Like many other kids in Colombia, Jorman Campuzano’s dream was to become a professional footballer.
In many cases, the parents are the ones who push their kids towards athletic careers, sometimes against their own will. Still, Campuzano never expected that his main obstacle would be a member of his family - and more precisely, his father.
While many Colombians believe that football will keep their children out of the streets and out of trouble, Jorman’s father wanted his son to focus on school rather than football. But Jorman didn’t give up on his dream and despite having difficulties, today at the age of 24 he is considered as one of Boca Juniors’ best players. The cherry on top? He recently celebrated his first official invitation to the Colombian national team.
As the new Argentinean season is kicking-off this weekend, Campuzano is one of the most exciting prospects to pay attention to in Boca.
A son, unlike his father
He was born on April 30th, 1996 in Tamalameque in Cesar county. Although his talent was apparent even while playing in the streets, his father wouldn’t hear of it. Aristides Campuzano, a chemistry professor, refused to accept his son’s suggestion to quit school and focus on football. He wanted him to be like his brother, Federick, who was a good player himself but gave up a career for his studies. But Jorman was determined to succeed and fulfil his dream. Since Tamalameque wasn’t exactly a top destination for scouts, Campuzano decided to pack his bags and move to the capital city, Bogota. But along with his cleats and toothbrush, Campuzano also packed along with his father’s farewell warning: “If you continue with the football, you can forget about us”.
Despite the harsh words, Campuzano travelled to Bogota and stayed with his uncle. But his uncle was often out of town, and Jorman didn’t have a place to sleep - so he slept under a bridge until a friend invited him to his home. He started to play futsal and then went on to trials in La Equidad as a striker. One of the scouts liked what he saw and decided to bring him to Argentina. At first, he played for a restaurant’s team, the owner making sure he had a roof over his head and a meal on his plate. He later tried out for Banfield but didn't make it. Campuzano started to give up on his dream, and with empty pockets, he sold his cell phone to return to Colombia. He promised himself to give one last try before going back to school. The way he saw it, there was only one road for him outside of football: "if I weren't a footballer, I would join the army, for all the things my country was going through", said in an interview.
Back to the home base
He returned to Colombia, but instead of Bogota, he moved to Pereira. At the age of 18, he attended trials in Deportivo Pereira from the second division where he was the most impressive player out of 400 watched by Argentinian coach Hernan Lisi. He started to play as a defensive midfielder, a box to box type of player. His debut was back in 2015 during a Copa Colombia match against Atletico Huila, and soon he became one of Pereira's essential players.
In 2018 he was purchased by Colombia's biggest club, Atletico Nacional. He was close to signing for Millonarios as per coach Miguel Angel Russo’s request. Somehow, in the last minute, Nacional put more money on the table, and Campuzano wore the green & white jersey of the legendary Medellin club.
Only a few believed that the 22-year-old anonymous midfielder would become such a pillar in a team that is under constant pressure to succeed. But Campuzano helped Nacional win the domestic cup, being chosen as the club’s top player by its fans.
In 2018, his father, who in the beginning of the way opposed to his footballing career, has died. Jorman took it hard, but a night after already shined for Los Verdes and was chosen as man of the match.
Much to their dissatisfaction, Campuzano decided to leave after only one year and signed for Boca Juniors. What peaked Boca’s interest in him? Ex Millonarios coach, Miguel Angel Russo, was appointed as the Xeneize coach and one of his first signings was Campuzano for $4M.
Four million dollars and Campuzano was back in Argentina, through the front door. (Photo: Boca Juniors Oficial)
Boca Juniors: a history of Colombian players
In his first year, he mostly tried to adapt to life in a new club and an old-new country. He had several chances and left a good impression. Boca fans have great memories from Colombian defensive midfielders: Mauricio “El Chicho” Serna and Wilmar Barrios are practically legends for the fans. At the same time, Fabian Vargas also was considered one of the best foreigners to wear the blue-yellow jersey.
In his second season, Campuzano became a regular starter for Russo's team and helped the club win another championship. Unlike Barrios and Serna, who were more defensive and aggressive players, Campuzano has a more attacking orientation. He knows to read and break the opponent's attacks, but also to execute counter-attacks with his good game vision.
His good performances made Colombia's coach, Carlos Queiroz, invite him for the first time to an official match for the 2022 World Cup qualifiers. Even though he already played for Colombia back in 2018 in a friendly game, this time he didn't participate. However, James Rodriguez fulfilled Campuzano's dream and gifted him the jersey of Chilean Arturo Vidal, one of Jorman's biggest idols. Jorman didn't play, but it's only a matter of time until he’ll get his chance. His main goal will be to keep himself an integral part of the national team and be taken into consideration for the upcoming 2021 Copa America.
And what about Europe? It seems that it's a matter of time until the scouts will add his name to their notebooks. Make sure to follow him in the new Argentinean season that starts this weekend.
Photo via Jorman Campuzano official instagram.
