The keynote titled, ‘Fearless Football: René Higuita’s Game-Changing Impact’, will kick off the conference programme on Wednesday, October 30th, the first core day of the event, which is scheduled to take place at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino from the 29 -the 31st of October. Andrea Rossi, Commercial Director at Betsson LatAm, will lead the interview. Earlier this year, Betsson named Higuita their brand ambassador and collaborated with SBC to bring the iconic goalkeeper to the SBC Summit Latinoamérica stage.

Higuita will provide delegates with a firsthand account of his experience as a professional footballer in South America, detailing his innovative approach to goalkeeping, the world-renowned ‘scorpion kick’ and his decision to play primarily in South America throughout his career. Additionally, Huigita will discuss the powerful lessons his journey offers for driving change, challenging conventions, and staying ahead in today’s fast-evolving sports landscape.

Ahead of his appearance at the event, Huiguita stated: “Over the past decade, sports fans have gained unprecedented access to more games than ever before, alongside detailed athlete analytics and the ability to express opinions on social media globally. Having observed the evolution of football and the broader sporting landscape over the past fifty years, I am excited to offer delegates an exclusive insight into the world of South American football and the rich cultural developments that have shaped it.”

Born in Medellín, Colombia, René Higuita began his football career in 1985 when he joined the Colombian football team Millonarios. Although his time at the club would only last one season, it was a notable season for Higuita, scoring seven goals in just 16 appearances, a notable feat considering his role as a goalkeeper. 

In 1986, Higuita moved to Atlético Nacional where he made 112 appearances and was first called up to international duty for the 1989 Copa America and the 1990 Fifa World Cup, where he played an instrumental role in Colombia making the round of 16 for the first time in the country’s history. 

A year after returning from the 1990 World Cup, Higuita moved to Real Valladolid where he played for two seasons, before returning to Atlético Nacional in 1993. In 1997, he moved to Veracruz and in 1999, the same year as his final international call-up for the 1999 Copa America, Higuita joined Independiente Medellín, where he scored 11 goals in 20 appearances. 

In his final decade of professional football, Higuita would play for a number of South American clubs, including Real Cartagena (2000–2001), Atlético Junior (2001–2002), Deportivo Pereira (2002–2003), Aucas (2004), Guaros FC (2007) and Deportivo Rionegro (2008), before retiring at Deportivo Pereira in 2009. 

After retiring from competitive football, Higuita transitioned into a career in professional coaching. In December 2008, he was appointed as the goalkeeper coach for his former club, Real Valladolid. He later joined Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr FC, where he served from 2011 to 2016. In 2017, Higuita realized a dream return to Atlético Nacional, taking on the role of goalkeeping coach at the club where he spent many of his formative years as a player.

Rasmus Sojmark, CEO & Founder of SBC said: “As a huge football fan, it’s an incredible honor to have such a legendary player at SBC Summit Latinoamérica. Higuita is widely credited with pioneering the ‘sweeper keeper’ role, transforming the position with his bold style of play and inspiring millions.

With his vast experience in leadership, risk-taking, and maintaining remarkable control, Higuita redefined what it means to be a goalkeeper. He’s the perfect figure to inspire delegates in the sports betting and iGaming industry to take calculated risks, push boundaries, and innovate their respective fields.”