From Amazonia to ‘The Theatre of Dreams’… Antonio Valencia’s tale is inspiring to all Ecuadorians. Born in the tropical rainforest, he left Old Trafford as Manchester United captain, a terrace darling, having won two Premier League titles, two FA Cups and a UEFA Europa League, and as one of few South Americans – along with the likes of Pele, Rogerio Ceni, Javier Zanetti and Lionel Messi – in the Guinness World Records.

A firm patriot, his proudest moment nevertheless came as a 21-year-old at the 2006 FIFA World Cup Germany™. There, he helped Ecuador reach the knockout phase for the first time. A second could be forthcoming in 2026, according to Valencia.