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Daniel Muñoz scored his second goal in two matches, leading Colombia to a 1-0 victory over DR Congo and securing their place in the round of 16. Source: lavanguardia The 30-year-old right-back, who plays for Crystal Palace, was named man of the match. Colombia will now face Portugal for the top spot in Group K. Source: elcolombiano
Muñoz's path to the World Cup was not easy. He was rejected by over 20 clubs before debuting professionally at Águilas Doradas at age 21. Source: infobae He later moved to Atlético Nacional, then to Genk in Belgium, and finally to Crystal Palace for €10 million. Source: lavanguardia His family supported him through tough times; he almost quit football to study in the United States. Source: lavanguardia
In a podcast interview, Muñoz revealed that with his first professional salary, he gave a portion to his mother, paid bills, and kept little for himself, promising his mother that his contribution would grow. Source: infobae Today he earns approximately £3.1 million per year at Crystal Palace. Source: infobae
Despite his personal success, Muñoz emphasizes team unity: "La figura somos todos. Esto es una familia y esta familia se llama Colombia." Source: elcolombiano His two goals in the group stage are crucial, but he remains humble, acknowledging the collective effort.
“No porque yo haya hecho el gol soy la figura. La figura somos todos. Esto es una familia y esta familia se llama Colombia.”
“Los tres puntos los logramos juntos, como equipo, acá todos somos figura, somos una familia y todos estamos dejando el alma en la cancha, porque tenemos hambre de grandes cosas.”
“Fue como una recompensa a mi mamá por creer tanto en mí y lo otro pues en el agua, internet y luz que debíamos pagar. Ya después de eso casi no me quedó nada para el día a día del mes, pero yo le prometí a mi mamá que esa cuotica podía ir subiendo de acuerdo a lo que yo siguiera ganando.”
“Conocido como el Tigre, el Pirata o el Faraón estuvo tentado de dejar el fútbol e irse a EE.UU. a estudiar.”