A Three-Time National Champion Footballer Graduated from School at 41 (5 photos)

Carmelo Valencia was expelled from school at the age of 15 in 2000. But that didn't stop him from achieving football stardom. During his 19-year career, he played in Colombia, Argentina, South Korea, and China. In 2007, he won the Colombian championship with Atlético Nacional, the Golden Boot in 2017, and the Colombian Super League with Junior Barranquilla in 2020.





He won the Colombian championship three times.

After retiring from football at 38, Carmelo decided to continue his studies. His goal is to become a business administration specialist.

In 2023, Valencia returned to school and recently celebrated his graduation at the Dann Carlton Hotel in Barranquilla.



Carmelo, who made his debut in 2003 with Atlético Nacional, shared: "One day I told my wife, 'I'm going back to high school.' She said, 'Great!' My daughters were also happy."

He said: "When the kids saw me, they thought I was a teacher. They didn't recognize me right away, but then it just went crazy. They were taking pictures every day."





When asked if he felt old in class, the 41-year-old replied, "No, not at all, not in class or in life."

Carmelo admitted that biology was the hardest subject for him.

The athlete took his father as an example; he himself returned to school at 40 and later became a lawyer.



Carmelo dreams of becoming a successful entrepreneur in Colombia. He wants to create companies and jobs.

He currently runs a clothing brand and a beauty salon with his wife in Barranquilla.

He is also responsible for maintaining a soccer field in a working-class neighborhood.

Valencia gave this advice: "Don't let anyone control your life, career, or dreams. Even the people closest to you shouldn't ruin them. Use your time wisely."