Samaria Rutledge

Written by Samaria Rutledge

Published: 29 Dec 2024

30-facts-about-yannick-carrasco
Source: Express.co.uk

Who is Yannick Carrasco? Yannick Carrasco is a Belgian professional footballer known for his versatility and exceptional skill on the field. Born on September 4, 1993, in Ixelles, Belgium, he has played for top-tier clubs like Atlético Madrid and Monaco. Carrasco's career highlights include scoring in the 2016 UEFA Champions League final and helping Atlético Madrid win the La Liga title in the 2020-21 season. He has also been a key player for the Belgium national team, participating in major tournaments like the UEFA European Championship and the FIFA World Cup. Currently, he plays for Al-Shabab in the Saudi Pro League.

Key Takeaways:

  • Yannick Carrasco's football journey began in Belgium, where his dedication and passion for the sport led him to prominence at Monaco and Atlético Madrid. His versatility and impact make him a valuable asset to any team.
  • From rising through the ranks at Monaco to winning titles with Atlético Madrid and making a mark in the Saudi Pro League, Yannick Carrasco's career is defined by his skill, speed, and unwavering commitment to both club and country.
Table of Contents

Early Life and Beginnings

Yannick Carrasco's journey to football stardom began in Belgium. His early years were marked by dedication and a clear passion for the sport.

  1. Full Name and Date of Birth: Yannick Ferreira Carrasco was born on September 4, 1993, in Ixelles, Belgium.
  2. Nationality: He holds Belgian nationality.
  3. Height: Carrasco stands at 1.80 meters (5 ft 11 in) tall.
  4. Role in Football: Primarily a winger, Carrasco is also adept at playing as a left midfielder, left wing-back, left winger, or left-back.
  5. Early Career: Carrasco began his football journey at Stade Everios RC in 1999 before moving to Diegem Sport in 2001. At the age of 11, he shifted to Brussels to pursue his career in football.
  6. Club Genk: In 2005, Carrasco joined KRC Genk, where he started to gain prominence with his immense talent.

Rise to Prominence at Monaco

Carrasco's move to Monaco was a significant step in his career, where he showcased his skills on a larger stage.

  1. Move to Monaco: In July 2011, French side Monaco signed the rising star Carrasco.
  2. Promotion to Senior Team: After playing for Monaco's B side, Carrasco was promoted to the senior team in 2012.
  3. Promotion to Ligue 1: In his debut season for the senior team, Carrasco helped Monaco get promoted to the top tier of French football, Ligue 1.
  4. UEFA Champions League Debut: Carrasco made his UEFA Champions League debut in 2012, playing against Arsenal in the round of 16. His goal in that match brought greater attention to him.

International Career with Belgium

Carrasco's talent didn't go unnoticed on the international stage. His contributions to the Belgium national team have been significant.

  1. International Debut: Carrasco made his international debut for Belgium in the European Qualifiers Group B encounter against Cyprus in March 2015. He came on the pitch 21 minutes before the end of the match and played in the right wing position.
  2. First Full 90 Minutes: After a string of ten games, Carrasco played his maiden full 90 minutes international match against Cyprus in a Group H World Cup qualifier in September 2016. Playing in his left wing position for the first time, Carrasco netted a goal.
  3. UEFA Champions League Final 2016: In the 2016 UEFA Champions League final, Carrasco came off the bench to equalize for Atlético Madrid against Real Madrid with a close-range finish in the 79th minute, taking the match into extra time. Although Atlético lost in a penalty shootout, Carrasco became the first Belgian to score in a European Cup final.

Success at Atlético Madrid

Carrasco's time at Atlético Madrid was marked by numerous achievements and memorable moments.

  1. 2016-17 Season at Atlético Madrid: The following season, Carrasco enjoyed a stupendous 2016-17 season, netting 14 times in all competitions for Atlético Madrid.
  2. Versatility: Known for his versatility, Carrasco can be deployed in various positions, including left midfielder, left wing-back, left winger, or left-back.
  3. Transfer to Atlético Madrid: On July 10, 2015, Atlético Madrid announced the signing of Carrasco on a five-year deal for a reported fee of €20 million.
  4. First Goal for Atlético Madrid: Carrasco scored his first goal for Atlético Madrid on October 18, 2015, in a 2-0 away victory over Real Sociedad.
  5. Hat-Trick for Atlético Madrid: On October 15, 2016, Carrasco scored his first professional hat-trick in a 7-1 rout of Granada CF.
  6. La Liga Title with Atlético Madrid: In the 2020-21 season, Carrasco helped Atlético Madrid win the La Liga title.
  7. UEFA Europa League Title with Atlético Madrid: During his time at Atlético Madrid, Carrasco also won the UEFA Europa League title in the 2017-18 season.

Stint in China and Return to Atlético

Carrasco's career took an interesting turn with a move to China, followed by a return to Atlético Madrid.

  1. Move to Dalian Professional: In 2019, Carrasco joined Dalian Professional in the Chinese Super League, where he played for two seasons before returning to Atlético Madrid in 2020.
  2. Second Stint at Atlético Madrid: After his return to Atlético Madrid in 2020, Carrasco played a crucial role in the team's success, contributing to their La Liga title win in the 2020-21 season.

Current Chapter at Al-Shabab

Carrasco's latest move has taken him to the Saudi Pro League, where he continues to impress.

  1. Move to Al-Shabab: In 2023, Carrasco departed Atlético Madrid and joined Saudi Pro League club Al-Shabab, where he continues to play and contribute to the team's success.
  2. International Career: Carrasco has been a key player for the Belgium national team, participating in several major tournaments including the UEFA European Championship in 2016, 2020, and 2024, as well as the 2018 FIFA World Cup where Belgium finished third.
  3. FIFA World Cup 2018: At the 2018 FIFA World Cup, Carrasco was part of the Belgium squad that came third in the tournament. He played in several matches, showcasing his skills and versatility on the international stage.
  4. UEFA Euro 2020: In the 2020 UEFA European Championship, Carrasco played a significant role for Belgium, contributing to the team's performance in the tournament.
  5. UEFA Euro 2024 Qualifiers: As of 2023, Carrasco has continued to play for Belgium in the UEFA Euro 2024 qualifiers, demonstrating his ongoing commitment to the national team.
  6. Individual Honors: In April 2024, Carrasco was named the Saudi Pro League Player of the Month, recognizing his outstanding performance for Al-Shabab.
  7. Club Statistics: Throughout his career, Carrasco has accumulated impressive statistics. For example, during his time at Atlético Madrid, he played 117 matches and scored 20 goals. In the Saudi Pro League, he has played 24 matches and scored 7 goals for Al-Shabab.
  8. Legacy and Impact: Yannick Carrasco's legacy in football extends beyond his impressive statistics and honors. He is celebrated for his versatility, speed, and skill on the field, making him a valuable asset to any team he plays for. His contributions to both club and country have cemented his place as one of the most talented Belgian footballers of his generation.

Yannick Carrasco: A Versatile Talent

Yannick Carrasco's journey in football showcases his versatility, skill, and dedication. From his early days at Stade Everois RC to his current role at Al-Shabab, Carrasco has consistently proven his worth on the field. His ability to adapt to various positions, whether as a winger, midfielder, or even a wing-back, sets him apart. Notable achievements include scoring in the 2016 UEFA Champions League final, helping Atlético Madrid win the La Liga title, and contributing to Belgium's third-place finish in the 2018 FIFA World Cup. Carrasco's career is a testament to his hard work and talent, making him one of Belgium's standout footballers. As he continues to play, fans can expect more memorable moments from this exceptional athlete.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Yannick Carrasco?
Yannick Carrasco is a professional footballer from Belgium, known for his speed, skill, and versatility on the field. He's made a name for himself playing for clubs in Europe and China, as well as representing his national team in international competitions.
What position does Carrasco play?
Primarily, Carrasco is known to play as a winger. His ability to attack down the flank, combined with his knack for scoring and creating goals, makes him a valuable asset to his team. However, he's also adaptable and can be seen playing in various positions depending on his team's needs.
Which clubs has Carrasco played for?
Throughout his career, Carrasco has played for several clubs. He started his professional journey with AS Monaco in France, then moved to Atletico Madrid in Spain, and later joined Dalian Professional in China. Recently, he made his way back to Atletico Madrid, continuing to showcase his talent in La Liga.
Has Carrasco won any titles or awards?
Yes, Carrasco has had his share of success over the years. With Atletico Madrid, he's been part of the squad that won La Liga and reached the UEFA Champions League final. Individually, while accolades in major competitions might be fewer, his contributions on the field have often been critical to his teams' successes.
What is Carrasco's playing style?
Carrasco is celebrated for his dribbling ability, pace, and agility. He's a player who thrives in one-on-one situations, often outsmarting defenders with his quick feet. Besides, his work rate and ability to track back make him effective in defensive duties as well.
How has Carrasco performed internationally?
Representing Belgium, Carrasco has been part of a golden generation of players competing in top international tournaments. He's played in the FIFA World Cup and the UEFA European Championship, contributing to Belgium's strong performances on the global stage.
What makes Carrasco a standout player?
Carrasco's blend of technical skill, versatility, and dedication sets him apart. Whether it's his electrifying runs down the wing, crucial goals, or defensive contributions, he's a player that brings energy and flair to the game. His ability to perform in high-pressure situations also makes him a key player for club and country.
Can Carrasco be considered among the best Belgian players of his generation?
Absolutely, Carrasco is often mentioned in discussions about Belgium's most talented players. While he shares the spotlight with other Belgian stars, his consistent performances, both at the club level and internationally, affirm his status as one of the best from his homeland.

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