Palacios, a rising soccer star from Colombia, stepped into the threshold of the Korean league like a stone thrown into a calm lake, stirring up ripples. Being new to a developed Asian country, he was curious about everything, and was especially fascinated by the self-service coffee machines in Korea. The free drinks from the chain store Salmon were even more memorable for him. The Korean players affectionately call him "Big Brother", which sometimes seems to be "bullying", but he enjoys it, because he is already feeling very happy compared to his life in Colombia.
In two seasons in the K2 League in South Korea, Palacios proved his mettle with 16 goals and 6 assists. His performances attracted the attention of the Pohang Steelers, who signed him for a whopping $840,000, making it the most expensive transfer of his career.In the 2020 season, he pushed his price tag to a high of $650,000 with a sparkling 5 goals and 6 assists.
However, fate always seemed to play a joke on him, and he was eventually dumped by Pohang Ironmen in the 2021 season after scoring just one goal in 26 matches with the team. Seongnam brought him in, but after one season, the two sides failed to renew his contract. Fortunately, Coach Xu Zhengyuan of Chengdu Rongcheng lent a helping hand and he embarked on a journey to China.
Compared to other foreign stars, Palacios lives a more low-key life in Chengdu's Rongcheng. He comes from a poor background and maintains a simple and frugal lifestyle. Although his income has risen, he still chooses to take a domestic car to transport his children and uses a scooter instead of an expensive vehicle for training. Unlike other foreign aiders who rent high-end apartments, he chooses more affordable ordinary apartments to save money.
Palacios works just as hard on the pitch, but fate always seems to play tricks on him. Last season, he could only play as a substitute most of the time. Before the start of the new season, Chengdu Rongcheng chose Andrigo and Romulo and gave up Palacios. However, half a year without a ball didn't make him give up, and he patiently waited for his chance.
Eventually, the trust of coach Seo Jung-won led to a turning point for Palacios. His loan experience in Shijiazhuang became the lowest point of his career, but he never complained. His hard work and tolerance finally paid off.
Back to the Top: Finding a Happy Home in China
Returning to CSL, Palacios quickly found his form, contributing three goals and an assist in the 21st round home match against Changchun Yatai, directly involved in all four of his team's goals in a 4-0 defeat. His name also went down in the team's history. Now, he has been officially recognized by the CSL, earning the honor of being the best player of the single round.
Adversity often inspires people to create miracles. Palacios came out of adversity and experienced failure in Europe and the ups and downs of life in Korea. 31 years old, he was finally reborn and became a popular star in the Chinese Super League and one of the Chengdu fans' favorite foreigners.
This season, Palacios scored five goals and contributed two assists in seven games in the Chinese Super League. This puts him at the pinnacle of his career, surpassing his greatest season in South Korea in 2020. After 10 years with nine teams and after four national leagues, he finally found his safest and happiest home in China.
