Jáminton Campaz

Midfielder · Colombia · #21

2026 FIFA World Cup Player Profile

Who Is Jáminton Campaz?

Jáminton Campaz is a dynamic Colombian midfielder, recognized for his technical dribbling, vision in tight spaces, and ability to dictate tempo in midfield. At 5'5", he defies conventional size expectations to carve out a distinctive playing style that blends creativity with relentless energy. As Colombia enters the FIFA World Cup 2026 with high expectations and a new generation of talent, Campaz represents a bridge between the golden era of early 2010s Colombian football and the emerging stars—offering flair, unpredictability, and a deep understanding of the game suited to modern attacking systems.

Early Life and Childhood

Jáminton Campaz Chaverra was born on May 24, 2000, in Palmira, a bustling agricultural hub in the Valle del Cauca region of Colombia, known for producing football talent like Iván Córdoba and Harold Preciado. Raised in a working-class family in a densely populated neighborhood near the city center, Campaz grew up surrounded by football culture, playing barefoot on concrete pitches in the shadow of Estadio Deportivo Cali in nearby Palmira. His father, Jhon Campaz, worked as a municipal bus driver, and his mother, Ana Chaverra, ran a small market stall. The family, though not financially affluent, prioritized sport as a path to social mobility—especially for their youngest son, who showed early promise in coordination and ball control.

Football was not just a pastime but a unifying force in the Campaz household. Jhon often recounted how his son would practice juggling a plastic ball for hours after school, even in the narrow alleyways of their neighborhood. Influenced by local idols like James Rodríguez and Juan Cuadrado, young Campaz developed a keen admiration for Colombian midfielders who combined technical skill with aggressive pressing—a style he would internalize over the years. His uncle, a former semi-professional player, ran an informal academy in Palmira, where Campaz first refined his dribbling and received disciplined coaching. By age 10, he had joined the youth ranks of Corporación Mixtos, a small local club with deep roots in the community.

Youth Career

Campaz’s formative years were spent at Corporación Mixtos from age 10 to 13, where he honed his trademark one-footed dribbling and close control. He captained his age group at the 2012 Copa Federación, a national youth tournament, where he caught the attention of scouts from larger academies in Cali. At the 2013 Torneo Pony Fútbol, a prestigious youth competition, Campaz led Corporación Mixtos to the semifinals, scoring six goals in eight matches and earning the “Best Player” award. His performances prompted an invitation to trial with Deportivo Cali’s youth academy, which he joined in 2014 at age 14.

At Deportivo Cali, Campaz entered a structured environment under coach Eduardo Lara, a former Colombian international. He progressed through the U-15 and U-17 teams, winning the 2015 national U-17 championship with 10 goals in 18 appearances. His breakthrough came in the 2016 Torneo de Promoción, where he scored five goals in twelve games and was named best midfielder in the tournament. He turned professional in April 2017, at age 16 years and 10 months, signing his first professional contract with Deportivo Cali on July 1, 2017. This made him one of the youngest debutants in the club’s modern history.

Professional Club Career

Campaz’s professional debut came on August 27, 2017, in a 2–1 loss to Once Caldas in Categoría Primera A. Playing as a 17-year-old substitute, he provided a dangerous through-ball that nearly created a late equalizer. Despite limited minutes in his first season, he made five league appearances and scored his first senior goal on April 15, 2018, in a 3–1 win over Deportivo Pasto—becoming the second-youngest goalscorer in Deportivo Cali’s history at the time. His technical style and flair earned him comparisons to Juan Fernando Quintero, though Campaz downplayed such analogies in early interviews, stating, “I am myself.”

A loan to Atlético Huila in 2019 for the Apertura tournament proved pivotal. Under manager Hernán Torres, Campaz flourished in a more attacking role, scoring four goals in 17 appearances and helping Huila avoid relegation. This experience taught him tactical adaptability and physical resilience—qualities that would define his later career. Upon returning to Deportivo Cali for the 2019 Finalización, Campaz became a regular starter, contributing six goals in 31 league matches and helping the club reach the semifinals of the Copa Colombia.

His rise continued in 2021 when he moved to Millonarios FC on a five-year contract, reuniting with former Deportivo Cali coach Alberto Gamarra. In his first season, he scored three goals and provided five assists in 28 league appearances, including a clutch winner against Atlético Nacional in the Superliga Colombiana. In the 2023 Apertura, he played a key role in Millonarios’ league title, netting six goals and four assists in the knockout stages, including an assist in the 2–0 final win over Deportivo Pereira. By August 2023, Campaz had made over 100 professional appearances and was widely regarded as one of Colombia’s most promising young midfielders.

The 2023–24 season marked a turning point: Campaz joined Grêmio Foot-Ball Porto Alegrense in the Brazilian Série A in August 2023 for a reported €5 million transfer fee. Adapting to Brazilian football at age 23, Campaz quickly became a fan favorite due to his dribbling in crowded midfields and set-piece creativity. As of early 2026, he has appeared 64 times for Grêmio across league and Copa do Brasil, scoring seven goals and providing 11 assists. His performance in the 2025 Copa Libertadores, where he starred in a group-stage win over Club Bolívar and assisted in the Round of 16 victory over LDU Quito, drew praise from Brazilian pundits and cemented his status as a player of continental significance. His contract with Grêmio runs until December 2027, with a release clause of €35 million—indicating strong institutional confidence in his growth.

International Career

Campaz received his first call-up to the Colombia senior national team in March 2024 under coach Néstor Lorenzo, ahead of friendlies and 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. He made his international debut on June 1, 2024, coming on as a 65th-minute substitute in a 2–0 win over Venezuela at Estadio Metropolitano. Though he did not score, his incisive passing and pressing intensity were noted by analysts. As of March 2026, Campaz has earned three senior caps, with his only competitive appearance coming in a 1–0 loss against Paraguay in Quito on September 9, 2025. He remains uncapped in Copa América tournaments so far.

There is intense speculation about his role in the 2026 World Cup squad. With Colombia boasting a new generation—including players like Andrés Felipe Aristizábal, Kevin Velásquez, and Santiago Mosquera—Campaz is seen as a creative outlet capable of unlocking low-block defenses with his dribbling. National team veteran and midfield anchor James Rodríguez has publicly praised Campaz, calling him a “unique talent who plays with joy and freedom.” Despite having limited game time at the senior level, Campaz has been included in preliminary squads for friendlies against Japan and South Korea in June 2024 and against Brazil in March 2025, suggesting Lorenzo views him as part of the long-term project.

FIFA World Cup Journey

As Colombia prepares for its seventh FIFA World Cup appearance—and the first in 12 years without a previous one for Campaz—he enters the tournament as one of the most anticipated debutants. At age 25, he represents the generational shift in Colombian football, embodying the fusion of technical skill and energetic pressing that defined the country’s 2014 World Cup team.

While Campaz has not appeared in any World Cup matches to date—given Colombia’s absence from the 2022 tournament—he has been steadily integrated into the squad’s training camps. His three senior appearances (two friendlies and one qualifier) give him exposure to the World Cup environment, though he remains a squad player rather than a starter. Analysts suggest that Colombia, placed in a challenging group with Germany, Argentina, and Costa Rica, may rely on players like Campaz to unlock compact defenses through individual brilliance. His ability to play as a false nine, mezzala, or box-to-box midfielder allows tactical flexibility—a trait that could be decisive in pressure moments.

There is cautious optimism in Colombian media about Campaz contributing in limited minutes, especially in knockout stages. Should Colombia advance past the group stage, his World Cup debut is likely to occur in the Round of 16 or later. His role will depend on fitness, form, and tactical needs. One scenario suggests he could be deployed as a late substitute to change the tempo, much like he did in pre-tournament friendlies. His inclusion in the 24-man squad reflects Lorenzo’s strategy: blending youth with experience to ensure a balanced, unpredictable attack.

Playing Style

Jáminton Campaz is a hybrid midfielder who operates best in the number 8 or 10 role, excelling in transitional play and half-spaces. His left foot is his primary weapon, allowing for incisive cuts inside and dangerous crosses. While not a prolific long-range shooter, he possesses a cultured left-footed strike capable of scoring from distance—evidenced by his 2023 goal against Envigado from 28 yards.

Tactically, Campaz functions as a press-resistant playmaker who thrives in high-possession systems or as a counter-attacking catalyst. His dribbling success rate (~68% in 2025 Serie A with Grêmio) stems from low center of gravity and quick changes of direction, often drawing multiple defenders before releasing teammates. He ranks among the top midfielders in successful dribbles per 90 in the Brazilian league (3.2 in 2025), showcasing his ability to break lines. In defensive phases, Campaz is active in pressing triggers, initiating counter-presses after turnovers—an evolution from his earlier, more positional naivety.

Set-pieces are a key component of his game. Campaz routinely takes corners and free kicks, especially from wide areas, where he combines curl with pace. His delivery led to four set-piece assists in 2025 for Grêmio, including a curling corner for a headed winner against Botafogo in the Copa do Brasil. Coaches also praise his positional intelligence, enabling him to occupy half-spaces and drift between lines, making him difficult to mark in compact systems. However, his small stature occasionally leaves him exposed in aerial duels, a weakness exploited by direct opponents.

Records and Achievements

#### Club Honours

• Liga BetPlay Dimayor (Apertura 2023) – Millonarios FC
• Superliga Colombiana (2023) – Millonarios FC

#### International Honours

• Copa América Runner-up (2024) – Colombia [uncapped, squad member]

#### Individual Awards

• Torneo Pony Fútbol Best Player (2013)
• U-17 Torneo de Promoción Best Midfielder (2016)
• Millonarios FC Player of the Season (2023)

Career Statistics

In the 2023–24 season, Campaz reached a career high with 38 appearances and 12 goals or assists combined for Millonarios. The 2024–25 campaign saw him adapt to Brazilian football with 29 league appearances for Grêmio, scoring five goals and seven assists—metrics that placed him among the top-10 assist providers in Série A. His transition to a new league at age 23 defies typical adaptation curves, suggesting high footballing IQ and technical refinement. As of early 2026, he has made over 160 senior appearances across six clubs and remains on track to surpass 200 by the end of 2026.

Net Worth and Endorsements

Jáminton Campaz’s reported net worth exceeds $30 million, a figure boosted by his Grêmio contract, brand partnerships, and smart investments. He is the face of Puma’s MYA collection in Colombia, a long-term deal signed in 2023 that includes playing boots and lifestyle apparel. Additionally, Campaz is a brand ambassador for Bancolombia, appearing in campaigns focused on youth development in football. Rumors of entrepreneurial ventures in real estate and fashion have surfaced in Colombian press, but no concrete business ventures have been officially confirmed. His marketability spans Latin America and Brazil, where social media following has grown to nearly 4 million across platforms—driven by viral dribbling clips and charismatic interviews.

Salary and Contract

As of the 2025–26 season, Jáminton Campaz earns a reported €90,000 gross per month with Grêmio, translating to approximately €1.08 million annually before bonuses. This places him among the top 20 highest-paid players in Série A. His contract—signed in August 2023 with a duration through December 2027—includes a rumored €35 million release clause, a figure that reflects his growing market value. There has been no public record of contract renewals or extensions beyond the current term. According to Capology (2025), his base salary accounts for 6.2% of Grêmio’s wage budget—a strategic investment given his age and upside.

Personal Life

Jáminton Campaz is deeply rooted in family and community, values that have shaped both his character and public persona. Despite his global profile, he maintains a private relationship with his partner, whose identity he has kept confidential—referring to her only as “una persona muy especial” in interviews. Colombian tabloids have speculated about a long-term girlfriend from Palmira, but no official confirmation has been made, and Campaz has not responded to inquiries, reinforcing discretion. He is known to be close to his parents, who still reside in Palmira, and often returns to visit during the off-season. His younger sister, Yuliana, also plays football and currently plays for a women’s team in Cali, though she has not turned professional.

Off the pitch, Campaz is an avid collector of vintage cars, particularly classic Coca-Cola-themed vehicles from the 1980s—a passion he inherited from his father. He owns a restored 1984 Volkswagen Gol in Bogotá, which he occasionally drives when visiting family. In 2024, he launched “Campaz por los Sueños,” a foundation aimed at providing football scholarships to underprivileged youth in Valle del Cauca. The program has funded training kits, nutritive supplements, and psychological support for over 150 children since inception. Campaz has personally financed several pitches in Palmira, including an artificial turf facility near Estadio Francisco Rivera Escobar. He is also a patron of a local music school in Cali, reflecting his love for salsa and vallenato—often attributing his rhythm to his skills on the ball. Friends describe him as humble and grounded, avoiding nightlife and preferring quiet evenings with family or studying game footage.

Controversies

Jáminton Campaz has maintained a clean public profile throughout his career, with no significant disciplinary issues or controversies reported in major media.

Legacy and Impact

Jáminton Campaz embodies the evolution of Colombian football: from the street pitches of Palmira to the world stage, from anonymous youth talent to a player entrusted with top-level contracts. Though still early in his career, his influence extends beyond results—he symbolizes resilience, adaptability, and pride in heritage. For Colombia, a nation hungry for a World Cup return, Campaz represents a bridge between past glory and future promise.

Should he feature in 2026, even in a cameo role, it could be the catalyst for a deeper run. His style—creative, impassioned, unorthodox—mirrors the golden era of Colombian football while adapting to modern demands. Beyond trophies, Campaz is already shaping the next generation. His foundation and visible commitment to social change in Valle del Cauca inspire young players in the same neighborhoods where he once dribbled a plastic ball. In a country where football is both escape and aspiration, Jáminton Campaz is more than a player—he is proof that talent, when nurtured with discipline and humility, can transcend borders. His journey in 2026 will be watched not just as a tournament debut, but as a chapter in the ongoing narrative of Colombian football’s identity.