Ospina began his career atAtlético Nacional, making his debut with the club in 2005. After achieving two domestic titles withLos Verdolagas, Ospina joined French sideNice. In 2014, he joinedArsenal on a four-year deal. During his time inLondon, Ospina won three trophies with the club: theFA Cup in2015 and2017, as well as the2017 FA Community Shield. In 2018, Ospina was loaned out toSerie A clubNapoli. The following year, Napoli permanently signed Ospina. In 2020, Ospina played a pivotal role in Napoli's conquering of theCoppa Italia. Following unsuccessful negotiations to renew his contract with Napoli, Ospina signed forSaudi Pro League sideAl Nassr in 2022. In 2024, he returned to his home country, rejoining Atlético Nacional, with whom he won theCopa Colombia for the first time in his career.
David Ospina began his professional football career with the youth academy ofAtlético Nacional, one of Colombia’s most successful clubs, based in his hometown of Medellín. After progressing through the ranks, he made his senior debut in theCategoría Primera A in 2005 at the age of 17.[4][5]
Ospina made an immediate impact during the2005 Torneo Apertura, becoming a key figure in the Atlético Nacional side that secured the league title under managerSantiago Escobar. It was his first major trophy, coming just months after his debut, and helped solidify his reputation as a rising talent in Colombian football.[6][7]
Local sports media began to praise Ospina's agility, composure, and maturity beyond his years.[8][9]
By 2007, Ospina had firmly established himself as Atlético Nacional's first-choice goalkeeper. Under managerÓscar Héctor Quintabani, he was instrumental in helping the team achieve a historic domestic double, winning both the Apertura and Finalización. In the Apertura final, Nacional facedAtlético Huila, with Ospina’s strong goalkeeping performances proving decisive in their 2–1 aggregate victory. His contributions in the second leg, played on 17 June 2007, were particularly vital in securing the title.[10][11]
David Ospina’s six-year tenure atOGC Nice, from 2008 to 2014, was a transformative period that saw the Colombian goalkeeper evolve into one ofLigue 1’s most reliable shot-stoppers.[12]
Following three standout seasons atAtlético Nacional, Ospina joined OGC Nice in July 2008 for a reported €2 million fee.[13] He was recruited as the long-term replacement forHugo Lloris, who had departed forOlympique Lyonnais in a deal worth €8.5 million. Ospina initially served as backup toLionel Letizi, using this period to acclimate to European football.
He debuted in theCoupe de la Ligue on 18 October 2008 and made hisLigue 1 debut a month later. On 17 January 2009, he earned his first league start and clean sheet in a 2–0 home win againstAJ Auxerre.[14]
In a 2–1 away victory overFC Lorient on 14 February 2009, Ospina’s standout saves were credited with securing the win.[15]
He made 25 appearances in all competitions during the 2008–09 season, recording five clean sheets in Ligue 1.
In 2009–10, Ospina became the undisputed first-choice goalkeeper, playing 37 out of 38 Ligue 1 matches and achieving 10 clean sheets.[16]
Despite Nice’s 15th-place finish, his performances earned him the nickname “the wall of Nice” among local supporters.[17]
In 2010–11, under new managerÉric Roy, he improved further, registering 11 clean sheets in 37 Ligue 1 appearances. Key shutouts included a 1–0 win overOlympique de Marseille on 5 December 2010.[18]
He repeated this consistency in 2011–12 with another 11 clean sheets over 37 league games. A potential transfer toBeşiktaş J.K. fell through in summer 2012, to the relief of supporters.[19]
Under new coachClaude Puel, Ospina led Nice to a 5th-place finish andUEFA Europa League qualification. He kept 11 clean sheets in 26 Ligue 1 appearances, including a 5–0 win overValenciennes FC in May 2013.[20]
In his final season at Nice, Ospina made 29 Ligue 1 appearances and posted 13 clean sheets—the highest of his time at the club.[21] He starred in a 1–0 win againstOlympique de Marseille on 18 October 2013, making several key saves.[22]
Despite Nice finishing 17th, Ospina’s performances drew praise and ultimately led to his transfer toArsenal F.C. in July 2014 for £3 million.[23]
Across six seasons, Ospina made 199 appearances for Nice, including 189 in Ligue 1.[24] He remains widely regarded as one of the club’s top keepers, earning the “Aiglon Crédit Agricole” Player of the Season.[25]
On 27 July 2014,Arsenal confirmed that Ospina had signed for the club for an undisclosed fee, reported to be £3 million, on a four-year contract.[26] He was assigned the number 13 shirt, previously worn byEmiliano Viviano.
He sustained a thigh injury in October that ruled him out for the remainder of 2014.[29] Upon recovery, Ospina returned in a 2–0 FA Cup win overHull City and kept a clean sheet in his full Premier League debut, a 3–0 win overStoke City.[30]
Following Szczęsny's internal disciplinary issues, Ospina became the Premier League starter, keeping further clean sheets againstManchester City andAston Villa. He played every league match thereafter, though he was an unused substitute in the 4–0 victory over Aston Villa in theFA Cup Final.[31][32]
His performances earned him a place on the FIFA Ballon d’Or 2015 longlist.[33]
Ospina featured in a 2–1 UEFA Champions League loss toDinamo Zagreb and a 2–1 League Cup win overTottenham Hotspur.[34][35] A costly error in a 3–2 defeat toOlympiacos saw Ospina drop a corner into his own net, leading to his removal from Champions League duties.[36]
He also suffered a shoulder injury during international duty that sidelined him until November.[37]
Ospina served as Arsenal’s cup goalkeeper, starting in their opening Champions League group game againstParis Saint-Germain. He was named man of the match in a 1–1 draw for a standout performance, including several saves againstEdinson Cavani.[38]
He continued to feature in the Champions League and started all matches in Arsenal’s successful 2016–17 FA Cup run. In the final, Arsenal beatChelsea 2–1 atWembley Stadium, with Ospina making crucial saves including one againstN'Golo Kanté.[39]
Ospina remained the designated goalkeeper for theUEFA Europa League and domestic cups. His first appearance was a clean sheet in a 1–0 Carabao Cup win overDoncaster Rovers.[40]
In the Europa League opener againstFC Cologne, he made an early error that led to the German side scoring first, but Arsenal recovered to win 3–1.[41]
Ospina's clean sheet in a 2–0 away win overAC Milan on 8 March 2018 in the Round of 16 helped restore form after four straight defeats.[42] He also featured in the quarter-finals againstCSKA Moscow and semi-finals againstAtlético Madrid.
While his shot-stopping ability remained strong, questions persisted about his aerial command. Arsenal were eventually eliminated by Atlético Madrid in the semi-finals.[43]
Following the arrival ofBernd Leno atArsenal, Ospina sought a loan move to secure more consistent playing time. On 15 August 2018,Serie A clubNapoli reached an agreement for a one-year loan deal with an option to buy, a decision influenced by an injury to newly signed goalkeeperAlex Meret.[44][45]
Ospina quickly became a key figure in Napoli's squad, making 24 appearances across all competitions during his loan spell, including 17 in Serie A.[46] He was noted for his composure and ball-playing ability, suiting Napoli's style under managerCarlo Ancelotti. A significant moment occurred on 17 March 2019, during a Serie A match againstUdinese. Ospina suffered a serious head injury following a collision with strikerIgnacio Pussetto. Despite treatment and briefly continuing with a bandage, he collapsed before halftime and was stretchered off and hospitalized. Scans revealed no serious damage.[47][48]
On 4 July 2019, Napoli exercised their option, permanently signing Ospina from Arsenal for a reported €3.5 million.[49][50]
In the 2019–20 season, Ospina rotated withAlex Meret but became first-choice under managerGennaro Gattuso for his superior ball distribution.[51][52] He made 23 appearances, including 17 in Serie A.[53]
A pivotal moment came in theCoppa Italia semi-finals againstInter. Ospina misjudged a corner, allowingChristian Eriksen to score directly, but later redeemed himself with key saves and assistedDries Mertens’ equaliser via a long ball, securing a 2–1 aggregate win.[54] Suspended for the final,Alex Meret started as Napoli beatJuventus 4–2 on penalties after a 0–0 draw.[55]
Ospina remained a key figure during the 2020–21 campaign, making 23 appearances, including 16 in Serie A and recording 8 clean sheets.[56] He was vital in manager Gattuso’s possession-based tactics, known for calm distribution and control during transitions. Despite minor injuries, he was consistent in form. Napoli narrowly missedUEFA Champions League qualification, finishing 5th.[57]
The 2021–22 campaign was Ospina’s most active at Napoli. UnderLuciano Spalletti, he became the undisputed starter, making 33 appearances—31 in Serie A—with 13 clean sheets.[58] He conceded just 25 goals in Serie A, averaging 0.81 goals per game.[59]
Napoli finished 3rd, mounting a strong but ultimately unsuccessful title challenge. Ospina was praised for his leadership, positioning, and shot-stopping. He left the club as a free agent at the end of the season.[60]
Following his departure fromNapoli as a free agent, David Ospina made a significant move to Saudi Arabian clubAl Nassr. On 11 July 2022, the club officially announced his signing, bringing an experienced international goalkeeper to theSaudi Pro League.[61][62]
Ospina quickly established himself as Al Nassr's first-choice goalkeeper for the 2022–23 season. He made 13 appearances in theSaudi Pro League, contributing significantly to the team's strong defensive record, which saw them concede only six goals in the league matches he played.[63] His performances included several clean sheets, showcasing his shot-stopping abilities and command of the penalty area. Ospina's arrival coincided with a period of significant ambition for Al Nassr, particularly highlighted by the signing ofCristiano Ronaldo in January 2023. Ronaldo's arrival brought global attention to the club and the Saudi league, and Ospina's experience proved valuable in a team featuring such a high-profile figure.[64]
However, Ospina's season was cut short by a severe elbow injury sustained in a league match againstAl-Shabab on 14 January 2023. The injury required surgery and sidelined him for the rest of the campaign.[65] His absence was a blow to Al Nassr's title challenge. Despite this, the club finished second in the Saudi Pro League, five points behind championsAl-Ittihad.[66] In theKing's Cup, Ospina made one appearance before his injury; Al Nassr reached the semi-finals but were eliminated byAl Wehda.[67] Other key players that season includedAnderson Talisca, the team's top scorer, and Ronaldo, who scored 14 league goals.[68]
Ospina's 2023–24 season was heavily affected by the lingering effects of his elbow injury. He returned to action only in March 2024.[69] Due to his prolonged absence, he made only 11 appearances across all competitions, with just one in the Saudi Pro League.[70] During his absence, Al Nassr relied on other goalkeepers includingNawaf Al-Aqidi andRaghed Al-Najjar.
Despite Ospina's limited involvement, Al Nassr had a high-profile campaign, finishing second in the Saudi Pro League for a second consecutive year—this time behind unbeaten rivalsAl-Hilal.[71]
Al Nassr made strides in cup competitions. They won theArab Club Champions Cup, although Ospina did not feature in the final due to injury.[72] The team also reached the final of the King's Cup, where they lost to Al-Hilal on penalties after a 1–1 draw.[73]
In theAFC Champions League, Al Nassr reached the quarter-finals but were eliminated byAl Ain in a penalty shootout. Ospina featured in the second leg, making a crucial save, but the team ultimately fell short.[74]
The season marked the continued integration of international signings likeMarcelo Brozović,Seko Fofana,Alex Telles,Sadio Mané,Otávio, andAymeric Laporte, elevating the club’s profile in Asian football.[75] Cristiano Ronaldo continued to be the team's leading scorer, breaking the Saudi Pro League record for most goals in a single season. Although Ospina's game time was limited, his experience remained valued within the squad.[76]
After a successful stint in Saudi Arabia withAl Nassr, David Ospina made an emotional return to his boyhood club,Atlético Nacional, on 30 June 2024, joining on a free transfer.[77][78] His return was met with considerable excitement by the club's supporters, as he was seen as a symbol of Atlético Nacional’s legacy and a major reinforcement for their ambitions.
Ospina's immediate impact was felt in theCopa Colombia. He played a crucial role in Atlético Nacional’s triumph in the 2024 edition of the tournament, securing his first-ever title in the competition. In the final, Atlético Nacional held a 3–1 aggregate advantage againstAmérica de Cali, drawing the second leg 0–0. Ospina’s presence and leadership were vital in securing the clean sheet that sealed the title.[79][80] He featured in six matches throughout the tournament and remained undefeated in all of them.[81]
David Ospina’s international journey began at the youth level, where he quickly demonstrated the talent that would define his senior career as one of Colombia’s most important and long-serving players.
Ospina received his first call-up to the national under-20 team for the2005 FIFA World Youth Championship held in the Netherlands.[82] At just 16 years old, he was the youngest member of the Colombian squad, a testament to his prodigious talent and early recognition as a future star. Although he did not make an appearance during the tournament, being part of the squad at such a young age provided invaluable experience, exposing him to the intensity of international youth football and the demands of representing his country on a global stage. The Colombian under-20 team, featuring other future senior internationals, reached the Round of 16, showcasing a strong generation of Colombian football talent.
Two years later, Ospina was a more seasoned presence for the2007 South American U-20 Championship in Paraguay. He played four matches in the competition, establishing himself as the first-choice goalkeeper for the under-20 side.[83] Despite his individual efforts and growing maturity in goal, Colombia failed to qualify for the FIFA U-20 World Cup, marking the end of his opportunities in major youth tournaments. This period allowed him to build a strong foundation, working alongside other emerging talents such asRadamel Falcao andFredy Guarín, who would later become integral parts of the senior national team.
Ospina made his senior debut for theColombia national team as a substitute on 7 February 2007 in a 1–3 friendly defeat againstUruguay, marking the beginning of his senior international career.[84][85] He was 18 years old at the time. His first competitive match for Colombia came during the2010 FIFA World Cup qualification campaign. On 17 November 2007, he started in a qualifier againstBolivia, becoming the youngest goalkeeper to ever play for Colombia in a World Cup qualifier at 19 years old.[86][87] Throughout the qualification cycle for the 2010 World Cup, Ospina gradually cemented his place as Colombia’s primary goalkeeper. Although Colombia did not qualify for the tournament, Ospina’s performances were a beacon of consistency, particularly his shot-stopping ability and commanding presence, laying the groundwork for future success.
Ospina in action during the quarter-finals of the2014 FIFA World Cup against Brazil
The2014 FIFA World Cup qualification campaign proved to be a defining period for Ospina and the Colombian national team. He was the undisputed first-choice goalkeeper under coachJosé Pékerman, playing a crucial role in Colombia’s successful qualification for their first World Cup since 1998. Ospina’s defensive solidity was paramount, and his performances earned widespread praise. By the end of the qualifiers, he had conceded the fewest goals in theCONMEBOL section, a remarkable achievement highlighting his importance to a defensively well-organized Colombian side.[88][89]
At the2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil, Ospina was a standout performer for a Colombian team that captured the hearts of many with their exciting style of play. He started and played every minute of Colombia’s five matches, conceding only four goals throughout the entire tournament.[90][91]
Ospina continued as Colombia’s starting goalkeeper at the2015 Copa América in Chile, where he made several critical saves, including a double save againstSergio Agüero andLionel Messi during a 0–0 quarter-final draw againstArgentina. Despite his heroics, Colombia lost in the penalty shootout.[92][93]
At theCopa América Centenario in 2016, hosted in the United States, Ospina once again proved his value, making two key saves in the penalty shootout against Peru that helped Colombia advance to the semi-finals. Colombia went on to finish third in the tournament.[94][95]
Ospina during the penalty shoot-out against England in the2018 FIFA World Cup Round of 16
During the2018 FIFA World Cup qualification, Ospina remained Colombia’s first-choice goalkeeper. He started every match at the tournament in Russia, where Colombia reached the Round of 16. In the match againstEngland, Ospina played a central role in a dramatic penalty shoot-out, though Colombia were ultimately eliminated.[96][97] He maintained two clean sheets; in the group stage matches againstPoland andSenegal.
He remained first-choice for the2021 Copa América in Brazil, helping Colombia secure third place. Ospina’s leadership and penalty-stopping abilities against Uruguay in the quarter-finals were once again vital to the team’s success.[98][99]
At the2024 Copa América, held in the United States, Ospina was named to the squad, but due to injury and age considerations, he served as an experienced backup and locker room leader rather than a starter.Camilo Vargas took over on the pitch, but Ospina’s veteran presence and mentorship were credited by teammates and coaching staff as instrumental in Colombia’s runner-up finish.[100][101]
An agile, athletic, and acrobatic shot-stopper,[102][103][104] Ospina is also known for his reflexes[105][106][107] and his technical ability with his feet,[108][102][109] as well as his distribution and ability to produce accurate throws,[108][102][110] which allows him to play the ball out from the back and start attacks.[111][112] Considered by pundits to be a promising goalkeeper in his youth,[104] his former Nice manager, Frédéric Antonetti, once described him as an "international-standard goalkeeper," also stating: "He has everything you need to be a top goalkeeper. He's good in the air and he's good on the ground. He has that little extra something to be a champion. Hugo Lloris was an international-standard goalkeeper; so is David."[113][102] He is also known for his reserved character and calm demeanour on the pitch.[102] Although he was criticised in the media during his earlier career for being prone to rash errors, while his ability to command his area and decision-making about when to come off his line also came into question, he was able to improve in these areas as his career progressed due to his work-rate, in particular in his speed when rushing off his line and getting to ground to smother the ball – which makes him effective in one on one situations –, or when dealing with crosses;[102][106][107][110] as such, he has been described by journalists as a "sweeper keeper," due to his playing style and ability to rush out of goal.[114] However, despite his all-round improvement as he entered his prime, his tendency to commit errors has persisted, which has been a source of scrutiny from pundits.[115] Standing at 1.83 m (6 ft), Ospina is not particularly tall for a goalkeeper;[116] as such, his lack of height has occasionally limited him in the air at times, despite his bravery.[102][117] He has also been accused of being inconsistent and unreliable in the media,[118][119] despite his excellent and consistent performances at international level.[106] Consequently, critical reception of Ospina has been divided; while his former Arsenal manager Wenger labelled him as the "best goalkeeper in the Premier League" in 2015,[120] and as "a world-class goalkeeper" in 2016,[121] Michael Cummings ofBleacher Report instead stated in 2015 that "Ospina is not a top-class goalkeeper," despite performing well for Arsenal since earning the starting role over Szczęsny earlier that year.[122] Former Arsenal goalkeeperBob Wilson instead described him as a "solid keeper" in 2018.[123]
Ospina was brother-in-law to fellow Colombian international footballerJames Rodríguez, who married David's sister Daniela in 2011. However, they announced their separation in July 2017.[124] Ospina has been married to Colombian model Jesica Sterling since 2012, and has two children.[125]