Ecuador parts ways with legendary striker Enner Valencia, who bid farewell to the World Cup.

Ecuador's legendary striker Enner Valencia announced his retirement from the national team following his team's elimination from the 2026 World Cup after a 2-0 defeat to Mexico. Speaking to reporters in the dressing room corridor after the match at Estadio Azteca, the 36-year-old footballer stated that this match was his last for the national team, expressing that he experienced emotional moments and did not want to leave with such a farewell. Considered one of the top scorers in World Cup history, Valencia represented his country at the highest level over a career spanning about twelve years and captained the team.

Valencia, leaving the Ecuador national team where he wore the jersey for many years, ended his career as one of the most successful forwards in the country's football history. Stepping into the national team in 2012 and becoming one of the indispensable players for over a decade, the experienced player took the field in 109 official matches. During this period, Valencia broke the national team's historical record with 49 goals, becoming not only a key scorer but also one of the team's most important references with his leadership on the field.

Throughout his career, Valencia succeeded in making a name for himself with his performance in the World Cup tournaments he participated in, representing his country in the best way on the world stage. Participating in the 2014 Brazil and 2022 Qatar World Cups and wearing the jersey in a total of ten matches in these tournaments, the experienced striker achieved great success by finding the net six times in these organizations. Although he did not score in the 2026 tournament, he did not give up the title of being the most important figure who carried the goal-scoring burden of the national team with his performance in previous tournaments.

In a statement made by the Ecuadorian Football Federation and the official social media accounts of the national team, a farewell message was published for this footballer who went down in the team's history. In the share made by the Federation, it was emphasized that Valencia left a great legacy for the national team by playing in 109 matches and scoring 49 goals. The message, which also included the expression "GOAT" (Greatest of All Time) used for Enner Valencia, expressed gratitude to him and thanked him for representing the ideal in the best way and dedicating himself on the field.

After Valencia, the Ecuador national team will look for a new striker to fill the void he left and to continue the success achieved. The fact that Gonzalo Plata, one of the most scorers in the current squad, has 9 goals and Michael Estrada has 8 reveals how difficult a goal Valencia's record is in the short term. In light of statistical data, the fact that a local talent who can exhibit a performance close to this high number of goals reached by the legendary footballer in his national team career has not yet emerged reveals the necessity of a planned change in the team's attacking line.