Cristhian Mosquera is one of the most highly regarded young centre-backs to emerge from Spanish football in recent years, known for his physical presence, composure on the ball, and rapid rise through elite academy and senior football.
A product of Valencia CF’s renowned youth system, Mosquera broke into top-flight football as a teenager and quickly established himself as a regular in La Liga before earning a high-profile move to Arsenal.
Eligible for both Spain and Colombia, he has captained Spain’s U21 side and won Olympic gold with the U23 team, underlining his growing status on the international stage as he continues to develop into a modern, commanding defender.
Cristhian Mosquera age and height
Mosquera is a 21-year-old Spanish professional footballer, born on June 27, 2004. He stands at 1.88 meters (6 feet 2 inches) tall.
Ethnicity and nationality
Mosquera holds Spanish nationality, having been born in Alicante, Spain, to Colombian parents. He is of Colombian descent, as consistently noted across sources describing his heritage from Colombian-born parents.
Youth career
Mosquera joined Valencia CF’s youth academy in 2016 at age 12, progressing rapidly through the ranks. By 2020, still in the Juvenil A squad, he signed a contract extension until 2023.
Mosquera debuted for Valencia’s reserve team, VCF Mestalla, in September 2021 in Tercera División RFEF, and featured for the first team in January 2022.
Club career
Mosquera debuted for Valencia’s reserve team, VCF Mestalla, in September 2021 in Tercera División RFEF. He made his first-team bow in January 2022 during a Copa del Rey win over Atlético Baleares, becoming Valencia’s eighth-youngest debutant and youngest-ever centre-back at 17 years and six months.
His La Liga debut followed days later against Sevilla; by 2024-25, he featured in 37 league matches, scoring once across 90 total senior appearances for the club. Mosquera transferred to Arsenal in July 2025.
International career
Mosquera played for Spain U15, U16, U18, and U19 teams, winning a friendly tournament with the U18 side in 2021 against Turkey, Romania, and Portugal. He earned his first U21 call-up in March 2024 for friendlies and qualifiers, and he now captains the U21 squad.
Eligible for Colombia due to his heritage, he has not debuted for Spain’s senior team but featured for the Spain U23 at the 2024 Summer Olympics, where they won gold.
Colombia has courted him for their senior side ahead of the 2026 World Cup, but he remains committed to Spain.
Awards and accolades
Mosquera was named the best defender in LaLiga EA Sports 2023-24 by Olocip and ranked in the top 5 U23 centre-backs for ground duels won across Europe’s top five leagues. Mosquera received nominations for LaLiga U23 Player of the Month (April 2024), Golden Boy 2024, and Football Draft Awards.
At Valencia CF, he contributed to progression in cup competitions, though no major club trophies are listed. His strong 2024-25 season positioned him as a Golden Boy contender.
Cristhian Mosquera brother
Mosquera has a younger brother named Yulian Mosquera. Born in 2011, Yulian plays as a promising youth footballer for Valencia CF’s academy and represents Spain at U15 level.
During Cristhian’s Arsenal signing in 2025, manager Mikel Arteta jokingly had Yulian pose with the contract photo, hinting at interest in the younger sibling.
