*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 22:03, 28 February 2024 (UTC) ‡ National team caps and goals, correct as of 19:29, 30 August 2023 (UTC)
Born in Tumaco, Cortés progressed through the academy of Millonarios, making his debut in the 2022 season.[3] He signed his first professional contract in May of the same year.[3]
On 12 January 2022, Cortés made his debut for Millonarios' first team in the opening match of the Apertura against Deportivo Pasto. He came on as a substitute in the 89th minute for Macalister Silva in a match that ended with Millonarios winning 1–0.[4] In February, Cortés formed part of Millonario's under-20 squad, which competed at the 2022 U-20 Copa Libertadores.[5] On 12 May, he scored his first professional goal in a second-leg Copa Colombia match against Jaguares de Córdoba, contributing to Millonarios' 1–1 tie in the game and aiding the team in advancing to the quarter-finals 4–1 on aggregate.[6]
After an impressive performance for Colombia at the 2023 South American U-20 Championship, Cortés drew the attention of Serie A club Torino, who have been linked with a potential move for the player.[7] Upon his return to Millonarios, Cortés scored his first brace for the club on 18 February during a league match against Jaguares. His performances contributed to Millonarios' 2–1 home victory, securing three important points for the team.[8] On 2 March, a remarkable display by Cortés played a pivotal role in Millonarios' victory over Ecuadorian side Universidad Católica in the second round of the 2023 Copa Libertadores. Cortés' contribution included assisting Millonario's equalizing goal and creating the game-winning play that ultimately secured a 2–1 aggregate victory for Millonarios, advancing them to the third round of the tournament to face Brazilian powerhouse Atlético Mineiro.[9]
Lens
On 14 July 2023, Cortés transferred to French Ligue 1 club RC Lens.[10] The fee reported for the transfer was $5 million (€4.4M).[10] He scored his first goal with Lens on 16 December 2023 in a 2–0 home victory against Reims.[11]
Loan to Rangers
On 1 February 2024, Cortés moved on loan to the Scottish club Rangers, with an obligation to buy.[12]
International career
Youth
Cortés has represented Colombia at under-20 level.[2] He starred at the 2023 South American U-20 Championship as Colombia finished third, helping his team qualify to the 2023 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Indonesia and the 2023 Pan American Games in Santiago.[13][14][15] With three goals to his name, he emerged as Colombia's leading scorer in the tournament, thanks to his brace against Peru in the group stage and a goal he scored during Colombia's impressive 3–0 victory over Paraguay in the final stage.[16]
^Osorio Guillott, Andrés (25 January 2023). "Óscar Cortés: la nueva esperanza de Tumaco" [Óscar Cortés: the new hope of Tumaco]. elespectador.com (in Spanish). Retrieved 13 February 2023. (subscription required)
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