Michael Barrios age 34 is wrapping up his career back in his native Colombia where he now plays for Once Caldas in the top flight. He even scored and assisted against Huracan on Tuesday in the knockouts of the Copa Sudamericana. But he is a brand new Yank Abroad because during his nine seasons in MLS with FC Dallas, Colorado, and the Galaxy he started the process for American citizenship That process is now complete. After the MOTM performance against Huracan, he returned to the USA to formally become an American citizen. He made the announcement today on his IG. You guys! Great news. Former #Rapids96 speedster Michael Barrios is now a U.S. citizen.He scored 12 goals and added 16 assists during 87 regular-season appearances for the ‘Pids.Always had a smile on his face. Tremendous competitor, too. Congrats, Mikey B! #Rapids96 pic.twitter.com/T3VXEvAYMw— Brendan Ploen (@BrendanPloen) August 22, 2025 Welcome to the world of being a YA. Here is video of Barrios against Huracan where the local media called him brilliant 🇨🇴 Qué nivel Michael 💪🏼Nuestro #TalentoColombiagol , Michael Barrios, estuvo brillante ⭐️ en la clasificación a los cuartos de final de Once Caldas 🇮🇹 por la Copa Sudamericana 🏆. Marcó un gol y puso una asistencia ⚽️ para la victoria 3️⃣-1️⃣ del blanco de Manizales ⚪️ pic.twitter.com/9LXFDVGX1c— Colombiagol (@Colombiagol) August 21, 2025 Love those players who come to MLS and become American citizens during their time in the league.
Pereira is one of the most beautiful cities in Colombia and one of the principal ones in probably the best region of Colombia, El Eje Cafetera...rolling green mountains, spring-like all year round, tons of coffee farms, flower farms, hot springs.
Starts for Once Caldas away vs Santa Fe in league play ⚪⚫ ¡Todo listo en la capital!Once Caldas ya tiene nómina confirmada para enfrentar a Santa Fe en El Campín.#MiVidaMiEquipo pic.twitter.com/RXBZaA42lN— 🏆 Once Caldas ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (@oncecaldas) September 1, 2025
Wow. What a first game for Barrios as an American citizen Gol # 13 de Michael Barrios en 50 PJ con el Once Caldas por Liga.El barranquillero es el jugador Albo # 148, 🇨🇴 92, en anotarle a Ind. Santa Fe por Liga desde 1948 (Dep. Caldas). pic.twitter.com/lSoaT98mOI— Datos O11ce 📊⚽️🇧🇬⭐⭐🌟⭐⭐ (@DatosO11ce) September 2, 2025
2 goals for Barrios in a 2-1 win for Once Caldas. 🕢54' [SFE 1 - 2 ONC]GOOOOOLLL MICHAEL BARRIOS Doblete para nuestro gran delantero!!!!#MiVidaMiEquipo #LigaBetPlayDimayor pic.twitter.com/iIoq7JPZdh— 🏆 Once Caldas ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (@oncecaldas) September 2, 2025 He’s on fire. An MLS team should really bring him home
Starts for Once Caldas tonight at Bucaramanga Esta es la nómina del Once Caldas que buscará los tres puntos en Bucaramanga esta noche. ⚪⚪#OrgulloBlanco #VamosOnce pic.twitter.com/RMpEuqOxiL— 🏆 Once Caldas ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (@oncecaldas) September 10, 2025
Also, this should be Manizales, which is an even better city than Pereira. Seriously, if you're thinking of visiting Colombia, do not miss this region. And get a frijolada while you're at it, you won't regret it
Once Caldas came up with a huge 2-0 away win over Independiente del Valle in the first leg of the Copa Sudamericana quarterfinals on Wednesday night. Barrios went 90 minutes at left wing and reportedly played well. IDV was hit with a 34th minute red card that sunk them. Once Caldas & Barrios have an excellent chance at a semifinal spot hosting the second leg with a 2-0 advantage.
Goal in the Copa Colombia 🕢38' [ONC 1 - 0 PAS]GOOOOOOOOOOLLLL DE MICHAEL BARRIOS Gran asistencia de Felipe Gómez !!!!#MiVidaMiEquipo #CopaBetplayDimayor pic.twitter.com/QWrnrGc82V— 🏆 Once Caldas ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (@oncecaldas) October 2, 2025
Michael Barrios with 82 minutes as Once Caldas survive a 14th minute red card to beat last place La Equidad and Juan Castilla 1-0. 3 shots for -.23 xG and just 3/9 on duels for Barrios.
Michael Barrios renewed his contract with Once Caldas for another year. During the press conference with the players who renewed their contracts, it was said that Barrios had offers from clubs in the United States. But he opted to remain with Once Caldas because he believes they can compete for a title in 2026.
Once Caldas won its Colombian Primera opener away over Cucuta 2-1 Cucuta scored first, Once Caldas equalized in the 64th on a penalty drawn by Barrios and converted by Dayro Moreno. Moreno then found the winner in the 87th. Barrios played 70 minutes. Seems like he played well ⏱️90+6’ [ CUC 1 - 2 ONC] Finaliza el encuentro en el General Santander por la primera fecha de la @LigaBetPlayD .GANAMOOOS!!!! 💚🤍❤️ Vamos por más mi Blanco amado!!!! #VoyConTodoXElOnce— 🏆 Once Caldas ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (@oncecaldas) January 19, 2026
Check out this goal from Barrios tonight against Atletico Junior GOLAZO DE MICHAEL BARRIOS. Desde afuera del área mete un gol increíble y Once Caldas le gana 2-1 a Junior en el Palogrande.pic.twitter.com/xyRRfk1gHM#LigaBetPlayDimayor #OnceCaldas #Junior #MichaelBarrios #FútbolColombiano #Palogrande— El Análisis de un Hincha (@ElAnalisisDUH) February 13, 2026 nice stuff here
Barrios came off the bench today and drew a penalty which led to the final goal of a 3-0 win for Once Caldas over Chico FC The penalty Barrios drew was converted by Dayro Moreno who, at age 40, leads Colombia's Primera A with 6 goals from 9 games. Old guys getting it done in Colombia.