Jhon Vélez
Jhon Jaider Vélez Carey (born 25 July 2003) is a Colombian footballer who plays as a midfielder for Atlético Junior. Early life Born in the Rebolo neighbourhood of Barranquilla, Vélez is the youngest of three siblings. He took an interest in football as a child, going as far as to sneak out through a hole in his patio to go play, after his mother had scolded him for playing outside of curfew. He met local amateur football coach Carlos de la Rosa, who would help him financially with boots, kit and travel expenses when his family were unable to do so. Club career Early career Vélez played his first organised football with Atalanta Luz de Sión, before being invited to join a district team named Todo bien por Killa in 2015, with whom he participated in the La Liga Promises 2015, where he faced a number of Spanish sides. He played for Quilla FC before trialling successfully with professional side Barranquilla in 2018. Baranquilla Vélez progressed to under-17 level with Baranquilla, before the COVID-19 pandemic in Colombia meant that he was unable to train with the team. He was forced to return to playing on the streets, avoiding police and