Tomás Ángel: “Soy mejor que mi papá y lo demostraré” en América de Cali | Entrevista exclusiva

Tomás Ángel: The Next Generation Striker Confident He Outshines His Father

América de Cali has secured a promising new addition to their attacking line for the 2026 season: Tomás Ángel, a 23-year-old forward arriving from San Diego FC of Major League Soccer. The son of former Colombian international Juan Pablo Ángel, the younger Ángel is eager to build his mark in his return to Colombian football, bringing with him a modern approach to the striker position and a bold assertion of his own talent. His arrival signals a strategic move by América de Cali to bolster their offensive capabilities as they compete in the Liga BetPlay Dimayor, currently holding a position within the top eight teams with 13 points after seven matches as of February 28, 2026.

Ángel’s confidence isn’t merely youthful exuberance. He openly states he believes he surpasses his father’s abilities on the pitch, a declaration that has quickly generated headlines. Juan Pablo Ángel enjoyed a distinguished career, scoring over 200 goals for various clubs and establishing himself as a prominent figure in Colombian football history, notably as the Premier League’s all-time leading Colombian goalscorer. However, Tomás Ángel sees a fundamental shift in the role of the modern striker, and believes his skillset is better suited to the contemporary game. This ambition, coupled with his recent experience in the MLS, positions him as a player to watch in the Colombian league.

A Modern Striker’s Philosophy

The core of Ángel’s confidence lies in his assessment of the evolution of the striker role. He contrasts his style with that of his father, describing a move away from the static, target-man approach of previous generations towards a more dynamic and mobile game. “The number 9 of the old era is totally different from the modern footballer, you can see it in all the big teams in the world,” Ángel stated in an interview with VBar de Caracol Radio. “I am a more mobile player, I open spaces; before it was exceptionally static, waiting for the ball in the area. My interaction with the ball is much better.”

While acknowledging a physical difference – Ángel stands at 1.74 meters (approximately 5 feet 9 inches) compared to his father’s 1.85 meters (approximately 6 feet 1 inch) – he believes his superior finishing ability compensates for any potential disadvantage in aerial duels. “Obviously, in terms of height, he will always win in the header, but in terms of finishing I am very good and I have to demonstrate that every time I play. I am a number 9 of modern football and he is a number 9 of the old football… I am better than my father and I am going to demonstrate it, I am completely sure of that.”

From MLS to América de Cali: A Career Trajectory

Tomás Ángel’s journey to América de Cali has been marked by a diverse range of experiences. Born in Birmingham, England, in 2003, to parents including former Aston Villa striker Juan Pablo Ángel, he spent his early years in England before moving to the United States in 2007. He began his professional career with Atlético Nacional in 2021, where he played 40 matches and scored 6 goals across all competitions. His time with the Colombian club saw him contribute to winning two Copa Colombia titles, one Liga title, and one Superliga title.

In 2024, Ángel transitioned to Major League Soccer, initially joining Los Angeles FC, where he made 5 appearances and scored 1 goal. He then had a stint with Phoenix Rising, scoring 3 goals in 14 matches while on loan. His time in the MLS culminated with a move to San Diego FC, where he added another 3 goals in 22 appearances. While his MLS experience wasn’t as impactful as he hoped, he views it as a valuable period of physical and tactical development. He credits his time in the United States with enhancing his physicality and refining his game, making him a more complete player upon his return to Colombia. According to reports, Ángel scored a total of 12 goals during his two years in the United States.

The move to América de Cali represents a significant opportunity for Ángel to establish himself as a key player in Colombian football. He joins a team currently led by manager David González, whose tactical approach aligns with Ángel’s preference for a dynamic and mobile attacking style. González reportedly sought a player of Ángel’s profile for over a month, recognizing the need for a versatile forward to lead the line.

A Return to Colombia and a Familiar Face in the Dugout

Ángel’s decision to return to Colombia wasn’t solely driven by sporting considerations. He acknowledged that the opportunity to play under David González was a major factor. “It’s an entrenador [coach] who likes to play, who doesn’t want the 9 to be static and that style identifies with me,” Ángel explained. This alignment in tactical philosophy suggests a potentially fruitful partnership between the player and the manager.

While a return to Atlético Nacional was considered, Ángel indicated that the move to América de Cali presented a more favorable opportunity for consistent playing time and a prominent role within the team. He stated that while the possibility of rejoining Nacional always lingered, it wasn’t actively pursued during his recent transfer negotiations. He emphasized his commitment to contributing to América de Cali’s success, aiming to score goals and assist the team secure titles.

A viral photo of Ángel wearing an América de Cali jersey fueled speculation about his transfer, but the player remained coy when asked about it, stating he would reserve his comments until the end of the semester. This measured response suggests a desire to focus on his performance on the pitch rather than engaging in off-field distractions.

Ángel’s experience in the United States proved beneficial, particularly in terms of physical conditioning. He emphasized that he has returned to Colombia a more mature and well-rounded player, capable of making a greater impact on the game. He highlighted improvements in his spatial awareness, shooting from distance, and overall goal-scoring ability.

Looking Ahead

Tomás Ángel’s arrival at América de Cali marks an exciting new chapter in his career. He joins a team with aspirations of challenging for the Liga BetPlay Dimayor title and will be expected to play a pivotal role in their attacking endeavors. His confidence, coupled with his modern approach to the striker position, suggests he is well-equipped to succeed in the Colombian league. The coming months will be crucial as Ángel seeks to prove his assertion that he has surpassed his father’s achievements and establish himself as a leading goalscorer in Colombian football.

The next key date for Ángel and América de Cali will be their upcoming match against [Opponent Name] on [Date], where fans will eagerly anticipate his debut and first opportunity to showcase his talent. The team’s performance in the remainder of the season will be closely watched, with Ángel’s contributions undoubtedly playing a significant role in their success.

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