Famous Ecuadorian Sportspersons

Antonio Valencia is an Ecuadorian former professional footballer who played primarily as a right-sided player, transitioning from a right winger to a right-back during his career. He began at El Nacional before moving to Villarreal in La Liga. Valencia then joined Wigan Athletic before making a high-profile switch to Manchester United in 2009. At United, he achieved success, winning multiple titles. After a decade, he returned to Ecuador to play for LDU Quito, where he secured further honors before retiring in 2021. Valencia also represented Ecuador in various international tournaments, earning 99 caps and scoring 11 goals for his country.

Marlon Andrés Vera Delgado, known as Chito Vera, is an Ecuadorian professional mixed martial artist in the UFC Bantamweight division. With an impressive career, he has secured a prominent position in the UFC rankings. Known for his skills and determination, Vera has gained recognition for his performances inside the Octagon. As a fierce competitor, he continues to showcase his talent and determination in each fight, earning the respect of fans and fellow fighters alike.

Juan Manuel Correa Borja is an American-Ecuadorian racing driver competing in the FIA Formula 2 Championship with DAMS Lucas Oil. He has also raced as a silver-ranked driver in the LMP2 category, achieving a victory in the European Le Mans Series. Correa gained recognition following a serious leg injury sustained in a 2019 accident at Spa-Francorchamps, resulting in the tragic death of Anthoine Hubert. After a year of recovery, he returned to racing in FIA F3 before making a comeback to Formula 2 in late 2022.

Pancho "Segoo" Segura was a prominent tennis player in the 1940s and 1950s, excelling both as an amateur and professional. Originally from Ecuador, he moved to the United States in 1940. Segura was known for his versatility on different playing surfaces, winning titles on three different surfaces consecutively from 1950 to 1952. He achieved numerous accolades, including being the U.S. No. 1 professional player and winning prestigious tournaments such as the Tournament of Champions in 1957 and the L. A. Masters in 1958. Segura was renowned for his powerful double-handed forehand and played collegiate tennis at the University of Miami.

Andrés Gómez Santos is a retired Ecuadorian professional tennis player known for his success in men's doubles and singles competitions. He achieved significant victories at prestigious tournaments such as the US Open and the French Open. Throughout his career, Gómez demonstrated exceptional skill and talent on the court, earning recognition for his contributions to the sport. His accomplishments have solidified his place in tennis history as a respected and accomplished player.

Christian Benítez, also known as Chucho, was an Ecuadorian professional footballer who played as a striker. He began his career with El Nacional in Ecuador before moving to Santos Laguna. Benítez had a successful loan spell at Birmingham City in the Premier League before joining Club América for a record fee. He was known for his scoring prowess and represented the Ecuador national team in multiple international tournaments. Benítez's tragic death led to tributes from his country and the retirement of his national team jersey number.

Richard Carapaz is an accomplished Ecuadorian professional road racing cyclist currently riding for UCI WorldTeam EF Education–EasyPost. He made history by winning the 2019 Giro d'Italia, becoming the first Ecuadorian to achieve this feat. In the 2020 Summer Olympics, Carapaz secured a gold medal in the road race, marking another milestone for Ecuadorian cycling. He stands out as the first cyclist to claim an Olympic road race gold medal and a podium finish in each of the three Grand Tours, showcasing his exceptional talent and determination.

Jack Culcay is a successful professional boxer with an impressive career. He has held the WBA interim light-middleweight title from 2015 to 2017. Culcay also represented Germany as an amateur boxer, competing in the 2008 Summer Olympics in the welterweight division and achieving notable victories at the 2008 European Championships and the 2009 World Championships. With his silver and gold medals in these competitions, Culcay has demonstrated his skill and determination in the boxing world.

Roberto Quiroz is an Ecuadorian professional tennis player who has achieved success both in singles and doubles competitions. He gained recognition for winning Boys' Doubles events at the French Open and US Open in 2010 alongside Duilio Beretta. Quiroz continued to hone his skills and transitioned into the professional circuit, showcasing his talent and determination on the court. His collegiate experience at the University of Southern California further contributed to his development as a competitive and skilled tennis player.

Jhonatan Narváez is an accomplished Ecuadorian road racing cyclist currently affiliated with UCI WorldTeam Ineos Grenadiers. Known for his competitive spirit and strong performance on the road, Narváez has established himself as a prominent figure in the professional cycling world. His dedication and skill have enabled him to compete at the highest level, showcasing his talent in various international races. With a successful career marked by significant achievements, Narváez continues to make a name for himself as a formidable force in the cycling community.

Erick Bone is a welterweight Ecuadorian boxer who began his professional boxing career in 2011. Throughout his time as a professional boxer, Bone has showcased his skills and determination in the ring. Known for his technical abilities and strategic approach to fights, Bone has faced various opponents, demonstrating his resilience and passion for the sport. His dedication to training and improving his craft has helped him succeed in the competitive world of boxing, earning him respect and recognition among fans and peers.

Nicolás Lapentti is a retired professional tennis player from Ecuador. He had a successful career on the ATP Tour, winning several singles titles and achieving a career-high ranking. Lapentti was known for his powerful serve and aggressive playing style. He represented Ecuador in numerous Davis Cup ties and was a popular figure in the tennis world. Lapentti's contributions to the sport have left a lasting impact on tennis in Ecuador and beyond.

Hernan "Chico" Borja was a prominent figure in American soccer, known for his contributions as both a player and coach. He showcased his talent in various U.S. leagues such as the North American Soccer League, Major Indoor Soccer League, and American Soccer League. With his skills and dedication, Borja earned eleven caps with the U.S. national team. His impact on the sport extended beyond the field, as he also shared his knowledge and experience as a coach. Borja's legacy in American soccer remains significant.

Iván Jacinto Hurtado Angulo is an Ecuadorian politician and former professional footballer known for his role as a centre back. He made 168 international appearances for Ecuador from 1992 to 2014, establishing himself as one of the most capped male footballers worldwide. Hurtado was a key player for his national team and gained recognition for his defensive skills and leadership on the field. His impressive career culminated in being overtaken by Lionel Messi in international caps during the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

Julio César Castillo Torres is a prominent Ecuadorian professional boxer with a successful career in the sport. He has showcased his talent and skill on various platforms, including winning medals at the Pan American Games. Castillo's achievements include a bronze medal in 2007 and a silver medal in 2011, highlighting his consistency and dedication to the sport. Known for his impressive performances and determination, Castillo has earned a reputation as a skilled and respected boxer in the professional boxing world.

Segundo Mercado, a retired male boxer from Ecuador, represented his country at the 1988 Summer Olympics before turning professional as a middleweight. He achieved a record of 18-2 before facing Bernard Hopkins for the IBF middleweight title in 1994, resulting in a controversial split draw. After moving up to the super-middleweight division, Mercado challenged Frankie Liles for the WBA title but was stopped in five rounds. Despite continuing to box, Mercado retired in 2003 with a final record of 19-10-2.

Jorge Delgado is an accomplished Ecuadorian former swimmer who represented his country in the 1972 and 1976 Summer Olympics. He has a strong background in sports and has continued his contribution to the Olympic movement by being elected as the President of the Ecuadorian National Olympic Committee in 2021. Delgado's leadership and experience in the world of sports make him a respected figure in the Ecuadorian sporting community, where he continues to promote excellence, integrity, and growth in athletics.

Hugo Savinovich is a renowned Ecuadorian sports commentator and former professional wrestler and wrestling manager. With a career spanning several decades, he has made a significant impact in the world of professional wrestling. Savinovich is best known for his role as a Spanish commentator for WWE from 1994 to 2011, where he was a part of the Spanish language commentary team. Currently, he is signed with Lucha Libre AAA, continuing his contributions to the wrestling industry.

Diego Hidalgo is a skilled Ecuadorian tennis player known for his expertise in doubles matches. With a notable career high ATP doubles ranking, he has achieved success in both singles and doubles categories. Hidalgo's impressive track record includes triumphs in numerous ATP Challengers and ITF doubles tournaments. Representing Ecuador in the Davis Cup, he has demonstrated his talent on an international level with a commendable win/loss record. Overall, Hidalgo's professional journey is marked by resilience, dedication, and a strong passion for the sport of tennis.

Álex Leonardo Quiñónez Martínez was a talented Ecuadorian sprinter known for his prowess in the 100m and 200m events. He achieved numerous successes in his career, including setting national records and winning medals at prestigious competitions such as the Ibero-American Championships and the World Championships. Quiñónez also qualified for multiple Olympic Games, showcasing his skill on the international stage. However, his career faced setbacks, including a provisional suspension for "whereabouts failures" prior to the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo.

Ricardo Ycaza is an accomplished Ecuadorian tennis player known for his success as a top 10 junior player on the international stage. Throughout his professional career, he excelled as a Davis Cup stalwart, representing his country with pride and skill. Ycaza also achieved the impressive milestone of being ranked in the top 100 players on the global tour. His dedication and talent have cemented his reputation as a respected and skilled professional in the world of tennis.

Juan Carlos Rosero García was an Ecuadorian professional road racing cyclist who represented his country at the 1992 Summer Olympics. Following his retirement from competition, he transitioned into a teaching career and founded a cycling club at the school where he taught. Rosero played a pivotal role as a mentor to Richard Carapaz, Ecuador's first European-based professional cyclist and Grand Tour winner. The club he established has nurtured several other successful professional riders, such as Jhonatan Narváez and Jonathan Caicedo.

Gonzalo Escobar is an accomplished Ecuadorian tennis player known for his success in doubles competitions. With a career-high ranking of World No. 38, he has secured three ATP doubles titles each with partners Ariel Behar and Aleksandr Nedovyesov. Additionally, Escobar has shown his versatility by achieving a career-high ATP singles ranking of No. 281. His contribution to the Ecuadorian Davis Cup team includes an 8-9 win/loss record. Escobar's skill and dedication have solidified his reputation as a respected player on the professional tennis circuit.

Jefferson Pérez is an Ecuadorian retired race walker known for his specialization in the 20 km event. Throughout his career, he achieved significant success, notably winning the first two Olympic medals for his country. Pérez's accomplishments in race walking made him a prominent figure in the sport, showcasing his dedication and skill on the international stage. His contributions to Ecuadorian athletics and his impressive performance in the Olympic Games have solidified his legacy as one of the most successful race walkers in his country's history.

Karl Egloff is a Swiss-Ecuadorian athlete, mountaineer, cyclist, and mountain guide renowned for his speed ascents of high mountains, notably the Seven Summits. He gained recognition for breaking records set by athlete Kilian Jornet on mountains like Kilimanjaro, Aconcagua, and Denali. Notable feats include climbing up and down Cotopaxi in 1 hour 37 minutes, Kilimanjaro in 6 hours 42 minutes, Aconcagua in 11 hours 52 minutes, and Denali in 11 hours 44 minutes. His ascent of Denali without skis set him apart from previous record holders.

Giovanni Lapentti Gómez is a retired Ecuadorian tennis player known for his successful career in professional tennis. He competed at various levels of the sport and made a name for himself with his skills and determination on the court. Lapentti's talent and hard work enabled him to achieve significant accomplishments during his time as a professional player. His contributions to the sport have left a lasting impact on the tennis community, showcasing his dedication and passion for the game.

Jonathan Caicedo is an accomplished Ecuadorian road racing cyclist known for his skills and achievements in the sport. He is a valuable member of the UCI Continental team Petrolike, where he showcases his talent and dedication to competitive cycling. Caicedo's professional career is marked by numerous notable performances in road racing events, demonstrating his strength and endurance on the road. His commitment to the sport and consistent improvement make him a respected and admired figure in the cycling community.

Byron Guamá is an accomplished Ecuadorian road bicycle racer currently riding for UCI Continental team Movistar–Best PC. He has represented his country at prestigious events like the 2012 Summer Olympics in the Men's road race, showcasing his skill and determination on the international stage. With a strong track record in professional cycling, Guamá continues to impress with his competitive spirit and dedication to the sport, earning recognition for his talents and contributions to the cycling community.

Emilio Gómez Estrada is an Ecuadorian professional tennis player who competes on the ATP Challenger Tour. He reached his highest ATP singles ranking of world No. 90 on 20 February 2023 and achieved a doubles ranking of world No. 254 on 14 September 2015. Currently, he holds the position of being the No. 3 Ecuadorian tennis player. Emilio's career has been marked by impressive achievements in both singles and doubles play, showcasing his skill and dedication to the sport.

Carlos Góngora Mercado is an accomplished Ecuadorian professional boxer. He held the IBO super middleweight title from 2020 to December 2021, showcasing his skill and determination in the ring. Prior to his professional career, Góngora achieved success as an amateur boxer, winning a bronze medal at the 2007 Pan American Games. His dedication to the sport and his impressive performances have solidified his reputation as a talented and respected athlete in the boxing world.

Pablo Campana is an accomplished Ecuadorian entrepreneur with a diverse professional background. He has served as the former Minister of Commerce in Ecuador, showcasing his expertise in governmental affairs. Additionally, Campana has demonstrated his business acumen through various roles within Consorcio Nobis. Currently, he holds the position of CEO and founder at Millenium S.A., highlighting his leadership and strategic vision in the corporate world. Campana's experience spans across both government and private sectors, making him a versatile and influential figure in Ecuador's business landscape.

Silvio Guerra is an accomplished Ecuadorian runner known for his outstanding achievements in the field of athletics. With a career spanning several years, he has established himself as a prominent figure in the running community. Guerra has participated in numerous national and international competitions, showcasing his exceptional talent and dedication to the sport. He has garnered accolades and recognition for his impressive performances, inspiring many aspiring athletes along the way. Guerra's resilience and passion for running have solidified his reputation as a respected and admired athlete.