Felipe Abdiel Baloy Ramírez (born 24 February 1981) is a Panamanian former professional footballer who played as a defender. He scored Panama’s first ever (and so far only) goal in a FIFA World Cup, against England at the 2018 edition.
Early life
He was the second youngest of his seven brothers and grew in the populous barrio of Cerro Batea in the San Miguelito district after moving from the San Martin barrio. Pipe grew interested in football after playing in the streets with his friends.
Club career
Early career
At age 18, he started his football career in ANAPROF team Eurokickers, although it lasted only a year as the team was relegated that year. He then moved to Sporting '89 and managed to be part of the Panama U-20 squad where he was spotted by Colombian international representative Luis Felipe Posso, was signed to his agency and the doors opened for Baloy in Colombia.
Colombia
At age 19, Baloy moved to Colombia to play for Copa Mustang team Envigado in 2001. He played the 2003 and 2002 seasons with them before moving to another Antioquia club, Independiente Medellín. With Medellín he had more success; he played in the Copa Libertadores in 2003 where DIM reached the semi-finals. After only nine league appearances, he joined Brazil's Grêmio.
Brazil
Baloy started his career in Brazil with Grêmio where he played the 2003 and 2004 seasons in Campeonato Brasileiro Série A. Baloy was made captain of the team, despite being only 23 years old. However, Gremio were displaying poor form, being close to relegation in 2003 and being relegated in 2004. Shortly after Gremio's relegation, Baloy was signed by Athletico Paranaense. Baloy experienced some success after finishing sixth in the 2005 Campeonato Brasileiro Série A, but only played five league games. He also was not part of the side that finished as runner-up after losing to São Paulo in the 2005 Copa Libertadores finals.
Mexico
Baloy arrived in July 2005 to Mexico to play for Monterrey in the Primera División. He made his debut on 30 July 2005, a match which finished 1–2 in favor of Pachuca. However Baloy had to settle in with the Mexican fans since he was replacing a fan favourite, the Argentine Defender Pablo Rotchen. After a couple of good performances, Baloy gained fan favour.
In 2005, Pipe was part of the Rayados team that finished league runner-up in the 2005 Apertura. After that season, Monterrey were not at the same competitive level as they were before; but Baloy managed to stand out in the team and was called one of the best defenders in Mexico numerous times.[citation needed]
In later years, Baloy was linked to several clubs in Europe. In the 2007 winter transfer window he attracted the interest of Premier League side Derby County, however the move never happened. In 2008, he was linked to Premier League side Arsenal.[2]
In the 2009 Apertura, Baloy and Monterrey were crowned champions after defeating Cruz Azul in a 6–4 aggregate score.[3] Baloy became the first Panamanian-born player to ever win the Mexican First Division championship.[4]Pipe was nominated that year for the Mexican Golden Ball as best defender of the year,[5] but came in second behind his teammate Duilio Davino.[6]
Shortly after winning the championship, Baloy made a surprise move to Santos Laguna.[7][8] That ended a four-year spell in Monterrey where he played 145 times and scored 10 goals.[9]
Baloy scored Panama's first and only goal, so far, for the team in the World Cup. He captained the Panama national team for many years including in Russia 2018. He played alongside José Luis Garcés, Luis Tejada, Jaime Penedo among others.
In May 2018 he was named in Panama’s preliminary 35 man squad for the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.[14] He figured in the final squad later on. On 24 June 2018, Baloy scored Panama's first ever goal in a World Cup match in the 1–6 loss against England.[15][16] He retired from international football after Russia 2018. In Russia he became the oldest debutante to score in a World Cup match.
International goals
Scores and results list Panama's goal tally first.[17]
Felipe Baloy is married with three children, and lives in Panama with his family. He is a naturalized citizen of Mexico.[19] He has a close friendship with his Panama national team mates Blas Pérez and Gabriel Enrique Gómez.
