A youth product of Envigado, Córdoba made his professional debut for the club in 2010. In the 2011 Torneo Apertura, he appeared in only two matches, all from the bench. Córdoba was retained to play in the 2011 Copa Colombia, scoring against Independiente Medellin and Once Caldas. However, Envigado finished last in their group and were eliminated.
Córdoba was included in the starting eleven for the 2011 Torneo Finalización. He then scored five goals in 18 appearances, and notably scoring a brace in a 3–2 loss to Once Caldas. Córdoba successfully defended his starting place in the following year's Torneo Apertura, and finished the season as the club's top goal scorer with six goals in 16 games.
Chiapas
Following an impressive season with Envigado, Córdoba was signed by Mexican club Querétaro and immediately loaned to fellow league team Chiapas on 9 July 2012.[2] He made his debut on 20 July 2012 against Tigres, and scored his first goal in a 4–0 triumph against San Luis.
Espanyol
On 2 September 2013, it was announced that Córdoba would join La Liga club Espanyol. The deal would consist of a one-year loan with an option to buy for €3.5 million.[3][4]
On 30 November, Córdoba scored his first goal in a 2–1 loss against Real Sociedad. On 25 January of the following year he scored his second goal in a match against Valencia, and finished the campaign with four goals.
Granada
On 12 August 2014 Córdoba signed a five-year deal with fellow league team Granada.[5] He scored his first goal for the club a week later in a 1–0 win against Athletic Bilbao.
Mainz 05
On 31 August 2015, Córdoba was loaned to Mainz 05, for one year.[6] He went on to score five Bundesliga goals including a game-winning goal against eventual champions Bayern Munich in a shock 2–1 win away from home.[7] In May 2016, Mainz exercised their option to sign Córdoba permanently for a reported transfer fee of around €5 million with Córdoba signing a contract running until 2020.[8][9]
In the 2016–17 season Córdoba made 29 appearances contributing 5 goals and assists each.[10]
On 28 June 2017, 1. FC Köln announced that they had signed Córdoba on a four-year deal.[10][11] The transfer paid to Mainz was reported as around €15 million.[10]
In the 2018–19 season, Córdoba finished second in scoring with 20 goals in the 2. Bundesliga. Köln immediately gained promotion back to the 1. Bundesliga.
He scored in his fifth home match in a row and notched his first Bundesliga brace in a 3–1 victory over VfL Wolfsburg on 18 January 2020.[12]
Hertha BSC
On 15 September 2020, Córdoba joined Hertha BSC on a four-year deal.[13]
Krasnodar
On 18 July 2021, Hertha BSC announced that they had reached an agreement with Russian Premier League club Krasnodar over the sale of Córdoba, pending contract signatures and a medical.[14]
On 23 July 2021, Krasnodar announced the signing of a four-year contract with Córdoba.[15] On 3 March 2022, following the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Krasnodar announced that his contract was suspended and he would not train with the team, but the contract was not terminated and remained valid. At the time, he was already removed from Krasnodar's league squad due to an injury.[16] Córdoba returned to the club in June 2022.[17]
On 5 November 2024, Krasnodar announced that they had extended their contract with Córdoba until 30 June 2027.[18]
International career
Youth
2013 South American Youth Championship
Córdoba was selected to wear the number 9 jersey to represent Colombia at the 2013 South American Youth Championship. He scored the decisive goal in the opening match against Paraguay, securing a 1-0 victory. In the following game against Bolivia, he netted two goals in a commanding 6-0 win despite missing several promising opportunities. Consequently, he was not selected for the final group stage match against Argentina, as Colombia had already secured a spot in the next round. Córdoba scored the winning goal in a 1-0 victory over Uruguay, propelling Colombia to the top of their group. Following their triumph in the South American championship, he tallied four goals, significantly contributing to his nation’s success. This achievement made him Colombia’s second-highest scorer in the tournament, just behind Juan Fernando Quintero, who scored five goals.
2013 U-20 FIFA World Cup
In the opening match against Australia, Córdoba missed several opportunities while Colombia trailed 1-0. However, he redeemed himself by scoring in the 78th minute, securing a 1–1 draw.[19] In the final group match against El Salvador, Córdoba successfully converted a penalty, contributing to a 3-0 victory. He played in the round of 16 match against South Korea, where Colombia was eliminated in a penalty shootout following a 1–1 draw.
Style of play
A 'powerful' striker, Córdoba's most noticeable traits give regard to his physical traits: tall and large with very powerful shots as his major most noticeable trademark. His speed and pace has been a major factor in most games that he plays. Due to his size, he carries natural talent with balls that come from the air. This style of play is well-known with Ivorian international Didier Drogba who Córdoba has been compared with on many occasions.[2][20][21]
Personal life
Córdoba's father Manuel was also a professional football striker.[22]
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