The MLS forward who is putting up Messi and Cristiano numbers this season

Juan Camilo Hernández is having one of the best seasons of his career. The Colombian striker has been a key player for Columbus Crew this year, with his goals helping the team emerge as a top contender in U.S. soccer. He was instrumental in their Leagues Cup championship victory, playing a pivotal role in the final against Los Angeles FC.

Hernández’s goals and assists have cemented him as one of the top forwards in MLS. The 25-year-old has maintained excellent form, scoring 6 goals and providing 4 assists in his last 10 games. His impressive performances caught the attention of Colombian National Team coach Néstor Lorenzo, leading to his call-up for the recent World Cup qualifiers against Bolivia and Chile.

Cucho among elite company with Messi and Ronaldo

Thanks to his 25 goals and 13 assists in 2024, Hernández is now part of an elite group in world soccer. A recent study by the CIES Football Observatory ranked him among the top five strikers in the world outside the five major European leagues.

According to CIES, Hernández is ranked fourth, ahead of players like Francisco Trincão of Sporting Lisbon, Palmeiras' young star Estevão, and French forward Moussa Diaby. Lionel Messi leads the list, followed by Karim Benzema of Al Ittihad and Cristiano Ronaldo of Al Nassr.

Currently, Hernández is third in MLS’s top scorers list with 19 goals, making him the Colombian player with the most goals in U.S. soccer history. He has surpassed other notable strikers like Cristian “Chicho” Arango and Santiago Mosquera and has contributed 10 assists throughout the season.

Hernández’s next challenge with Columbus Crew will be the post-season playoffs, where they aim to defend the title they won last year against Los Angeles FC. The journey begins on Tuesday, October 29, at 5:45 p.m. (Colombian time), when they host the New York Red Bulls in the first leg of the round of 16.