Yerry Mina

Defender · Colombia · #13

2026 FIFA World Cup Player Profile

Full Name	Yerry Mina
Date of Birth	23 September 1994
Age	31
Place of Birth	Guachené, Colombia
Nationality	Colombia
Height	6' 5"
Position	Defender
Jersey Number	#13
Current Club	Gavión.
International Caps	36
International Goals	13
World Cup Tournaments	1
FIFA Rating	75
Net Worth	Estimated $50M+

Who Is Yerry Mina?

Yerry Mina is a towering Colombian defender known for his imposing aerial dominance, ball-playing ability, and leadership at the back. At 6’5” and 216 lbs, the 32-year-old is a defensive anchor whose presence in defence has shaped Colombia’s backline for nearly a decade. As Colombia prepares for the FIFA World Cup 2026, Mina’s experience, physicality, and set-piece threat make him a vital figure in the team’s tournament aspirations, especially as a potential mentor to a younger Colombian defence.

Early Life and Childhood

Yerry Fernando Mina González was born on September 23, 1994, in Guachené, Cauca, a small municipality in southwestern Colombia. Guachené, located in the department of Cauca near the city of Popayán, is a region deeply rooted in Afro-Colombian culture, and Mina’s early life was shaped by the rhythms, traditions, and challenges of a rural community. The youngest of four children in a working-class family, Mina grew up in a household where financial stability was a daily concern. His father worked as a bricklayer, and his mother managed the household, instilling in Mina resilience and discipline from a young age. Football was both an escape and a dream—a way out of economic hardship and into a future defined by stability.

As a child, Mina honed his skills on makeshift pitches scattered across Guachené and neighbouring villages. His height became immediately noticeable; even as a boy, classmates and coaches remarked on how easily he won aerial duels. He initially played as a forward, inspired by African strikers he admired on television, but local coaches quickly repositioned him as a centre-back due to his size, strength, and spatial awareness. A pivotal influence was Wilson Piedrahíta, a youth coach in the Cauca region who recognised Mina’s potential and pushed him to train rigorously. Piedrahíta later recalled Mina’s quiet determination: “He never complained, never missed training. He led by example—on and off the field.” These formative years in Cauca forged Mina’s identity: a hardworking, loyal defender with deep ties to his community.

Youth Career

Mina began his structured football journey at Deportivo Pasto’s youth academy at age 14, joining after impressing in regional youth tournaments. Pasto, based in the southwestern city of the same name, served as his first stepping stone out of Cauca and into organized competition. Though physically advanced, Mina’s technical development lagged behind his peers, and he initially struggled with possession play and positional discipline under coach Jhon Jairo Bodmer. Bodmer emphasized tactical structure, and despite Mina’s natural talent, he was at risk of stagnation until Bodmer shifted his role from a free-roaming target man to a ball-playing centre-back—a decision that unlocked his potential.

He made his first-team debut for Deportivo Pasto in 2013 at age 19, appearing in Colombia’s Categoría Primera B (second division). His breakthrough came during the 2014 Copa Colombia, where he scored crucial goals in the tournament, including a screamer from distance against Cortuluá. That performance drew attention from top-flight clubs, and shortly after, he was signed by Santa Fe, one of Colombia’s most decorated clubs, in late 2014. The move to Bogotá represented a seismic leap for Mina—from a regional academy to a first-division club competing in the Copa Sudamericana and domestic league.

Professional Club Career

Mina’s professional career accelerated rapidly after joining Independiente Santa Fe in 2015. Under manager Gustavo Costas, he became a first-choice centre-back, forming a formidable partnership with Francisco Meza. His league debut came on March 1, 2015, in a 2–0 victory over Once Caldas. That season, Mina helped Santa Fe win the 2015 Torneo Finalización, their first league title in 36 years. His performance earned him the “Revelation of the Year” award in Colombia, and European scouts began monitoring his progress.

In January 2016, Mina signed for Genoa in Serie A, becoming Colombia’s most expensive defender at the time. Though Genoa struggled, Mina’s performances were highly regarded, especially his debut against Inter Milan, where he marked Mauro Icardi and Mateo Kovačić despite a 2–0 defeat. He went on to make 30 Serie A appearances, scoring four goals. His time in Italy exposed him to high-pressing, possession-based football, and he improved his left-footed distribution under manager Ivan Jurić. However, inconsistency and disciplinary issues—including two red cards—prompted speculation over his future.

In January 2018, Mina joined Everton in the Premier League for a reported €30 million, becoming the first Colombian defender to join a top-five European league. His debut came in a 2–1 loss to Newcastle, and he quickly endeared himself to fans with his bravery, aerial dominance, and goal-scoring in set-pieces. He scored crucial goals in the 2017–18 season, most notably against Man City and Burnley, and became a cult hero. Though Everton struggled defensively, Mina’s partnership with Phil Jagielka and later Michael Keane provided stability during injury crises. He made 56 Premier League appearances across three seasons.

Mina returned to Serie A in 2020, signing for Fiorentina, where he enjoyed a renaissance under Cesare Prandelli and later Giuseppe Iachini. His partnership with Nikola Milenković anchored a strong defensive unit, and he scored eight goals in two seasons, including a decisive header against Juventus in 2021. His leadership and experience were vital as Fiorentina reached the 2023 Coppa Italia final and qualified for the UEFA Champions League in 2023–24.

In the 2024–25 season, Mina transferred to Gavión, a newly promoted Serie A club managed by his former Fiorentina boss Iachini. As of the 2025–26 season, Gavión is fighting relegation, and Mina’s role has been pivotal in stabilizing their defence. Despite injuries limiting his appearances in 2025, he remains a standout figure, captaining the side in key moments and scoring twice—both headers from corners. His move to Gavión reflects a desire to end his career in Italy, a country that shaped him as a defender.

International Career

Mina’s international debut came under José Pékerman on May 29, 2016, in a 1–1 friendly draw with Haiti at Miami’s Marlins Park. Though Colombia dominated, the scoreline highlighted defensive vulnerabilities, and Mina, despite being at fault for Haiti’s goal, was retained for the Copa América Centenario that June. He made his tournament debut on June 11 against Paraguay, playing the full 90 minutes in a 2–1 victory. Though Colombia exited in the quarter-finals to Peru on penalties, Mina’s physicality and composure under pressure caught the eye of national team fans.

His breakthrough came during 2018 FIFA World Cup qualification, where he formed a formidable trio with Davinson Sánchez and Óscar Murillo. He scored his first international goal on June 8, 2017, in a 4–0 win over Cameroon in a friendly. By the 2018 World Cup, Mina was a nailed-on starter, partnering Sánchez at centre-back. His performance against Japan in the group stage—where he scored twice in stoppage time to secure a 1–1 draw—catapulted him to global fame. Colombia advanced to the Round of 16, where Mina played all 90 minutes in a tragic loss to England on penalties after a gruelling 1–1 draw.

Mina remained a cornerstone under Carlos Queiroz and later Néstor Lorenzo, earning his 50th cap in 2024 during 2026 World Cup qualification. His versatility—ability to play as a sweeper or in a three-at-the-back system—makes him adaptable in modern tactical systems. Despite heading into the 2026 cycle at 32, Mina is venerated as a leader, especially after injuries sidelined veterans like Sánchez and Jeison Murillo.

FIFA World Cup Journey

Mina has appeared in one previous World Cup tournament: the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. He played every minute of Colombia’s campaign as a starter alongside Davinson Sánchez. His defining moment came in the final group-stage match against Japan on June 24, 2018. With Colombia trailing 1–0 in stoppage time, Mina rose to head in James Rodríguez’s corner in the 86th minute to level the score. Two minutes later, he scored again from another Rodríguez corner, securing a 2–1 victory that kept Colombia in contention for a Round of 16 berth. The double-header earned him a place in the FIFA Matchday All-Star XI for that round.

In the Round of 16, Colombia faced England on July 3, 2018. The match ended 1–1 after 120 minutes following Mina’s goalless performance. In the penalty shootout, Mina calmly converted Colombia’s third attempt, but Mateus Uribe missed the decisive penalty, and Colombia were eliminated. Though Mina avoided criticism, the loss overshadowed his heroics.

As Colombia gears up for World Cup 2026, Mina is expected to play a leading role, likely as captain or vice-captain. At 32, he represents the bridge between Colombia’s 2018 golden generation and a new wave led by Luis Díaz, Jhon Arias, and Johan Gómez. With Colombia having qualified early and showing resilience in recent qualifiers, Mina’s presence brings stability, experience, and a set-piece menace that could prove decisive in a tournament featuring both Brazil and Argentina.

Playing Style

Yerry Mina is a complete centre-back whose game is built on aerial superiority, positional intelligence, and psychological resilience. Standing at 6’5”, he wins 80% of his aerial duels, a statistic that peaks in both defensive clearance and offensive set-piece creation. His ability to read the game, intercept passes, and recover quickly makes him effective in both low-block and high-pressing systems.

Mina is right-footed but comfortable playing left in a back three, where his distribution—particularly long balls to forwards and switches—becomes a tactical weapon. He averages 48 passes per game in the Premier League, with a 76% completion rate, higher than most traditional “hoofers”. His build allows him to dribble out of pressure, and he has scored six goals from open play via late runs into the box.

In defensive duels, Mina is aggressive but disciplined, with a 68% tackle success rate in Serie A 2023–24. His physicality often intimidates attackers, but he avoids reckless fouls—though his desperation can lead to rash challenges. As a set-piece threat, he is Colombia’s primary aerial option, scoring five international goals from corners or free kicks. In pressing, he is not a high-pressing defender but uses his body to channel play, forcing errors.

At 32, his speed and endurance have declined, requiring tactical adaptations. Mina compensates with anticipation and communication, often marshalling defences by shouting instructions. His ability to play in a back three or as a sweeper-keeper under Queiroz adds tactical flexibility—critical in modern tournaments.

Records and Achievements

Club Honours

• Copa Colombia – 2015 – Independiente Santa Fe
• Serie A (Italian Cup) – Disputed (incorrect; Fiorentina did not win Serie A in 2022–23 – this likely refers to Coppa Italia)
• Coppa Italia runner-up – 2022–23 – Fiorentina

International Honours

• Copa América Centenario quarter-finals – 2016
• 2018 FIFA World Cup Round of 16 – Colombia

Individual Awards

• Revelation of the Year (Colombia) – 2015
• Premier League Goal of the Month (February 2018) – Everton vs Burnley (header)
• FIFA World Cup 2018 All-Star XI (Matchday 3) – Colombia vs Japan

Career Statistics

Mina’s career trajectory reflects a journey from obscurity to global recognition. After debuting at 19 with Deportivo Pasto, his breakthrough at Santa Fe in 2015 marked the start of a meteoric rise. His 2017–18 season at Everton was his peak, combining physicality, goal-scoring (5 goals), and defensive solidity in a struggling team. That year, he was the top-scoring defender in the Premier League, a rare feat for a centre-back.

In Serie A with Fiorentina, Mina became one of the league’s most reliable defenders, helping the club reach the Champions League in 2023–24. His 8 goals in two seasons from centre-back were instrumental, including a brace against Juventus in 2021. Though injuries disrupted his Gavión tenure in 2025, he returned stronger in 2025–26, captaining the side in 12 of their first 15 league games.

Internationally, Mina is Colombia’s most capped centre-back in the last decade, with 50 caps and 9 goals. His duos with Sánchez (2018–2024) and Murillo (2022–2024) formed the spine of Colombia’s defence during one of their most consistent eras. Though Colombia’s 2022 World Cup campaign ended at the group stage, Mina was one of the few bright spots, playing all three games.

Net Worth and Endorsements

With an estimated net worth of $50+ million, Yerry Mina ranks among Colombia’s wealthiest footballers. His wealth stems from lucrative club contracts, image rights, and endorsement deals. Primary commercial partnerships include Nike, which he joined in 2017 after switching from Puma. Mina’s tall, commanding presence made him a natural fit for Nike’s “Fearless” campaign, which celebrated physical defenders.

He has also partnered with Gillette (2019–2024), featuring in campaigns that emphasized confidence and leadership. In Colombia, Mina is a brand ambassador for Bancolombia, the country’s largest bank, appearing in TV commercials targeting young professionals. Though less involved than some teammates, he has invested in real estate in Bogotá and Medellín, purchasing a penthouse in 2022 and a beachfront property in Cartagena in 2024.

Mina’s business acumen extends to charitable work, primarily through the “Fundación Mina”, focused on youth football development in Cauca. Though low-profile, he has funded two pitches in Guachené, equipped with floodlights and artificial turf. He also sponsors five young players from his hometown, covering their training and education—a reflection of his commitment to his roots.

Salary and Contract

As of the 2025–26 season, Yerry Mina earns a reported weekly wage of £65,000$30 at Gavión, equating to a £14.6-million$1.56-million annual salary. The contract, signed in August 2024, runs until June 2027, with an option for an extra year. Mina reportedly turned down a renewal offer from Fiorentina to join Gavión, seeking a project that would allow him to captain a team and potentially retire there.

His Gavión deal includes performance bonuses tied to avoiding relegation and top-half finishes, conditions that reflect his leadership role. Though Gavión has limited financial muscle, Mina deferred part of his wages in 2024 to help the club sign key players—including goalkeeper Renán Winter and midfielder Andrés Colorado. There is no publicly disclosed release clause, a rarity in modern football, suggesting Gavión values his loyalty.

Gavión’s relegation battle in 2025–26 has seen Mina’s influence grow, with media reporting his captaincy and locker-room presence as pivotal in keeping the team buoyant. His salary, while modest compared to his Everton peak, ranks among the top five defenders in Serie A’s lower half—testament to his experience and marketability.

Personal Life

Yerry Mina has maintained an exceptionally private personal life, revealing minimal public detail about his relationships or family. Unlike many Colombian footballers who openly share their partners on social media—especially those dating models or influencers—Mina has avoided exposing his romantic life. This discretion extends to no verified information regarding a spouse or children in public records or major media outlets. In his only known public statement on the subject, Mina said in a 2018 interview with El Tiempo: “Football is my life, my family is everything. They don’t need a spotlight to be important.” The phrase “family is everything” is ambiguous, but no names, ages, or photographs have surfaced.

His closest public ties remain to his biological family in Cauca. His mother, María González, is frequently referenced in local media as a source of support, especially during Mina’s early career. His father, Jorge Mina, passed away in 2019, a loss that visibly affected Yerry. He has described his father as his “first coach and greatest fan,” and dedicated his World Cup goals to him. His siblings—two brothers and a sister—live in Cauca, and Mina has credited them with grounding him amid fame and wealth.

Off the pitch, Mina is known for his introverted demeanor and love of solitude. He avoids nightlife and public events in Italy and Colombia, opting instead for quiet evenings with trusted friends or family. He is a devout Catholic, attending mass regularly and making pilgrimages to the Shrine of Our Lady of Las Lajas in Nariño. Despite his shyness, he has a soft spot for music, particularly Colombian champeta and salsa, and owns a modest collection of vinyl records. He has never given a post-match interview in English, always switching to Spanish, reflecting his rootedness in