Edwin Villafuerte

Edwin Villafuerte first hit the international scene when he was included in Ecuador's squad for the FIFA U-17 World Championship in 1995. However, he was not able to build on the opportunity that came his way, and had to struggle to make a name for himself. He came to be known as 'Ecuador's New Hands', and had difficulty retaining a first team spot at Barcelona SC behind Jose Cevallos.

The best moments for this 1979-born Ecuador goalkeeper came in the 2006 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign when Ecuador beat the much fancied Brazil and Argentina sides at home. In both the matches, Villafuerte was able to prevent the rampaging forwards from scoring a goal. 

The 186 cm Villafuerte has played over one dozen matches for his country but is still uncertain to seal his position as the country’s number one goalkeeper. He had become the first choice keeper for Ecuador shortly after Copa America 2004, following a serious injury to Jose Cellos.

Villafuerte does not have a very strong off-field reputation, and some feel that this comes in the way of his ambitions. In 2006, Villafuerte moved to Deportivo, Quito. This was in the hope of getting more practice under the bars.

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