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Full Name: Jhon Jader Durán Palacio
Date of Birth: December 13, 2003 (Age 20)
Place of Birth: Medellín, Colombia
Height: 1.85 m (6 ft 1in)
Position: Centre-Forward
Current Team: Aston Villa F.C

Career Overview

Centre-Forward

Jhon Durán’s love for football was evident from a young age. Growing up in Zaragoza, a small town in northwest Colombia, Durán developed his skills in the streets before joining the Envigado FC academy at 11. His quick feet and goal-scoring instinct soon made him a standout player and he became the second-youngest goal scorer in Colombia’s Categoría Primera A at just 15 years old.

Durán’s performances at Envigado caught the attention of Major League Soccer’s (MLS) Chicago Fire, who signed him in 2021. He quickly adapted to life in the MLS, becoming the club’s top scorer in his first season. His raw power, speed and physicality drew attention from European clubs and in January 2023, Aston Villa secured his services for £14.75 million.

Durán made an instant impact at Villa, scoring crucial goals in both the Premier League and European competition’s despite mostly coming from the bench. On October 2, 2024 he further solidified his reputation by scoring the only goal in Aston Villa’s first ever home Champions League game against Bayern Munich, securing a historic victory for the club.

Premier League • Aston Villa F.C • 2024-25

Matches Played

Assists

Goals

Strength

Center-Forward

Jhon Durán stands out as an exceptional forward, a player with a well-rounded skill set and a nightmare for defenders. At 6’1”, he towers over many of his opponents, dominating aerial duels with a combination of height and strength that allows him to excel in both defensive and attacking situations. This prowess in the air, complemented by his tenacity, makes him a formidable presence during set pieces and open play alike.

Durán’s scoring ability is equally impressive; he poses a consistent threat with his knack for finding the back of the net from various positions. Inside the box, he displays remarkable composure, often converting chances with ease. But his talents extend beyond mere proximity to the goal. Durán possesses a powerful long shot, capable of scoring from distance, which keeps goalkeepers on high alert even when he’s far from the penalty area.

Notable Attributes

Explosive Pace

Durán isn’t just about attacking; he works tirelessly to track back and help his team defensively, especially during high pressing situations. This work ethic shows his understanding of the game and his desire to contribute in every aspect.

What truly sets Durán apart are the qualities that complement his technical abilities. His physicality is a significant asset, allowing him to hold off defenders and win duels. He can shield the ball effectively, enabling his teammates to make vital runs into space. Despite his size, Durán possesses explosive pace and he’s lethal during counter-attacks. His burst of acceleration can leave defenders scrambling, as he exploits any gaps in the backline.

Durán has immense shot power, delivering clean shots with both feet, although he primarily favors his left. His versatility in positioning is another noteworthy attribute; he is not confined to a central role. Durán can drift into wide areas, creating space for his teammates or making late runs into the box, always looking for opportunities to score from close range.

Professional Journey

started at Academia Alfaro Moreno

Durán’s rise to the top has been anything but easy. Coming from a family with limited resources, he had to make numerous sacrifices, including leaving his hometown at 10 years old to pursue his football dreams. His father, Regino Durán, a football administrator, and his uncle, Oswaldo “La Sombra” Durán, a former Colombian goalkeeper, played vital roles in shaping his early career.

His professional journey began with a move from street football in Zaragoza to Envigado FC’s academy. His time at Envigado was pivotal, where his transition from a winger to a center-forward occurred under the guidance of coach Wilberth Perea Mena. Known for developing young talents, Envigado provided the perfect environment for Durán to hone his skills. After breaking into the first team at just 15, his potential became evident, drawing interest from international scouts.

In 2021, Durán made history as the youngest international signing in MLS when Chicago Fire acquired him for £1.5 million. His time in MLS saw him score eight goals in 28 appearances, quickly establishing himself as one of the league’s top prospects. Aston Villa, impressed by his raw talent and potential, signed him in January 2023 for an initial fee of £14.75 million.

Since joining Villa, Durán has consistently delivered, scoring crucial goals in the Premier League and European competitions. His brace against Liverpool in May 2024 kept Villa’s Champions League hopes alive, and his match-winner against Bayern Munich solidified his status as a rising star in European football.

Durán’s international career began with his debut for the Colombia U-20 team, his impressive performances earned him a call-up to the senior national team, where he made his debut in a friendly match against Brazil in 2023. Since then, he has become a vital part of Colombia’s attacking lineup, contributing goals and assists during World Cup qualifiers and international friendlies. His ability to perform under pressure and his knack for scoring crucial goals have made him a player to watch.

Conclusion

Adaptive to different styles of play

Jhon Durán’s journey from the streets of Zaragoza to the bright lights of Villa Park is a testament to his talent, hard work and perseverance. His ability to adapt to different styles of play, combined with his physical attributes and technical skill, makes him one of the most exciting young forwards in world football. As he continues to develop, Durán’s future looks incredibly bright and his recent goal against Bayern Munich in Aston Villa’s first home Champions League game is just another chapter in a story that’s far from finished. Durán is not just a player for the future—he is making his mark on the present.


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