Cristian Tello is a renowned Spanish professional footballer. He is famous for playing for the Saudi Professional League club Al Fateh. His playing position is forward or winger. Having spent his youth at Espanyol and Barcelona, he progressed through their reserves before making a breakthrough into Barcelona's first team. His football journey includes stints in Portugal with Porto and in Italy with Fiorentina. Tello returned to Spain in 2017 with Betis, amassing 172 appearances and scoring 24 goals, contributing to their Copa del Rey victory in 2022. On 25 January 2023, Tello joined Saudi Arabian club Al Fateh SC on an 18-month contract. He represented Spain at the 2012 Olympics and was part of the under-21 squad that won the European Championship in 2013. Tello earned his only full cap in 2013.
Parents and Nationality
Born on August 11, 1991, Cristian Tello hails from Sabadell, Spain. Cristian Tello Herrera is his birth name. He celebrated his 32nd birthday in 2023. He is of Spanish nationality and belongs to the Spanish-White ethnicity. His parents are Joawuin Tello and Mari Herrera. Tello began his football journey at a young age.
Football Career
Espanyol
- Cristian Tello began playing at eight with CFU Can Rull, then joined FC Barcelona.
- After a loan to CF Damm, he signed with RCD Espanyol in 2008.
- His senior debut came in the 2009–10 season, playing four games with the B team, which was relegated from Segunda División B.
Barcelona
- In June 2010, Cristian Tello returned to FC Barcelona Atlètic in Segunda División.
- He made his main squad debut on 9 November 2011 in the Copa del Rey, scoring a brace in a 9–0 win. Tello impressed in La Liga, scoring in his first league start.
- He made a significant impact in the UEFA Champions League, scoring two goals against Bayer 04 Leverkusen.
- Despite uncertainties, he secured a spot in the roster for the 2012–13 season and contributed to victories in domestic and Champions League matches.
- He signed a contract extension in December 2012, staying with Barcelona until June 2016.
- However, he faced increased competition in 2013–14 with the arrival of Neymar and was subsequently loaned to FC Porto in July 2014 for two years.
- Tello had a successful stint in Portugal, showcasing his scoring ability in both the Champions League and Primeira Liga. The loan was renewed for the 2016-2017 season on 16th August 2016.
Betis
- On 30 June 2017, he joined Real Betis on a five-year deal for €4 million.
- He debuted on 25 August in a 2–1 home win over RC Celta de Vigo and scored his first goal on 15 October in a 6–3 loss to Valencia CF.
- Tello netted twice on 30 November in a 5–3 defeat to Cádiz CF in the domestic cup.
- Over his first two seasons, he scored four league goals each.
- In 2019–20, despite limited starts, he secured a late winner against Real Madrid on 8 March.
- He scored five goals in 2020–21, ending the season with a sending-off in a 3–2 comeback win at Celta.
- Tello contributed to Real Betis winning the 2021–22 Spanish Cup, making six appearances, including playing nine minutes in the final against Valencia CF.
Los Angeles FC
- Cristian Tello signed a three-year deal with Los Angeles FC on 26 August 2022, boasting one of the highest salaries in Major League Soccer at $1.78 million.
- Making his debut on 13 September as a substitute in a 1–1 draw at Minnesota United FC, Tello contributed to LAFC securing the Supporters' Shield.
- In the MLS Cup championship game, he entered in extra time as LAFC clinched their first title in a penalty shootout against the Philadelphia Union; however, Tello missed the first attempt.
Al Fateh
- On 25 January 2023, Cristian Tello joined Saudi Arabian club Al Fateh SC on an 18-month contract.
International Career
- Cristian Tello played for the Spanish squad in the 2012 Summer Olympics, participating in all three games before the team exited in the group stage.
- His only appearance with the full national side was on 14 August 2013 in a 2–0 friendly win against Ecuador.
- Additionally, Tello represented the unofficial Catalonia team, making his debut on 2 January 2013 in a 1–1 draw with Nigeria.
Awards and Achievements
Barcelona
- La Liga: 2012–13
- Copa del Rey: 2011–12
- Supercopa de España: 2013
Betis
- Copa del Rey: 2021–22
Los Angeles FC
- MLS Cup: 2022
- Supporters' Shield: 2022
Spain U21
- UEFA European Under-21 Championship: 2013
Individual
- SJPF Player of the Month: March 2015
Wife and Children
Cristian Tello is a happily married man to his beautiful wife, Lorena López. Together they welcomed their daughter, Carlota, in 2014. The couple is thoroughly enjoying their present life, cherishing the joys of family life together.
Salary and Net Worth
Cristian Tello, the accomplished professional footballer, has a net worth estimated at $15 million in 2023, primarily derived from his lucrative football career. Currently plying his trade for Al-Fateh, Tello commands an impressive annual salary of £1,404,000, contributing significantly to his financial success. Reveling in the fruits of his prosperous career, Tello leads a lavish lifestyle, reflecting the rewards of his dedication to the sport. As of June 12, 2023, his market value stands at an impressive €2.7 million.
Height and Weight
Cristian Tello, a handsome footballer, stands at a tall height of 1.78 meters and weight of 69 KG. He has got an athletic body type with an attractive personality. His features include a pair of light brown eyes and black hair, contributing to his overall appealing and healthy appearance.