John Wilmar Pérez

Who is John Wilmar Pérez?

John Wilmar Pérez Muñoz is a Colombian football player.

A central midfielder, effective in winning the ball and passing it forward, Pérez played for the Colombian clubs Independiente Medellín and Deportivo Cali. In 2000 he moved to the Columbus Crew in the United States. After a slow first season in Columbus, Pérez excelled in 2001 while forming the core of a sturdy midfield next to Brian Maisonneuve. He finished the year with 8 goals and 15 assists, earning recognition as the club's Most Valuable Player for the season. In 2002, Pérez experienced a decline in his statistics and playing time, but nonetheless helped the Crew win their first trophy, the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup.

Pérez also represented the Colombian national team and was a participant at the 1992 Summer Olympics, 1997 Copa America, and 1998 FIFA World Cup. He played in all four of Colombia's matches at the Copa America in 1997, but remained on the bench throughout the World Cup the following year.