1. Jefferson Andres Lerma Solis was born on 25 October 1994 and is a Colombian professional footballer who plays as a defensive midfielder or centre-back for Premier League club Crystal Palace and the Colombia national team.
20 Facts About Jefferson Lerma
1. 2.
Jefferson Lerma spent five years at the club before departing for Crystal Palace on a free transfer in 2023.
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Jefferson Lerma first played with Colombia's Olympic team, representing them at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio.
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Jefferson Lerma made his international debut for Colombia the following year in a friendly against South Korea.
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Jefferson Lerma was part of the Colombia squad that participated at the 2018 World Cup, and represented his nation at the 2019 edition of the Copa America.
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Jefferson Lerma appeared in 20 matches during his first professional season, as his side finished 13th in the Apertura.
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Jefferson Lerma suffered the first red card of his career on 2 August 2014, after receiving a second booking in the 45th minute during a Clausura match against Fortaleza.
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Jefferson Lerma would maintain his consistency during the 2015 Apertura, guiding Huila to a surprising first place finish in the league table, thus qualifying for the Apertura's quarter-finals against Deportes Tolima.
9.
On 26 February 2018, Jefferson Lerma made his return upon recovery against Real Betis.
10.
Jefferson Lerma established himself as a fan favourite player, due to his tough-tackling, no-nonsense style of play, as well as an important part of the Bournemouth team during his first season in the Premier League; making a total of 32 appearances across all competitions and scoring two goals in the league.
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In December, Jefferson Lerma was charged with a biting offence relating to an act of violent conduct during a game against Sheffield Wednesday on 3 November 2020.
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On 28 August 2021, Jefferson Lerma started his first game of the season in a goal less draw away at Hull City.
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Jefferson Lerma would be a fundamental component for Bournemouth's team dynamic during their 15-game unbeaten run.
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Jefferson Lerma missed out on three league games as a result.
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Consequently, Jefferson Lerma's goal became the fastest scored by a newly promoted side at one minute and 56 seconds.
16.
On 14 July 2016, Jefferson Lerma was called up by Colombia's Olympic manager Carlos Restrepo to compete at the 2016 Summer Olympics.
17.
Jefferson Lerma would go on to dispute all of Colombia's remaining matches as his country exited in the round of 16 after losing to England on penalties.
18.
On 30 May 2019, Jefferson Lerma was selected by manager Carlos Queiroz to represent Colombia at the 2019 Copa America.
19.
Jefferson Lerma made his return to the Colombian national team on 7 October 2021, following a call-up from manager Reinaldo Rueda for the 2022 World Cup Qualifiers against Uruguay and Brazil.
20.
On 14 June 2024, Jefferson Lerma was called up into 26-man squad for 2024 Copa America.