-falcao/|access-date=15 September 2020|website=UEFA}}

Falcao has also influenced numerous younger players of the next generation through not only his style of play but leadership and professionalism as well. Argentinian footballer, Lautaro Martínez, declared that Radamel Falcao was his childhood idol and the player who "inspired" him in every aspect.{{Cite web|url=https://www.beinsports.com/en-us/soccer/articles-video/lautaro-my-childhood-idol-was-falcao-2024-04-28|title=Lautaro: "My childhood idol was Falcao"|first=Argentinian Lautaro Martínez, captain of the Inter Milan team that won the 'Scudetto', declared this Sunday that his childhood idol was Colombian Radamel|last=Falcao|website=beIN SPORTS}} French footballer, Kylian Mbappé, has stated, "He was like a teacher to me. He’s someone who always wants to score, but he left me the space to express myself. I think I'm the luckiest player in our squad, because I'm at the start of my career and get to play alongside a top striker like Radamel. He's made his mark on the history of the game and scored a huge number of goals." Mbappé after playing with Falcao would go on to become one of the best players and forwards in the world.{{Cite web|url=https://www.goal.com/en-us/news/im-the-luckiest-player-in-the-squad---mbappe-hails-impact-of-monaco-team-mate-falcao/qrtukc2xvm13192o7e31au5tk|title='I'm the luckiest player in the squad!' - Mbappe hails impact of Monaco team-mate Falcao | Goal.com US|date=1 May 2017|website=www.goal.com}}{{cite web | url=https://psgtalk.com/2021/06/he-was-like-a-teacher-to-me-kylian-mbappe-discusses-learning-from-radamel-falcao-while-at-monaco/ | title='He Was Like a Teacher to Me' - Kylian Mbappé Discusses Learning from Radamel Falcao While at Monaco | date=3 June 2021 }}

File:Radamel_Falcao_García_Signature.svg

Falcao is a second generation footballer; his father, Radamel García, played professionally as a defender in Colombia and Venezuela, and moved to the latter country with the family when Falcao was five. García died on 3 January 2019, aged 61, due to cardiac arrest while playing tennis.{{cite news|last=Whaling|first=James|date=4 January 2019|title=Radamel Falcao left devastated as father dies after fainting while playing tennis|work=Mirror Online|publisher=Trinity Mirror|url=https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/radamel-falcao-left-devastated-father-13811801|access-date=9 January 2019}}{{Cite web|date=4 January 2019|title=Muere Radamel García King, el padre de Falcao, mientras jugaba un partido de tenis|url=https://www.marca.com/futbol/colombia/2019/01/04/5c2efd7122601dce7b8b456d.html|access-date=15 September 2020|website=Marca.com|language=es}} In 2021, when Falcao joined Rayo Vallecano he chose the jersey number 3, same jersey number his father played with, to honour him.{{Cite web|last=Riaz|first=Adnan|title=Radamel Falcao Reveals Heart-Warming Reason For Why He Took No 3 Shirt At Rayo Vallecano|url=https://www.sportbible.com/football/radamel-falcao-reveals-heartwarming-reason-for-why-he-took-no-3-shirt-20210918|access-date=3 October 2021|website=sportbible.com| date=18 September 2021}} When Falcao was in Venezuela, he played baseball, the country's most popular sport. However, when the family returned to Colombia in 1995, Falcao turned his attention back to football.{{Cite web|date=30 September 2017|title=Radamel Falcao Childhood Story Plus Biography Facts|url=https://lifebogger.com/radamel-falcao-childhood-story-plus-biography-facts/|access-date=17 November 2020|website=LifeBogger}} Falcao also has two younger sisters.{{Cite web|last=Hunter|first=Graham|date=23 February 2017|title=Radamel Falcao part one: baseball, rise to fame, Porto success|url=https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/0236-0e965536c505-f0ef3d8ea250-1000--radamel-falcao-part-one-baseball-rise-to-fame-porto-success/|access-date=30 November 2020|website=UEFA}}

His name derives from the 1980s Brazil national team, Internacional and Roma legend Paulo Roberto Falcão, as a tribute from his father, Radamel García.{{Cite web|last=Warrier|first=Rahul|date=3 January 2018|title=How Falcao rose to the top and overcame an unlikely fall from grace|url=https://thesefootballtimes.co/2018/01/03/how-falcao-rose-to-the-top-and-overcame-an-unlikely-fall-from-grace/|access-date=17 November 2020|website=These Football Times}} Despite being named Radamel, he prefers to use his middle name in interviews. His nickname, "El Tigre" (Spanish for "The Tiger"), was given by Gonzalo Ludueña, his then-teammate at River Plate. Falcao scored two goals in a match versus Huracán, and the man of the match trophy he later won had a tiger on it, so Ludueña began to call him "El Tigre".{{Cite web|last=daveredshaw|date=19 October 2012|title=I gave Falcao his El Tigre nickname|url=https://www.football-espana.net/2012/10/19/i-gave-falcao-his-el-tigre-nickname|access-date=15 November 2020|website=Football Espana}} Falcao has been married to Argentine singer and model Lorelei Tarón since December 2007. In early 2013, it was revealed that Falcao was expecting his first child with her.{{cite web|last=Hashim|first=Ash|date=4 April 2013|title=Atletico Madrid's Falcao and Liverpool's Pepe Reina embrace fatherhood|url=http://sg.sports.yahoo.com/blogs/futbolita/atletico-madrid-falcao-liverpool-pepe-reina-embrace-fatherhood-044619487.html|access-date=13 May 2013|publisher=Yahoo! Sports Singapore}}{{cite web|date=23 March 2013|title=Falcao to become a father|url=http://www.marca.com/2013/03/23/en/football/international_football/1364079356.html|access-date=13 May 2013|publisher=MARCA.com}} Dominique García Tarón was born on 13 August 2013, at the Princess Grace Hospital in La Colle, Monaco.{{cite web|title=Falcao celebra el nacimiento de su hija Dominique García con foto en Instagram|url=http://www.ntn24.com/noticias/falcao-confirma-traves-de-instagram-el-nacimiento-de-su-hija-dominique-garcia-102520|access-date=15 November 2013|publisher=NTN24|archive-date=4 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304085743/http://www.ntn24.com/noticias/falcao-confirma-traves-de-instagram-el-nacimiento-de-su-hija-dominique-garcia-102520}}{{cite web|title=¡Radamel Falcao ya es papá!, Noticias Perú | Trome|url=http://trome.pe/deportes/1616985/noticia-radamel-falcao-ya-papa|access-date=15 November 2013|publisher=Trome.pe|archive-date=31 January 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140131200511/http://trome.pe/deportes/1616985/noticia-radamel-falcao-ya-papa}} His second daughter, Desirée García Tarón, was born in February 2015.{{cite web|title=@falcao on instagram: Mi princesa Desirée...|url=https://instagram.com/p/zS9e2wp-7G/?modal=true |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/iarchive/s/instagram/zS9e2wp-7G |archive-date=26 December 2021 |url-access=registration}}{{cbignore}}{{Cite web|last=Patterson|first=Mark|title=Radamel Falcao and Wife Lorelei Taron Announce Birth of 2nd Daughter, Desiree|url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2371176-radamel-falcao-and-wife-lorelei-taron-announce-birth-of-2nd-daughter-desire|access-date=15 September 2020|website=Bleacher Report}} His third daughter, Annette García Tarón, was born in August 2017.{{cite web|title=Monaco Striker Radamel Falcao Welcomes Third Child As He Celebrates Birth Of Daughter, Annette (Photos)|url=https://www.celebsnest.ng/monaco-striker-radamel-falcao-welcomes-third-child-celebrates-birth-daughter-annette-photos|access-date=21 August 2017|publisher=Celebsnest|archive-date=9 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190409114613/https://www.celebsnest.ng/monaco-striker-radamel-falcao-welcomes-third-child-celebrates-birth-daughter-annette-photos/}} In December 2018, Falcao remarried his wife.{{Cite web|date=14 December 2018|title=El futbolista Falcao y su mujer, Lorelei Tarón, se casan por segunda vez|url=https://us.hola.com/novias/20181214134476/falcao-lorelei-taron-segunda-boda/|access-date=16 November 2020|website=HOLA USA|language=es-US}}{{Dead link|date=July 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} In March 2020, both Falcao and Lorelei revealed that they were expecting their fourth child on social media.{{Cite web|date=14 March 2020|title=@loreleitaron "" Hello hello BABY " estamos toda la familia viéndote crecer...será nena o varón ? Boy or girl ? ... ❤️❤️❤️❤️ #thanksJesus #blessed #baby4…"|url=https://www.instagram.com/p/B9tJIcDqjEk/ |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/iarchive/s/instagram/B9tJIcDqjEk |archive-date=26 December 2021 |url-access=registration|access-date=15 September 2020|website=Instagram}}{{cbignore}}{{Cite web|date=14 March 2020|title=Falcao on Instagram: "Se agranda la familia... Estamos muy emocionados en casa. Baby n*4 is coming. Thank you Jesus #blessed #ilovemyfamily @drserkanoral"|url=https://www.instagram.com/p/B9tJsJfF--y/ |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/iarchive/s/instagram/B9tJsJfF--y |archive-date=26 December 2021 |url-access=registration|access-date=15 September 2020|website=Instagram}}{{cbignore}} Their first son and fourth child, Jedediah García Tarón, was born in September 2020.{{cite web|date=18 September 2020|title=NACIÓ JEDEDIAH, EL CUARTO HIJO DE FALCAO GARCÍA: EMOTIVO MENSAJE; Antena 2|url=https://www.antena2.com/lado-b/nacio-jedediah-el-cuarto-hijo-de-falcao-garcia-emotivo-mensaje|access-date=18 September 2020|publisher=antena2.com}}{{Cite web|date=9 May 2020|title=¿Finalmente encontró el varón? Así habló Falcao de su cuarto bebé|url=https://www.futbolred.com/seleccion-colombia/falcao-garcia-confirma-que-su-cuarto-hijo-sera-varon-noticias-colombia-117069|access-date=15 September 2020|website=futbolred.com|language=es}} In July of 2023, Falcao and Lorelei had their 5th child named Heaven García Tarón. Due to his wife's Polish ancestry, his children also hold Polish passports, thanks to Monaco teammate Kamil Glik, who helped with the process.{{cite web|last=INTERIA.PL|title=Glik pomógł gwieździe Monaco zdobyć polski paszport|url=https://eurosport.interia.pl/ligue-1/news-radamel-falcao-ma-zwiazki-z-polska-dzieki-swojej-zonie,nId,2445035}} Falcao is a devout Christian, and Gonzalo Ludueña said about his faith that, "We hid from Falcao because he would look for us in every room to take us to church on Sunday, our free day."{{Cite web|date=18 October 2014|title=Radamel Falcao: How faith and love drive the Manchester United striker|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/radamel-falcao-how-faith-and-love-drive-manchester-united-striker-glory-9804366.html|access-date=16 November 2020|website=The Independent}}

He is partially of English descent; George King, (born in Burn), one of his great-grandfathers, emigrated from Selby, North Yorkshire in 1932 with his wife to work as an accountant for the United Fruit Company in Colombia and start a new life. His wife later died in childbirth, so he married a Colombian woman and had five children, including Falcao's grandmother, Denis. King was later murdered in 1960.{{Cite web|date=16 October 2014|title=Falcao 'denied UK passport at 13'|url=https://www.espn.com/soccer/league-name/story/2091299/headline|access-date=16 November 2020|website=ESPN.com}} Owing to this ancestry, Falcao's father attempted to make it easier for his son to play in Europe by obtaining a British passport for him, but this was rejected.{{Cite web|date=16 October 2014|title=Manchester United's Falcao has Yorkshire roots|url=https://www.itv.com/news/calendar/2014-10-16/falcao-reveals-he-has-yorkshire-roots/|access-date=21 January 2020|work=ITV News}}{{Cite web|date=16 October 2014|title=Soccer ace Falcao has English roots|url=https://www.independent.ie/world-news/and-finally/soccer-ace-falcao-has-english-roots-30669457.html|access-date=15 September 2020|website=Independent.ie}} His uncle was the telenovela and film actor Herbert King, who died in August 2018.{{cite news|date=2 August 2018|title=Falleció el actor Herbert King, tío de Radamel Falcao García|language=es|publisher=El Universal|url=http://www.eluniversal.com.co/farandula/fallecio-el-actor-herbert-king-tio-de-radamel-falcao-garcia-284210|access-date=5 January 2020}}{{Cite news|date=2 August 2018|title=Falleció el actor samario Herbert King, tío de Falcao García|language=es|work=El Pais Colombia|url=https://www.elpais.com.co/entretenimiento/fallecio-el-actor-samario-herbert-king-tio-de-falcao-garcia.html|access-date=5 January 2020}}

During Falcao's first few years with River Plate, he briefly studied journalism at the University of Palermo.

In mid-2017, Falcao was investigated for allegations of tax evasion committed while he was playing for Atletico Madrid from 2011 to 2013. He was accused of using shell companies from the British Virgin Islands, Ireland, and Panama to avoid having to pay image rights taxes, and he was also accused of defrauding around €5.6 million of income earned from image rights.{{Cite news|date=27 July 2017|title=Jorge Mendes: Agent denies aiding tax evasion as Radamel Falcao is investigated|work=BBC Sport|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/40421370|access-date=17 November 2020}} He later pled guilty and paid around €8.2 million.{{Cite web|title=Falcao makes 8 million-euro payment to Spanish taxman|url=https://sports.yahoo.com/falcao-makes-8-million-euro-payment-spanish-taxman-185129471--sow.html|access-date=16 November 2020|website=sports.yahoo.com|archive-date=21 September 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180921130607/https://sports.yahoo.com/falcao-makes-8-million-euro-payment-spanish-taxman-185129471--sow.html|url-status=dead}} In May 2018, he was given a 16-month suspended sentence and a €9 million fine.{{Cite web|date=23 May 2018|title=LaLiga - Atletico Madrid: Falcao fined nine million euros and handed a 16 month prison term for tax fraud|url=https://www.marca.com/en/football/international-football/2018/05/23/5b0599a2268e3e2b548b45ba.html|access-date=16 November 2020|website=MARCA}}

Falcao has donated numerous times to charity organizations and people. In 2013, he convinced Swiss watchmaking company Hublot to donate US$100,000 to a United Nations program in Colombia.{{Cite web|date=6 November 2013|title=Falcao convinces Swiss watch brand to donate $100k to Colombia's coastal communities|url=https://colombiareports.com/soccer-player-falcao-watch-brand-hublot-support-u-n-program-caribbean-coast-colombia/|access-date=15 November 2020|website=Colombia Reports}} In January 2015, he helped a 17-year-old Colombian boy find a heart transplant donor.{{Cite web|last=Whaling|first=James|date=23 January 2015|title=Falcao helps Colombian teenager find donor for a heart transplant|url=http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/manchester-united-striker-radamel-falcao-5029574|access-date=16 November 2020|website=Mirror}}{{Cite news|date=23 January 2015|title=Radamel Falcao helps Colombian teenager find donor for heart transplant|work=The Guardian|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/jan/23/radamel-falcao-helps-teenager-find-heart-transplant|access-date=17 November 2020|issn=0261-3077}}

{{updated|match played 3 March 2025}}{{Soccerway|radamel-falcao/20216}}{{cite web |url=http://www.worldfootball.net/player_summary/radamel-falcao/2/ |title=Radamel Falcao García – Club matches |website=WorldFootball.net |access-date=2 April 2016}}

{{notelist}}

{{main|List of international goals scored by Radamel Falcao}}

{{updated|match played 28 March 2023}}{{NFT player|20705|name=García, Radamel Falcao|access-date=5 June 2012}}

River Plate

• Argentine Primera División: 2007–08 Clausura

Porto

• Primeira Liga: 2010–11
• Taça de Portugal: 2009–10, 2010–11
• Supertaça Cândido de Oliveira: 2009, 2010, 2011
• UEFA Europa League: 2010–11

Atlético Madrid

• Copa del Rey: 2012–13
• UEFA Europa League: 2011–12
• UEFA Super Cup: 2012

Monaco

• Ligue 1: 2016–17

Colombia U20

• South American Youth Championship: 2005{{cite news|url=https://www.fifa.com/u20worldcup/news/y=2005/m=5/news=opportunity-knocks-again-for-radamel-falcao-97614.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160207103824/http://www.fifa.com/u20worldcup/news/y=2005/m=5/news=opportunity-knocks-again-for-radamel-falcao-97614.html|archive-date=7 February 2016|title=Opportunity knocks again for Radamel Falcao|date=16 May 2005|access-date=6 February 2016}}

Individual

• South American Team of the Year: 2007{{cite news|url=https://www.rsssf.org/miscellaneous/sam-toy.html |title=South American Team of the Year |date=16 January 2009 |access-date=10 March 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150121064015/http://www.rsssf.com/miscellaneous/sam-toy.html |archive-date=21 January 2015 }}
• Portuguese Golden Ball: 2010–11{{cite web|url=http://www.atleticofans.com/11854/falcao-awarded-the-portuguese-golden-ball/|title=Falcao awarded the Portuguese Golden Ball|date=7 February 2012|publisher=AtléticoFans|access-date=8 February 2016}}
• UEFA Europa League Top Scorer: 2010–11 (17 goals),{{cite web|date=5 May 2011|title=Falcao record as Porto progress|url=http://soccernet.espn.go.com/report?id=315652&cc=5739|access-date=10 May 2011|publisher=ESPN|archive-date=25 October 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121025195742/http://soccernet.espn.go.com/report?id=315652&cc=5739|url-status=dead}} 2011–12 (12 goals)[https://web.archive.org/web/20131015045229/http://www.fifa.com/worldfootball/clubfootball/news/newsid=1628393.html?intcmp=newsreader_news_box_2 Falcao shines again as Atletico rule Europa]. FIFA.com. Retrieved 10 May 2012.
• FIFA FIFPro World11: 2012{{cite web|url=http://www.fifpro.org/fifpro_world/award_history/2012|title=FIFA FIFPRO WORLD XI 2012|access-date=26 November 2015|archive-date=30 June 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130630062125/http://www.fifpro.org/fifpro_world/award_history/2012}}
• Globe Best Footballer: 2012{{cite web|url=http://www.globesoccer.com/awards/awards-2012/ |title=GLOBE SOCCER AWARDS 2012 |publisher=Globe Soccer |access-date=22 March 2016}}
• UNFP Ligue 1 Player of the Month: August 2017{{cite web|url=http://www.unfp.org/2017/09/radamel-falcao-et-zinedine-ferhat-joueurs-du-mois-daout/|title=Radamel Falcao et Zinedine Ferhat, joueurs du mois d'Août !|website=UNFP|date=19 September 2017|access-date=19 September 2017}}
• Coupe de la Ligue Top scorer: 2017–18 (3 goals){{cite web|url=http://www.worldfootball.net/goalgetter/fra-coupe-de-la-ligue-2017-2018/|title=Coupe de la Ligue 2017/2018 – Top Scorer|publisher=Ligue 1|date=20 May 2018|access-date=20 May 2018}}

Records

• Colombia all-time top scorer: 36 goals{{cite web|url=https://www.rsssf.org/miscellaneous/col-recintlp.html |title=Colombia – Record International Players |first=Frank |last=Ballesteros |access-date=4 November 2015 |website=RSSSF |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081230210624/http://www.rsssf.com/miscellaneous/col-recintlp.html |archive-date=30 December 2008 }}
• Top goal scorer of the UEFA Super Cup: 3 goals{{cite web |first=Paul |last=Saffer|url=https://www.uefa.com/uefasupercup/news/0250-0c510ba00646-f15169f40a5f-1000--messi-alves-among-super-cup-record-breakers/|title=Messi, Alves among Super Cup Record-Breakers |publisher=UEFA |date=11 August 2015}} {{small|(shared with Arie Haan, Oleg Blokhin, Gerd Müller, Rob Rensenbrink, François Van der Elst, Terry McDermott, and Lionel Messi)}}
• Only player to have scored a hat-trick in a single final of the UEFA Super Cup{{cite web|title=Radamel Falcao: 21 things you should know|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/manchester-united/11067474/Radamel-Falcao-21-things-you-should-know-about-the-new-Manchester-United-striker.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220112/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/manchester-united/11067474/Radamel-Falcao-21-things-you-should-know-about-the-new-Manchester-United-striker.html |archive-date=12 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|date=1 September 2014|website=telegraph.co.uk}}{{cbignore}}
• Only player to score 4 goals in a UEFA Europa League knockout match
• One of two players to win two consecutive UEFA Europa League titles with two different teams {{small|(shared with Marko Marin)}}
• Most goals scored in a UEFA Europa League season: 17 goals{{cite web |title=All-time UEFA Europa League and UEFA Cup records |url=https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuropaleague/news/0220-0e90090a54e3-1a9cb8fa780b-1000--all-time-uefa-europa-league-and-uefa-cup-records/ |website=UEFA |access-date=10 November 2019 |date=22 October 2018}}
• Most goals scored in the UEFA Europa League knockout stages: 20 goals{{cite web |title=Europa League knockout records and statistics |url=https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuropaleague/news/0251-0e987dba2198-4ca0099d9ed1-1000--europa-league-knockout-records-and-stats-clubs-players-mat/ |website=UEFA |access-date=10 November 2019 |date=29 May 2019}}
• Most goals in a UEFA Europa League knockout tie: 5 goals {{small|(shared with Romelu Lukaku)}}
• Most UEFA Europa League hat-tricks: 3 hat-tricks{{cite web |title=UEFA Europa League statistics handbook |url=https://www.uefa.com/MultimediaFiles/Download/EuroExperience/competitions/Publications/02/28/56/93/2285693_DOWNLOAD.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151106130334/http://www.uefa.com/MultimediaFiles/Download/EuroExperience/competitions/Publications/02/28/56/93/2285693_DOWNLOAD.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-date=6 November 2015 |website=UEFA |access-date=10 November 2019}}
• Most goals scored in UEFA Cup/UEFA Europa League finals: 3 goals{{cite web |title=UEFA Cup/UEFA Europa League final records |url=https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuropaleague/news/0252-0ce430367606-35094e8eef73-1000--europa-league-final-records-biggest-wins-oldest-scorers-/ |website=UEFA |access-date=10 November 2019 |format=24 May 2019}}
• First Colombian footballer to reach the record of 350 goals in his entire career, an achievement achieved in the match between Millonarios vs Patriotas on September 1, 2024.

• List of top international men's football goalscorers by country
• List of men's footballers with 100 or more international caps
• List of footballers who achieved hat-trick records

{{reflist}}

{{commons category}}

• {{Official website}}
• [http://www.rayovallecano.es/jugador/falcao Profile] at the Rayo Vallecano website
• {{UEFA player}}
• {{FIFA player}}
• {{NFT player}}
• [http://www.football-lineups.com/players/player.php?route=4985 Radamel Falcao García] at Football-Lineups.com
• {{Soccerway}}

{{Millonarios F.C. squad}}

{{Navboxes

| title = Colombia squads

| bg = #FCD116

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| bordercolor = #CE1126

| list1 =

{{Colombia squad 2011 Copa América}}

{{Colombia squad 2015 Copa América}}

{{Colombia squad 2018 FIFA World Cup}}

{{Colombia squad 2019 Copa América}}

}}

{{Navboxes

| title = Awards

| bg = gold

| fg = black

| list1 =

{{2007 South American Team of the Year}}

{{UEFA Europa League top scorers}}

{{Taça de Portugal top scorers}}

{{Globe Soccer Awards best Player}}

{{Portuguese Golden Ball}}

{{2012 FIFA FIFPRO World 11}}

}}

{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Falcao, Radamel}}

Category:1986 births

Category:Living people

Category:Colombian people of English descent

Category:Footballers from Santa Marta

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Category:FIFA Men's Century Club

Category:Falcao Garcia family