Juan Cazares

• Full name: Juan Ignacio Cazares Quiñónez
• Date of birth: April 3, 1992
• Place of birth: Quinindé, Esmeraldas Province, Ecuador
• Position: Attacking midfielder / playmaker (also plays as winger)
• Nationality: Ecuador

Club career highlights (selected)

• Independiente José Terán / Independiente del Valle (Ecuador) — youth and early professional development; Cazares emerged through the Ecuadorian system before moving abroad.
• Barcelona SC (Ecuador) — brief loan spells early in his career.
• Banfield (Argentina) — established himself in Argentine football and gained broader recognition for his creativity and attacking contributions.
• River Plate (Argentina) — signed but had limited impact and playing time.
• Grêmio (Brazil) — short-term stint on loan.
• Atlético Mineiro (Brazil) — most notable period in Brazil: Cazares played as an important attacking midfielder for Atlético Mineiro from 2015 to 2019 (initially on loan, later permanent). He became known for his dribbling, vision, key passes and set-piece ability, contributing goals and assists while helping the team compete domestically and in continental competitions.
• Other clubs — after Atlético Mineiro he had spells at other clubs including brief moves in South America; his career has included loans and transfers following his time in Belo Horizonte.

International career

• Represented the Ecuador national team (senior level) with several caps. Participated in World Cup qualifying matches and friendlies; called up intermittently depending on form and coaching selections.

Playing style

• Creative attacking midfielder comfortable playing centrally or wide.
• Strengths: ball control, dribbling, vision, ability to provide key passes and assists, set-piece delivery.
• Often deployed as a number 10 or as an advanced winger supporting the forwards.

Notable facts

• Gained significant attention in South American football during his time at Banfield and Atlético Mineiro.
• At Atlético Mineiro he was an influential creative presence and became a fan favorite for his technique and attacking contributions.

Information is current up to mid-2024; club affiliations may have changed since then.