5 Things You Didn’t Know About Arsenal Signing Piero Hincapié – Number 5 Will Surprise You!
Arsenal have made a serious statement with the signing of Ecuadorian defender Piero Hincapié from Bayer Leverkusen. Known for his composure, versatility, and fearless defending, Hincapié has quietly become one of the most promising young defenders in Europe. But beyond the headlines, there are some fascinating things you may not know about the Gunners’ newest arrival. From humble beginnings to turning down giants, here are five surprising facts about Hincapié — and yes, number five might just leave your jaw on the floor.
1. He Was Discovered Playing Barefoot in Ecuador
Hincapié’s journey to North London started in the streets of Esmeraldas, Ecuador — a place known more for producing raw talent than football infrastructure. As a child, he played barefoot on dirt pitches, often using makeshift goals and worn-out balls. It was in these tough conditions that his natural footballing instincts and grit were born. He was spotted by scouts from Independiente del Valle, the same academy that produced Moisés Caicedo, and from there, his rise began. His story is a reminder of how talent can shine through even in the most challenging environments.
2. He’s Already Shut Down Some of Europe’s Best Attackers
Before making the move to Arsenal, Hincapié had already faced some of the world’s top forwards — and impressed. While playing for Bayer Leverkusen and Ecuador, he came up against stars like Harry Kane, Romelu Lukaku, and Bukayo Saka. In fact, Saka — now his Arsenal teammate — was once contained well by Hincapié in a tense international friendly. His ability to rise to the occasion in big games has made him one of the most sought-after young defenders in Europe.
3. He’s Multilingual and a Fast Learner
One reason Mikel Arteta pushed for Hincapié’s signing is his adaptability — both tactically and culturally. After his move to Germany at just 19, Hincapié quickly picked up German and became fluent enough to communicate with teammates and coaches. His English is also strong, which will help him settle quickly in North London. For a young defender, this level of maturity and professionalism is rare.
4. He Can Play in Multiple Defensive Roles
Hincapié is naturally a left-footed center-back, but that barely scratches the surface of his versatility. At Bayer Leverkusen, he played as a left-back, center-back in a back three, and even filled in on the right when needed. His composure on the ball, positional awareness, and tactical intelligence make him an ideal fit for Arteta’s fluid defensive system. Expect to see him rotate across positions as needed.
5. He Turned Down Real Madrid to Join Arsenal
Now for the shocker: multiple reports suggest that Real Madrid showed serious interest in Hincapié over the past year. However, the defender turned down informal talks with the Spanish giants in favor of Arsenal. Why? Because he believed in the club’s project, valued Mikel Arteta’s vision, and saw a clearer path to regular first-team football. That level of commitment and belief in Arsenal is exactly what fans love to see.
Conclusion
Piero Hincapié isn’t just another signing — he’s a bold investment in Arsenal’s future. With his mix of street-born toughness, European experience, and tactical flexibility, he could be a cornerstone of the defense for years to come. Keep an eye on him — he’s just getting started.