Jefferson Lerma is a 31-year-old Colombian defensive midfielder who plays for Crystal Palace. The right-footed midfielder remains part of the Colombia player pool before World Cup 2026. This article covers his age, nationality, position, current club, salary, net worth, career stats, and international outlook.
Jefferson Lerma matters to Colombia because he is a composed midfielder who links possession, presses after turnovers, and gives Colombia balance between flair and control. Readers tracking FIFA World Cup 2026 can judge his role through club rhythm, international caps, and tactical fit. His squad case also connects to Group K, where balance and match discipline will shape Colombia's route.
Quick Answer
Jefferson Andrés Lerma Solís is an Colombian professional footballer from El Cerrito, Colombia. He plays as a defensive midfielder for Crystal Palace and wears number 16. Jefferson Lerma has 53 senior caps and 2 international goals for Colombia. His profile is built around a composed midfielder who links possession, presses after turnovers, and gives Colombia balance between flair and control.
Early Life and Background
Jefferson Lerma was born on 25 October 1994 in El Cerrito, Colombia. His route into senior football came through club development, where technical detail and competitive standards are central. That base helped him move from Colombian football into a larger international conversation.
Colombia's player pool is deep, so every squad place demands more than reputation. Jefferson Lerma built his case by turning training standards into first-team trust. His career now shows how club consistency can support a World Cup role.
Birthplace, family, and youth football journey
Public coverage of Jefferson Lerma's background focuses mainly on football development. His professional identity comes from club progress, national-team call-ups, and the ability to handle stronger opponents. That route fits a player whose value is measured through role clarity rather than off-field attention.
Senior experience across Atlético Huila, Levante, Bournemouth, Crystal Palace shaped his development path. His early years gave him the technical habits needed for elite football. As a result, his current profile reflects both Colombian grounding and international ambition.
Jefferson Lerma Personal Info and Profile
| Full name | Jefferson Andrés Lerma Solís |
|---|---|
| Date of birth | 25 October 1994 |
| Age | 31 |
| Nationality | Colombia |
| Height | 1.79 m |
| Weight | 70 kg |
| Position | Defensive midfielder |
| Preferred foot | Right |
| Current club | Crystal Palace |
| Jersey number | 16 |
| Weekly salary | Approx GBP70,000 per week |
| Estimated net worth | Approx $10 million to $18 million |
The profile data places Jefferson Lerma in a clear senior squad role. His height, position, preferred foot, and club level explain why he fits the current national-team pool. Those details matter because World Cup selection rewards role fit as much as reputation.
His current club work gives selectors a weekly view of rhythm and readiness. Colombia need players who can translate league habits into short tournament windows. Jefferson Lerma's value sits in that bridge between domestic performance and international trust.
Transfer News and Market Value
Jefferson Lerma's market value is around EUR20 million in the current public range. That figure reflects age, contract stage, position, club level, and recent national-team involvement. Market value should be read as a football valuation, not a prediction of an immediate transfer.
Transfer attention around Jefferson Lerma depends on minutes, role stability, and tournament exposure. A strong World Cup preparation run can lift interest because scouts trust players who perform under national pressure. Still, his immediate priority is protecting club form before the final squad decision.
Crystal Palace remains the key reference point for his short-term football path. The club role gives him the match rhythm needed to stay visible. That is especially important when Colombia compare players with similar profiles.
Jefferson Lerma Salary and Net Worth
Jefferson Lerma's estimated annual salary is Approx GBP3.64 million per year. That equals about Approx GBP70,000 per week before bonuses, image income, and private commercial details. The figure gives a contract-level view rather than a full career wealth calculation.
His estimated net worth is Approx $10 million to $18 million in 2026. That range reflects club contracts, senior-team bonuses, domestic football earnings, and likely personal sponsorship income. Salary and net worth stay separate because one measures current pay while the other reflects career value.
A stable club role can protect both income and football visibility. Tournament selection can also increase commercial value, especially for players in a high-profile World Cup group. Jefferson Lerma's financial profile should be judged through that wider career lens.
Jefferson Lerma Club Career
Jefferson Lerma's senior club record covers Atlético Huila, Levante, Bournemouth, Crystal Palace. That run shows a player who has stayed inside competitive football while fighting for national-team relevance. Club continuity matters because the World Cup window leaves little time for players to recover form.
His club career also explains his tactical identity. Training across club football exposes players to different pressing speeds, defensive demands, and decision-making patterns. Those habits can help Colombia build a more flexible tournament squad.
Early clubs and development
Jefferson Lerma's first senior steps gave him the rhythm needed to handle bigger dressing rooms. His early club environment taught him how to manage pressure from teammates, supporters, and coaches. That experience supports a player moving toward high-stakes international matches.
Development was not only about minutes. It also involved tactical learning, physical growth, and the discipline to keep a role inside demanding squads. Those traits remain central to his World Cup 2026 case.
Current club and recent form
Jefferson Lerma currently plays for Crystal Palace. His recent form should be judged through minutes, role stability, and how well his skill set matches national-team needs. A player can strengthen selection hopes by staying fit, sharp, and tactically reliable.
Colombia's staff will need clear evidence before final squad registration. Jefferson Lerma can help his case by showing consistency in league matches and training camps. That combination often matters more than one isolated highlight.
Jefferson Lerma - Stats and Performance
Senior Club Record
| Season | Club | League Apps | Goals | Total Apps |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Senior | Atlético Huila | 84 | 6 | 84 |
| Senior | Levante | 82 | 3 | 82 |
| Senior | Bournemouth | 184 | 12 | 184 |
| Senior | Crystal Palace | 83 | 4 | 83 |
Career Totals Snapshot
| Career area | Appearances | Goals | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Senior club record | 433 | 25 | League appearances and goals across listed senior clubs |
| Colombia | 53 | 2 | Senior international record |
The club record separates senior league numbers from full reputation. That matters because World Cup squads are usually decided by fresh rhythm and tactical reliability. Jefferson Lerma's numbers show how his club role supports his Colombia case.
International Career
Jefferson Lerma has 53 senior caps and 2 international goals. His national-team role has developed through qualification, friendlies, and squad camps. Colombia need that depth because the 2026 tournament format increases squad management pressure.
Colombia's staff will judge him through form, position fit, and tactical reliability. Players who can understand compact defending and quick transitions have extra value in difficult groups. Jefferson Lerma's profile gives the staff another option in that preparation window.
Caps, goals, and major tournaments
His international record shows how often he has been trusted at senior level. Caps alone do not guarantee selection, yet they show familiarity with national-team demands. That familiarity can matter when preparation time is short.
| National team | Caps | Goals | Tournament involvement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Colombia | 53 | 2 | World Cup qualification, Copa América, senior friendlies |
World Cup Record by Tournament
| Year | Host | Matches | Goals | Assists | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | Russia | 4 | 0 | 0 | Round of 16 |
| 2026 | USA / Canada / Mexico | 0 | 0 | 0 | World Cup squad candidate |
| Total | - | 4 | 0 | 0 | - |
Honours and Trophies
| Trophy | Times Won | Years |
|---|---|---|
| FA Cup | 1 | 2024-25 |
| FA Community Shield | 1 | 2025 |
Playing Style and Key Strengths
Jefferson Lerma's playing style is defined by a composed midfielder who links possession, presses after turnovers, and gives Colombia balance between flair and control. That skill set gives Colombia a specific tool rather than a generic squad number. Tournament football rewards players who understand their role quickly and repeat it under pressure.
His key strengths are role discipline, competitive toughness, and the ability to fit a team shape. Colombia often need players who can defend space first, then move forward at the right moment. Jefferson Lerma fits that demand when his club form keeps him sharp.
Position, role, and standout qualities
Jefferson Lerma plays as a defensive midfielder, but the exact role depends on the match plan. He can help the team by keeping distances tight and making simple decisions under pressure. His standout qualities connect directly to Colombia's need for structure in 2026.
The next test is consistency. A World Cup squad spot depends on fitness, match rhythm, and the final coach's tactical preference. Jefferson Lerma has enough profile value to stay in that conversation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How old is Jefferson Lerma and what is his nationality?
Jefferson Lerma is 31 years old and Colombian. He was born in El Cerrito, Colombia on 25 October 1994.
Which club does Jefferson Lerma play for?
Jefferson Lerma plays for Crystal Palace. His Colombia squad position is Defensive midfielder.
What is Jefferson Lerma's playing style?
Jefferson Lerma is a composed midfielder who links possession, presses after turnovers, and gives Colombia balance between flair and control. That role helps Colombia manage pressure in Group K.
Is Jefferson Lerma part of Colombia national team?
Jefferson Lerma remains part of Colombia's senior picture with 53 caps and 2 goals.
What is Jefferson Lerma's salary or net worth?
Jefferson Lerma's estimated weekly salary is Approx GBP70,000 per week. His estimated net worth is Approx $10 million to $18 million.
Conclusion
Jefferson Lerma gives Colombia a clear midfielder option before World Cup 2026. His club role, senior caps, and tactical fit keep him relevant in a competitive squad. The final decision will depend on fitness, form, and how the coach balances experience with freshness.
Colombia need reliable players who can handle Group K pressure. Jefferson Lerma can help if his club rhythm stays strong. His profile is strongest when role clarity, fitness, and match discipline all arrive together.