26 Facts About Felipe Baloy

Felipe Abdiel Baloy Ramirez was born on 24 February 1981 and is a Panamanian former professional footballer who played as a defender.

Felipe Baloy scored Panama's first ever goal in a FIFA World Cup, against England at the 2018 edition.

Felipe Baloy was the second youngest of his seven brothers and grew in the populous barrio of Cerro Batea in the San Miguelito district after moving from the San Martin barrio.

Felipe Baloy then moved to Sporting '89 and managed to be part of the Panama U-20 squad where he was spotted by Colombian international representative Luis Felipe Posso, was signed to his agency and the doors opened for Baloy in Colombia.

At age 19, Baloy moved to Colombia to play for Copa Mustang team Envigado in 2001.

Felipe Baloy played the 2003 and 2002 seasons with them before moving to another Antioquia club, Independiente Medellin.

Baloy started his career in Brazil with Gremio where he played the 2003 and 2004 seasons in Campeonato Brasileiro Serie A Baloy was made captain of the team, despite being only 23 years old.

Shortly after Gremio's relegation, Felipe Baloy was signed by Athletico Paranaense.

Felipe Baloy experienced some success after finishing sixth in the 2005 Campeonato Brasileiro Serie A, but only played five league games.

Felipe Baloy was not part of the side that finished as runner-up after losing to Sao Paulo in the 2005 Copa Libertadores finals.

Felipe Baloy arrived in July 2005 to Mexico to play for Monterrey in the Primera Division.

However Felipe Baloy had to settle in with the Mexican fans since he was replacing a fan favourite, the Argentine Defender Pablo Rotchen.

In 2007, Felipe Baloy played in the 2007 Copa Libertadores after he was loaned out to Club America for that competition.

In later years, Felipe Baloy was linked to several clubs in Europe.

Felipe Baloy became the first Panamanian-born player to ever win the Mexican First Division championship.

Shortly after winning the championship, Felipe Baloy made a surprise move to Santos Laguna.

On 14 December 2013 it was announced Felipe Baloy was sold to Monarcas Morelia.

Felipe Baloy scored Panama's first and only goal, so far, for the team in the World Cup.

Felipe Baloy captained the Panama national team for many years including in Russia 2018.

Felipe Baloy played alongside Jose Luis Garces, Luis Tejada, Jaime Penedo among others.

Felipe Baloy made his senior debut for Panama in a May 2001 UNCAF Nations Cup match against Honduras and has, as of 17 November 2017, earned a total of 100 caps, scoring 3 goals.

Felipe Baloy was part of the 2005 and 2007 CONCACAF Gold Cup Best XI.

Felipe Baloy was part of the side that finished runner-up on both 2005 CONCACAF Gold Cup and UNCAF Nations Cup 2007.

Felipe Baloy's father is Chilean and his mother is Panamanian.

Felipe Baloy is married with three children, and lives in Panama with his family.

Felipe Baloy has a close friendship with his Panama national team mates Blas Perez and Gabriel Enrique Gomez.