Jefferson Andrés Lerma Solís is a Colombian professional footballer who plays as a defensive midfielder or right-back for Premier League club Crystal Palace and the Colombia national team.
Born on October 25, 1994, in El Cerrito, Colombia, Lerma began his football career with Atlético Huila’s youth setup before moving to Spanish side Levante.
Here, you can follow Jefferson Lerma’s net worth, salary, career earnings, contract, stats, wife, career overview, and more.
Jefferson Lerma’s Biography
| Full name | Jefferson Andrés Lerma Solís |
| Nickname | Lermito |
| Birth date | October 25, 1994 |
| Height | 1.79 m (5 ft 10 in) |
| Birthplace | El Cerrito, Colombia |
| Nationality | Colombian |
| Current net worth | €14 million ($12.6 million) |
| Relationship status | Married |
| Wife | Karoll Osorio |
| Instagram profile | @jeffersonlerma |
He started his football journey with Atlético Huila’s youth setup and eventually made his professional debut for the club in 2013.
Lerma’s impressive performances in Colombia attracted the attention of European clubs, leading to a loan move to Spanish side Levante in 2015.
In 2018, Lerma joined Premier League side AFC Bournemouth for a club-record transfer fee of €30 million. In 2023, he signed with Crystal Palace.
Club Career
Jefferson Lerma has played for Atlético Huila, Levante, AFC Bournemouth, and Crystal Palace throughout his club career.
His significant achievements include helping Levante win the Segunda División in the 2016-17 season and playing a crucial role in Bournemouth’s promotion to the Premier League in the 2021-22 season.
International Career
Jefferson Lerma, born on October 25, 1994, in El Cerrito, Colombia, has had a significant international career representing the Colombian national team. His journey with the national side began at the 2016 Summer Olympics, where he played three matches for Colombia’s U-23 team as they reached the quarterfinals before losing to eventual champions Brazil.
Lerma made his senior debut for Colombia on November 10, 2017, in a friendly against South Korea. He quickly became a regular in the national setup and was included in Colombia’s squad for the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
During the tournament, he started all four of Colombia’s matches, including their dramatic Round of 16 clash against England, which ended in a penalty shootout defeat.
In subsequent years, Lerma represented Colombia at major tournaments such as the 2019 Copa América. He provided an assist in a group-stage win over Argentina and played key roles throughout the competition. He also scored his first international goal on October 13, 2020, in a World Cup qualifying match against Chile that ended in a 2–2 draw.
Lerma faced challenges in 2021 when he was excluded from Colombia’s Copa América squad due to personal circumstances but returned to the team later that year. In 2024, he was instrumental in Colombia’s run to the Copa América final.
Lerma scored twice during the tournament: once in a group-stage win against Paraguay and again with a decisive header in the semifinal victory over Uruguay. His performances helped Colombia secure their first final appearance since 2001.
As of October 2024, Lerma has earned over 50 caps for Colombia and scored three goals. Known for his physicality and versatility as a defensive midfielder or center-back, Lerma remains an integral part of Colombia’s national team setup.
Wife
Jefferson Lerma is married to Karoll Osorio. The couple has two children: a daughter named Sharon and a son whose name has not been disclosed.
Jefferson Lerma’s Net Worth Details
Jefferson Lerma’s net worth is estimated to be €14 million ($12.6 million) as of 2025. His earnings come from his salary as a professional footballer, endorsements, and other sources.
Contract and Salary
Jefferson Lerma joined Crystal Palace on a free transfer from Bournemouth on a three-year deal that began on July 1, 2023. His contract with Crystal Palace expires on June 30, 2026.
Jefferson Lerma earns £70,000 per week, which equates to an annual salary of £3,640,000.
Career Earnings
| Year | Weekly Wage | Annual Salary | Club |
| 2024 | £70,000 | £3,640,000 | Crystal Palace |
| 2023 | £70,000 | £3,640,000 | Crystal Palace |
| 2022 | £45,000 | £2,340,000 | Bournemouth |
| 2021 | £40,000 | £2,080,000 | Bournemouth |
| 2020 | £55,000 | £2,860,000 | Bournemouth |
| 2019 | £50,000 | £2,600,000 | AFC Bournemouth |
Boot
Jefferson Lerma wears Nike Phantom boots during his football matches.
Career Stats
| Season | Club | Matches | Goals | Assists |
| 2023/2024 | Crystal Palace | 7 | 0 | 0 |
| 2022/2023 | AFC Bournemouth | 39 | 5 | 0 |
| 2021/2022 | AFC Bournemouth | 34 | 1 | 3 |
| 2020/2021 | AFC Bournemouth | 45 | 1 | 2 |
| 2019/2020 | AFC Bournemouth | 31 | 3 | 0 |
| 2018/2019 | AFC Bournemouth | 30 | 2 | 2 |
FAQs
1. Who is Jefferson Lerma?
Jefferson Lerma is a Colombian professional footballer born on October 25, 1994. He plays as a defensive midfielder or centre-back for Crystal Palace in the Premier League and represents the Colombia national team.
2. What position does Jefferson Lerma play?
Lerma primarily plays as a defensive midfielder but is also capable of playing as a centre-back and occasionally as a central midfielder, making him a versatile option for his teams.
3. Which clubs has Jefferson Lerma played for during his career?
Lerma began his professional career at Atlético Huila in Colombia, then moved to Levante in Spain, first on loan and then permanently. He later joined AFC Bournemouth in England before signing with Crystal Palace in 2023.
4. Why did Jefferson Lerma leave Bournemouth for Crystal Palace?
Lerma chose to join Crystal Palace to continue playing in the Premier League after his contract with Bournemouth expired. He wanted to stay in England for his family and to take on a new challenge in his career.
5. What was Jefferson Lerma’s transfer fee when he joined Bournemouth?
Lerma was signed by AFC Bournemouth in August 2018 for a club-record fee of approximately €30 million, reflecting his growing reputation as a top midfielder.
6. What are some highlights of Jefferson Lerma’s international career with Colombia?
Lerma has represented Colombia at the 2016 Olympics, the 2018 FIFA World Cup, and multiple Copa América tournaments. He played key roles in Colombia’s campaigns, including scoring in World Cup qualifiers and Copa América matches.
7. How did Jefferson Lerma perform in his first season at Crystal Palace?
In his debut season with Crystal Palace, Lerma made 31 appearances and scored a memorable 30-yard goal against Chelsea. He quickly became an important part of the team’s midfield.
8. What individual awards has Jefferson Lerma received?
Lerma was named Bournemouth’s Player of the Year for the 2022/23 season, recognizing his outstanding performances and contribution to the club’s Premier League survival.
9. What is Jefferson Lerma’s playing style known for?
Lerma is known for his tough-tackling, high work rate, and physical presence in midfield. His ability to break up play and contribute defensively as well as offensively has made him a fan favorite.
10. How has Jefferson Lerma contributed to Colombia’s recent successes?
Lerma was a key player in Colombia’s run to the 2024 Copa América final, scoring important goals in the group stage and semi-final. His consistent performances helped Colombia reach the final against Argentina.
