The powerful Colombian forward who became River Plate’s goal-scoring machine and Argentina’s most prolific striker in 2024
In the heart of River Plate’s attack stands a Colombian colossus who has redefined what it means to be a goal scorer in Argentine football. Miguel Ángel Borja Hernández, known affectionately as “El Colibrí” (The Hummingbird), has established himself as one of South America’s most clinical finishers since joining the Millonarios in July 2022. His journey from Colombia’s second division to becoming River Plate’s primary goal threat is a testament to persistence, power, and an unrelenting hunger for goals.
A Record-Breaking 2024 Campaign
The 2024 season has been nothing short of spectacular for Miguel Borja. The Colombian striker achieved a remarkable milestone by scoring 31 goals throughout the year – 30 with River Plate and one with the Colombia national team. This extraordinary tally made him the first player to reach 31 goals in a single year since Martín Palermo achieved the feat 17 years earlier in 2007.
To put this achievement in perspective, Borja’s individual goal count in 2024 exceeded the total goals scored by three entire Liga Profesional teams: Sarmiento (24), Platense (27), and Independiente Rivadavia (28), while matching the totals of Barracas Central and Newell’s Old Boys (30). This staggering statistic underscores not just his individual brilliance, but his importance to River Plate’s attacking philosophy.
The Complete Modern Striker
Standing at 1.84m and weighing 89kg, Borja possesses the physical attributes that make him a nightmare for defenders. His combination of strength, aerial ability, and clinical finishing has made him indispensable to River Plate’s tactical setup. Whether playing as a traditional number 9 or dropping deeper to link play, the Colombian’s versatility allows coaches to adapt their systems around his strengths.
His goal-scoring record at River speaks volumes about his consistency. Since joining the club, he has become their most reliable source of goals across all competitions. In the 2024 Liga Profesional alone, Borja netted 11 goals out of River’s total 38, with three coming from the penalty spot. His ability to find the back of the net in crucial moments has often been the difference between victory and defeat for the Buenos Aires giants.
A Journey Forged in Adversity
Borja’s path to River Plate wasn’t straightforward. Born in Tierralta, Colombia, he began his professional career with Deportivo Cali in 2011 before experiencing a nomadic period that took him through various Colombian clubs, including Cúcuta Deportivo and Cortuluá. His breakthrough came in 2016 with Cortuluá, where he emerged as the Apertura tournament’s top scorer with 19 goals, propelling his team to the semi-finals.
His international experience includes stints in Italy with Livorno and Argentina with Olimpo, before returning to Colombia to play for Independiente Santa Fe, where he won the Copa Sudamericana in 2015. A successful period at Atlético Nacional followed, where he helped the club win the Copa Libertadores in 2016, before moving to Palmeiras in Brazil and later Junior de Barranquilla.
This diverse experience across different leagues and football cultures has shaped Borja into the complete striker he is today. His ability to adapt to various tactical systems and playing styles has been crucial to his success at River Plate.
International Pedigree and CONMEBOL Excellence
Miguel Borja’s credentials extend far beyond domestic football. He ranks as the third all-time top scorer in CONMEBOL competitions with 38 goals, trailing only Hernán Rodrigo López (39) and Alberto Spencer (54). His continental goal tally includes 23 goals in the Copa Libertadores and 15 in the Copa Sudamericana, with 16 of these goals scored during his time at Junior, making him the club’s historic top scorer in international competitions.
With the Colombia national team, Borja has been a consistent performer, earning caps in major tournaments including the 2018 FIFA World Cup, the 2021 Copa América (where Colombia finished third), and the 2024 Copa América (where they reached the final). His international experience brings invaluable leadership and big-game mentality to River Plate’s squad.
The Monumental Factor
One of the most striking aspects of Borja’s 2024 campaign has been his phenomenal record at the Estadio Monumental. Of his 28 official goals for River Plate in 2024, an impressive 20 were scored at home. The Monumental has become his personal hunting ground, where he has delivered two hat-tricks against Vélez (Copa de la Liga) and Tigre (Liga Profesional), as well as five doubles against various opponents including Independiente Rivadavia, Rosario Central, and Libertad.
This home advantage isn’t merely statistical – it reflects the special relationship between Borja and the River Plate faithful. The Colombian has embraced the club’s culture and demands, understanding that performing at the Monumental isn’t just about scoring goals, but about embodying the winning mentality that defines River Plate.
Tactical Evolution and Challenges
Under different coaches at River Plate, Borja has shown remarkable adaptability. During Martín Demichelis’s tenure, he was often utilized as the focal point of the attack, positioned to maximize his goal-scoring threat. However, with Marcelo Gallardo’s return, tactical adjustments required Borja to press more intensively and engage more with midfield play, initially affecting his goal output.
Despite these tactical challenges, Borja’s professionalism and work ethic have never been questioned. Even when relegated to the bench or asked to play different roles, he has continued to contribute when called upon, demonstrating the mentality of a true professional.
Future Prospects and Transfer Speculation
As his contract runs until December 2025, speculation about Borja’s future continues to swirl. European clubs including CSKA Moscow have shown interest, particularly as his release clause drops from $8 million to $4 million in January 2025. MLS clubs such as FC Cincinnati have also been linked with the Colombian striker.
However, Borja’s commitment to River Plate remains evident. His agent has described his 2024 statistics as “tremendous,” and despite external interest, the striker continues to focus on his responsibilities with the Millonarios. His goal is not just personal success, but contributing to River Plate’s pursuit of major trophies.
A Goal-Scoring Legacy in the Making
Miguel Borja represents the modern complete striker – physically imposing, technically sound, tactically intelligent, and mentally strong. His 31-goal haul in 2024 places him among Argentina’s elite strikers, while his international pedigree adds gravitas to River Plate’s attacking options.
As River Plate continues to compete on multiple fronts, including the Copa Libertadores and domestic competitions, Borja’s goal-scoring prowess remains their most potent weapon. Whether leading the line as the primary striker or adapting to tactical variations, the Colombian’s presence provides River Plate with the clinical edge that separates good teams from great ones.
In Miguel Borja, River Plate possesses not just a goal scorer, but a complete footballer whose journey through adversity has forged the mental strength necessary to succeed at the highest level. El Colibrí continues to soar, and with him, River Plate’s championship aspirations remain very much alive.