Introduction
Faustino Asprilla is a former Colombian professional footballer best known for representing Parma, Newcastle United and the Colombia national team. The forward became one of Colombia’s most recognisable players during the 1990s and produced memorable performances in both European and international football.
Known widely as “Tino” Asprilla, he helped Atlético Nacional win the Colombian championship, enjoyed major European success with Parma and later became a popular figure at Newcastle United. His official Premier League record for Newcastle stands at 48 appearances, nine goals and 14 assists.
He also scored 20 goals in 57 senior appearances for Colombia. One of his most famous international performances came in September 1993, when he scored twice as Colombia defeated Argentina 5–0 in Buenos Aires.
As of August 2026, Asprilla is retired from professional football but remains involved in the sport. ESPN identified him in June 2026 as part of its group of former Colombian players working across football analysis and coverage.
Faustino Asprilla Quick Bio
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Full name | Faustino Hernán Asprilla Hinestroza |
| Known as | Faustino “Tino” Asprilla |
| Date of birth | 10 November 1969 |
| Nationality | Colombian |
| Profession | Former professional footballer and football analyst |
| Playing position | Forward |
| Major clubs | Atlético Nacional, Parma, Newcastle United |
| Colombia record | 57 appearances and 20 goals |
| Famous Newcastle moment | Hat-trick against Barcelona in 1997 |
| Current public role | Football analysis and coverage with ESPN Colombia |
ESPN’s player profile confirms his date of birth, Colombian nationality and position as a forward.
Who Is Faustino Asprilla?
Faustino Asprilla is one of the best-known Colombian footballers from the 1990s.
His career connected several important periods of football history. He emerged in Colombia, moved to Italy when Serie A was one of the world’s strongest leagues, joined Newcastle during a memorable Premier League era and represented his country on the international stage.
However, his reputation does not come only from the teams he represented. Certain matches became closely connected with his name.
The biggest examples include:
- Colombia’s 5–0 victory over Argentina in 1993.
- Newcastle’s 3–2 Champions League win over Barcelona in 1997.
- Parma’s European successes during the 1990s.
- Atlético Nacional’s 1991 Colombian championship.
These moments explain why football supporters in Colombia, Italy and England still remember him.
Early Football Career in Colombia
Before becoming famous in Europe, Tino developed his professional reputation in Colombian football.
Atlético Nacional became an important early club in his career. The club’s official history describes him as a fundamental member of the team that won the 1991 Colombian league title.
His performances soon attracted attention outside Colombia.
Atlético Nacional’s official historical record states that he was transferred to Parma in 1992. The move gave him the chance to compete in Italian football and European competitions.
It became one of the most important changes of his career.
Faustino Asprilla at Parma
Parma was where Asprilla built a much larger international reputation.
The Italian club had a strong side during the 1990s and regularly competed for European trophies. He played alongside major football names and became part of an attacking group capable of challenging some of Europe’s strongest teams.
Parma won the European Cup Winners’ Cup in the 1992–93 season, which qualified the club for the UEFA Super Cup.
The Italian side then defeated AC Milan over two legs to win the 1993 UEFA Super Cup. UEFA’s historical record specifically identifies Asprilla among the attacking players who helped inspire Parma during that period.
Another major achievement arrived in the 1994–95 UEFA Cup.
Parma defeated Juventus in the final after an impressive European campaign. UEFA records also show that Asprilla scored in both legs of Parma’s semi-final against Bayer Leverkusen.
He later returned to Parma after his time in England.
In May 1999, he appeared as a substitute as Parma defeated Marseille 3–0 in the UEFA Cup final in Moscow.
Therefore, his Parma years included some of the strongest achievements of his club career.
Move to Newcastle United
Asprilla moved from Parma to Newcastle United in February 1996.
The transfer placed him inside one of the Premier League’s most exciting teams of that period.
Newcastle were challenging near the top of English football, and the Colombian forward joined a squad known for attacking football.
His official Premier League numbers for Newcastle are:
- 48 appearances
- 9 goals
- 14 assists
These figures come directly from the Premier League’s historical player records.
Readers interested in another player with Premier League experience can also explore Todd Cantwell’s football career.
Although Tino did not score huge numbers of league goals, several of his performances became part of Newcastle history.
None became more famous than his night against Barcelona.
The Famous Newcastle vs Barcelona Hat-Trick
On 17 September 1997, Newcastle United faced Barcelona at St James’ Park in the UEFA Champions League.
Asprilla produced the defining Newcastle performance of his career.
He scored three times:
- 22nd minute — penalty
- 31st minute
- 49th minute
Newcastle eventually won 3–2.
Barcelona responded through Luis Enrique and Luís Figo, but the English club held on for a memorable victory.
The official UEFA record of Newcastle’s 3–2 win over Barcelona confirms the result and Asprilla’s goals.
The hat-trick remains central to his reputation in England. Even decades later, Premier League and European football coverage continues to mention that night when discussing his Newcastle career.
Faustino Asprilla and the Colombia National Team
International football formed another major part of his career.
The Colombian Football Federation records 20 goals in 57 senior international appearances for Asprilla.
He belonged to an important generation of Colombian footballers that also included players such as Carlos Valderrama, Freddy Rincón and René Higuita.
Colombia developed a strong international reputation during this period and qualified for major tournaments.
However, one match stands above almost every other game associated with that generation.
Colombia’s Historic 5–0 Win Over Argentina
On 5 September 1993, Colombia travelled to the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires for a World Cup qualifying match against Argentina.
Few expected the result that followed.
Colombia won 5–0.
The goals came from:
- Freddy Rincón — 41st minute
- Faustino Asprilla — 49th minute
- Freddy Rincón — 62nd minute
- Faustino Asprilla — 64th minute
- Adolfo Valencia — 84th minute
FIFA’s historical account confirms both of Tino’s goals and describes the result as one of Argentina’s most remarkable defeats.
The victory became one of the defining moments in Colombian football history.
For Asprilla, scoring twice in such an important away match strengthened his international reputation before the 1994 World Cup.
Why Was Faustino Asprilla So Famous at Newcastle?
Newcastle supporters remember him because his time at the club included unusual and unforgettable moments.
Most importantly, he delivered in major matches.
His Barcelona hat-trick came on a Champions League night against one of Europe’s biggest clubs. He was also part of the Newcastle side competing near the top of the Premier League during the mid-1990s.
His numbers alone do not fully explain his lasting connection with the club.
The Premier League itself describes him as one of the most iconic Colombian names to have played in England and highlights both the Barcelona hat-trick and his role during Newcastle’s memorable 1990s period.
Those interested in more English football career stories can also read about Jay Matete and his journey through the English Football League.
Major Career Achievements
Atlético Nacional
He played an important role in Atlético Nacional’s 1991 Colombian championship-winning team. The club continues to include him among its recognised historical figures.
Parma
His European career with Parma included major trophy-winning campaigns.
Important achievements included:
- European Cup Winners’ Cup success
- 1993 UEFA Super Cup
- 1994–95 UEFA Cup
- 1998–99 UEFA Cup
UEFA records confirm his involvement in these successful Parma periods, including his appearance in the 1999 final against Marseille.
Newcastle United
His most famous individual Newcastle achievement was the Champions League hat-trick against Barcelona.
His Premier League record finished at 48 appearances, nine goals and 14 assists.
Colombia
He scored 20 international goals in 57 appearances, with his two goals against Argentina in 1993 standing among the most famous.
What Is Faustino Asprilla Doing Now?
Asprilla no longer plays professional football.
However, he remains involved in football through media work.
In an announcement published on 1 June 2026, ESPN said that he was among a group of former Colombian footballers currently working across the network’s football analysis and coverage in Colombia.
That group also included Óscar Córdoba, Víctor Aristizábal and Fabián Vargas.
Therefore, as of August 2026, his latest clearly verified public role is connected with ESPN’s football coverage and analysis.
Why Is Faustino Asprilla Still Remembered?
Football careers can be remembered in different ways.
Some players become famous mainly because of statistics. Others become connected with particular matches, teams or periods.
Tino has both achievements and defining moments.
His career included success in Colombia, major European trophies with Parma, Premier League football with Newcastle and important appearances for his national team.
More importantly, several performances remain easy for supporters to remember even decades later.
The 5–0 victory over Argentina and the hat-trick against Barcelona are two clear examples.
That combination helped make him an important figure in Colombian football history and a lasting favourite among many Newcastle supporters.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Faustino Asprilla?
Faustino Asprilla is a retired Colombian professional footballer who played as a forward. He is particularly known for representing Parma, Newcastle United and Colombia.
When was Faustino Asprilla born?
ESPN lists his date of birth as 10 November 1969.
What position did Faustino Asprilla play?
He played as a forward.
Which English club did Faustino Asprilla play for?
He played for Newcastle United in the Premier League.
How many Premier League goals did he score?
He scored nine goals in 48 Premier League appearances and also recorded 14 assists.
Did Faustino Asprilla score a hat-trick against Barcelona?
Yes. He scored all three Newcastle goals in a 3–2 Champions League victory over Barcelona on 17 September 1997.
How many goals did he score for Colombia?
The Colombian Football Federation records 20 goals in 57 senior international appearances.
Did he play in Colombia’s 5–0 win over Argentina?
Yes. He scored twice in Colombia’s famous 5–0 World Cup qualifying victory in Buenos Aires on 5 September 1993.
Did Faustino Asprilla play for Parma?
Yes. Parma was one of the most important clubs of his career, and he was involved in several European trophy-winning campaigns.
Is Faustino Asprilla still playing football?
No. He is retired from professional football.
What does Faustino Asprilla do now?
As of August 2026, the latest verified information shows that he remains involved with ESPN’s football analysis and coverage in Colombia.
Final Words
Faustino Asprilla built a football career filled with major clubs, international matches and unforgettable moments.
He became a champion with Atlético Nacional before moving to Parma and winning European honours. His transfer to Newcastle introduced him to English football, where his hat-trick against Barcelona became one of the greatest nights of his career.
At international level, his 20 goals for Colombia included two during the historic 5–0 victory over Argentina in Buenos Aires.
Although his playing days are over, he has remained connected with the game. As of 2026, ESPN continues to identify him as part of its Colombian football analysis and coverage team.
His career explains why his name remains closely connected with Colombian football, Parma’s successful 1990s era and some of Newcastle United’s most memorable European history
