Carlos Cuesta has quietly built a reputation as one of the more reliable central defenders in European football.
If you want to know what the Colombian international is actually worth — his salary, contract, and career earnings — this article covers it all in one place.
Carlos Cuesta’s Biography
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Carlos Andrés Cuesta Figueroa |
| Date of Birth | April 3, 2000 |
| Age | 26 years old |
| Nationality | Colombian |
| Height | 1.88 m (6 ft 2 in) |
| Position | Centre-Back |
| Current Club | KRC Genk (Belgium) |
| Turned Professional | 2018 |
| Estimated Net Worth | $3 million |
| Annual Salary | Approximately €1.2 million per year |
| Relationship Status | Private |
Early Life and Career
Carlos Andrés Cuesta Figueroa was born on April 3, 2000, in Colombia. He grew up in a country where football is more than a sport — it is woven into everyday life.
From a young age, Cuesta showed the kind of composure and reading of the game that coaches look for in central defenders.
He joined the youth academy at Deportivo Independiente Medellín, one of Colombia’s most respected clubs.
The setup at Medellín gave him structured training and competitive experience from an early age.
He developed his defensive instincts and aerial ability during those formative years, which became hallmarks of his later professional style.
In 2018, Cuesta made the move that would define the first chapter of his career. KRC Genk in Belgium identified him as a high-potential young defender and brought him to Europe.
Belgium’s Pro League has long served as a stepping stone for South American talent, offering a competitive but accessible environment to adapt to European football.
Cuesta embraced that challenge and quickly impressed the club’s coaching staff with his maturity and physicality.
His early years in Belgium were partly spent developing and partly on loan, allowing him to gain first-team experience while continuing to grow.
The foundation he built during this period proved crucial to everything that followed in his senior career.
Professional Career
Carlos Cuesta has spent the core of his professional career at KRC Genk. After establishing himself in the first team, he became a key figure in the club’s defensive unit.
His performances in the Belgian Pro League drew wider attention, and he earned a reputation as a technically sound, physically dominant centre-back capable of playing out from the back.
KRC Genk has consistently been a competitive force in Belgian football and has participated in UEFA European competitions. Cuesta’s involvement in those campaigns raised his profile further.
According to Transfermarkt’s profile on Carlos Cuesta, his market value has reflected steady growth consistent with his performances on the pitch.
On the international stage, Cuesta has represented the Colombian national team. Colombia’s squad is competitive and deep, making selection a genuine achievement.
He has appeared in international fixtures as part of a generation of Colombian defenders earning recognition in Europe.
His contract situation at Genk has been a point of interest for transfer watchers. Larger clubs across Europe’s top five leagues have monitored his progress.
As of 2026, he remains committed to Genk, where he continues to be one of the club’s most important defensive assets and a player with clear potential for a higher-profile move.
Carlos Cuesta’s Net Worth Details
As of 2026, Carlos Cuesta’s has an estimated net worth of $3 million.
He built this wealth primarily through his professional football contracts in Belgium, supplemented by national team appearances and modest commercial partnerships.
Contract
Carlos Cuesta is contracted to KRC Genk, a club that competes in the Belgian Pro League and participates regularly in UEFA Europa League qualifying rounds.
His current contract keeps him at the club through the 2025–26 season, with the club holding options to extend based on performance and any transfer interest.
Genk has historically been smart about player contracts, tying down promising assets before their value peaks and either benefiting from long-term service or securing a transfer fee. Cuesta’s deal reflects that philosophy.
The club invested in him early and his contract terms reward his development while protecting their asset.
Salary
Carlos Cuesta earns an estimated €1.2 million per year at KRC Genk. This figure is consistent with what senior, established players at competitive Belgian Pro League clubs typically earn.
The Belgian top flight does not match salaries in England, Spain, or Germany, but it offers respectable wages for players of Cuesta’s profile.
His salary has grown incrementally from his first professional contract. Early in his career, earnings would have been considerably lower — typical for South American players entering European football on developmental deals.
As he cemented his place in the first team, his compensation improved accordingly.
Career Earnings By Year
| Season | Club | Estimated Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 2018–19 | KRC Genk | €80,000 |
| 2019–20 | KRC Genk | €100,000 |
| 2020–21 | KRC Genk | €200,000 |
| 2021–22 | KRC Genk | €500,000 |
| 2022–23 | KRC Genk | €800,000 |
| 2023–24 | KRC Genk | €1,000,000 |
| 2024–25 | KRC Genk | €1,200,000 |
| 2025–26 | KRC Genk | €1,200,000 (est.) |
Career Statistics
| Club | Seasons | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| KRC Genk | 2018–2026 | 145+ | 6 | 4 |
| Colombia (National Team) | 2021–2026 | 15+ | 1 | 0 |
FAQs
What is Carlos Cuesta’s net worth?
Carlos Cuesta’s estimated net worth is approximately $3 million. He built this primarily through his professional contract at KRC Genk and his international appearances with Colombia.
How much does Carlos Cuesta earn per year?
Carlos Cuesta earns an estimated €1.2 million per year at KRC Genk. His salary has grown steadily as he became a first-team regular and one of the club’s key defensive players.
What club does Carlos Cuesta play for?
Carlos Cuesta plays for KRC Genk in the Belgian Pro League. He has been with the club since 2018 and remains one of their most important defenders.
Has Carlos Cuesta played for the Colombian national team?
Yes, Carlos Cuesta has represented Colombia at senior international level. He has earned over 15 caps and is part of a competitive generation of Colombian defenders playing in Europe.
What is Carlos Cuesta’s market value?
According to Transfermarkt’s valuation of Carlos Cuesta, his market value sits in the range of €10–15 million, reflecting his consistent performances and remaining contract at Genk.
