‘I was tired of being ugly’

119

Scorpion Kick goalkeeper René Higuita underwent plastic surgery on live TV after being voted Colombia’s ugliest icon.

Higuita, 55, built a reputation for his sweeper-keeper style, which improved the keeper’s position – he also scored 41 goals in his career.

René Higuita playing for Colombia in 1990

5

René Higuita playing for Colombia in 1990credit: PA: Ampix Sport
Wembley lit up when Higuita kicked a scorpion against England

5

Wembley lit up when Higuita kicked a scorpion against England
Higuita looks transformed after her surgery

5

Higuita looks transformed after her surgery
Higuita resumed playing after its 2005 live TV operation.

5

Higuita resumed playing after its 2005 live TV operation.

But he is most famous for inventing the scorpion kick and using the technique in 1995 to approve a cross from England’s Jamie Redknapp.

This earned him icon status in Colombia but ten years later, Higuita’s career declined.

He retired after failing a drug test and took the bold step in 2005 to undergo surgery on the reality television show Cambio Xtremo.

The keeper commented at the time: “I’m tired of being ugly Rene, I want to be beautiful Rene.”

And to transform his body, Higuita underwent nose surgery, a silicone chin implant, skin scrapings, slashed eyelid skin, ‘invasive’ liposuction and increased abdominal muscles.

A month after the procedure was completed, Higuita declared: “Physically I am perfect”.

Nowadays ‘El Loco’ still sports the long curly locks that were a trademark throughout his career.

And sometimes Higuita still does his scorpion kick party trick with friends.

Higuita at the Best FIFA Football Awards 2018

5

Higuita at the Best FIFA Football Awards 2018credit: getty

I Read our football news live blog For the latest rumours, gossip and deals made

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here