Piero Hincapie: A Journey from Childhood Dreams to Football Glory

Mayra Reyna and Jesus Hincapie celebrated the arrival of their son Piero at the start of the 2002 FIFA World Cup year, little knowing that 20 years later, he would not only participate in the FIFA World Cup but also rise to become a football icon for Ecuador. Growing up with his siblings Miguel and Felicia Hincapie, Piero embraced football as his destiny from the age of seven, leading him to join local clubs such as Escuela Refinería, Emelec, and Barcelona.

This article delves into Piero Hincapie’s early career and rise in football, offering insights into his personality, net worth, ethnicity, and religious background. It also sheds light on his roots and upbringing, including the strong family bonds he shares with extended family members like his cousin Stéfano Tello and grandmother Martin Reyna. Without further ado, let’s explore Piero Hincapie’s intriguing journey.

Preamble:

We begin Piero Hincapie’s biography by telling you about notable events of his childhood and early life. Next, we take you through his early career journey with the Barcelona Esmeraldas. Finally, this detailed memoir explains how Martin rose to fame in Bundeglisa.

We hope to whet your autobiography appetite as it engages you with reading Piero Hincapie’s biography. To begin doing that, let’s unveil a photo gallery that tells his life story. From the little boy who is a great fan of the Emelec to creating a name for himself in his career.

Everybody knows Hincapie as one of Bayer Leverkusen’s best Defenders, one of the brains behind Xabi Alonso‘s successful team. He is a Star of Ecuador’s Golden Generation and is regarded as one of the most promising Defenders of his generation.

Despite the accolades to his name, only a few football lovers have read Piero Hincapie’s Biography. Thus, we have put this article together just for you. Without wasting your time, let’s begin.

Piero Hincapié’s Childhood Story:

For Biography starters, he uses the nickname; “The Wall”. His full name is Piero Martín Hincapie Reyna. The midfielder was born on the 9th of January 2002 to his father, Jesus Hincapie, and his mother, Mayra Reyna, in Ecuador.

The footballer is the last child of the three kids in his parent’s marriage. His birth was the end of an expanding family. Before we go further, Piero Hincapie’s parents are in the image.

Growing-Up Years:

Piero Hincapie’s childhood story is rooted in the vibrant coastal city of Esmeraldas, Ecuador. Born the youngest of three siblings, Martin grew up in a family that cherished unity and hard work. From a young age, his parents have always made him feel special and loved.

Like many children in Esmeraldas, Piero found joy and solace in playing football on the sun-drenched streets with his friends and siblings. As the last child of the home, he was pampered a lot. However, Piero Hincapie’s parents didn’t let the love spoil his attitude.

As he grew older and more successful, Piero always remembered his roots. He often speaks of his hometown with pride. And credits his family and community for shaping him into the person and athlete he is today. The last child’s story is a testament to the power of dreams and determination.

Early Childhood:

How did the Ecuador-born go into football? Piero Hincapie’s Father, Jesus, was a former footballer. He had an early career in Esmeraldas, and Don Hincapie (as his friends call him) is a die-hard fan of the Emelec.

Hence, Jesus Hincapie’s children became great lovers of the Electricians (what fans of the Emelec teams are called). According to an interview, young Piero began playing football with his friends in a makeshift indoor game with two stones as the goalpost on the streets of Esmeraldas.

We can imagine that, in the beginning, Piero Hincapie’s older brother also joined the early games. In contrast, the same can’t be said about his sister, who is focused on what girls do. But from the streets in his hometown, Martin began to make football a lifetime career.

Piero Hincapie Family Background:

The above sections show that Perio Hincapoe’s family is filled with love and pure joy. However, how did they sustain themselves? We will begin with the patriarch of the home- Don Hincapie.

There is no clear information on the type of job that Piero Hincapie’s father did for a living. But we know that he had a career as a footballer. However, he might not have made money from it since it ended early.

When we check the most prominent jobs in Ecuador, we see the agriculture and oil industries taking the lead. Thus, we can conclude that Piero Hincapie’s father had a formal job or had a business for himself. That was how he was able to care for himself, his wife and three kids.

What about Piero Hincapie’s mother? Mayra Reyna held the home with her excellent woman skills. Alongside her only daughter, they kept the house clean and cooked delicious meals for her children. Did you know that her last child said his mom was the only one who could prepare his food to his taste?

Simply put, Piero Hincapie’s family were not so wealthy, and neither were they poor. However, they still needed to improve their ability to live. Hence, there is a need for their son to make a career out of football.

Family Origin:

The footballer comes from the Southern American part of the world. Piero Hincapie was born in Esmeraldas, Ecuador. We assume that is also where his parents were born, thanks to the origin of their names. So, it solidifies Ecuadorian nationality.

What are the beautiful things to know about Perio Hincapie’s hometown? It is often called the “Green Province” due to its lush landscapes. Esmeraldas is home to the Cayapas-Mataje Ecological Reserve, one of the tallest mangrove forests in the world.

Ethnicity:

Piero Hincapie is from Esmeraldas, Ecuador, a region known for its significant Afro-Ecuadorian population. The Afro-Ecuadorian community has a rich cultural history in the area, contributing significantly to the region’s music, dance, and traditions.

Education:

The little pussy in the house (as Perio Hincapie’s father calls him) went to the Refinería school in the city of Esmeraldas. For his secondary-level education, he attended Complejo Independiente del Valle School. In making his family proud, the footballer graduated with honours.

Despite his football career, it was beautiful that he wasn’t sidetracked and fell out of school. And what was more instrumental in his academic success was the mantra of the learning institution. The motto was, “If you don’t study, you won’t play.” Those words spanned even the dullest pupil into action.

Piero Hincapie Biography – Football Story:

The little Ecuadorian began his career at the tender age of seven. Martin was playing for the local clubs in his hometown. He wasn’t just playing but was a champion on his team at the Barcelona SC academy. See Piero as he poses with his trophy.

After playing with the Escuela Refinería, Emelec and Barcelona in the 2012/ 2013 season, he left for Norte América. The new club was in Guayaquil, which was very far from home. It would take more than 6 hours to get there from Piero Hincapie’s hometown in Esmeraldas.

At this period, the last child in the Hincapie family was just ten years old. Allowing the little boy away from their sight was very heartbreaking, especially for Mayra Reyna (Piero Hincapie’s mother). It was how Alex Baena and his mother felt when he left home for Villareal. Nonetheless, his parents were very helpful and supportive.

In order to cope with the loss they were feeling, Piero Hincapie’s family put out a routine. They called their child every blessed day and visited him in 2weeks. It didn’t make up for the way they missed him, but it was a temporary solution to the distance problem.

Road to Fame Story:

Two years later, Martin, after playing for Norte America, left for Deportivo Azogues. After three years with them, he settled in Quito to play for Independiente del Valle. He made his debut in November 2016; at this point, Piero was going further away from home.

After playing with impressive performance, the coaches promoted the centre-back to the first team. The Ecuadorian left for the under-20 with Moisés Caicedo (Defensive Midfield). During this season and the transfer period, Hincapie was only 16.

To top the icing on the cake, the Esmeralda native was among the team that brought home the U-20 Copa Libertadores. Because of his efforts in the games, he was pushed further to the B team. This victory marked the end of his youth career.

While he was leaving for the reserve team, Gonzalo Plata (Right Winger) was going to the main squad. Slowly but steadily, Martin, the last child of the Hincapie family, was getting closer to achieving his childhood dreams. That’s not the only thing that was happening in his life.

Piero got to represent his country in the Ecuador U15s in 2017. And became the captain at the under-17 level and joined in the South American championship in Peru. As well as among the teams for the World Cup in Brazil.

Piero Hincapie Biography – Rise to Fame Story:

In 19/20, on the 1st of Jan 2020, Hincapie became part of the Independiente del Valle main squad. After appearing in three games, he left for the shores of Argentina in a five-year deal with Primera División side Talleres.

In August 2020, he arrived at the same time as Francis Mac Allister (Defensive Midfield), who is Alexis Mac Allister‘s brother. The South American, however, stayed only for a year before he made a move to greater heights. After 14 games, the defender caught the eye of the German team.

However, before accepting the deal, Piero Hincapie’s father speculated that clubs from the European League indicated interest in his abilities. He even dropped a hint that Real Madrid was bidding for his son, but it wasn’t enough to convince Talleres. And so it was Bayer Leverkusen that won the top contract.

Hincapie is currently a teammate of Jonathan Tah (Centre-Back), who holds the defence area. He is also teammates with Jeremie Frimpong (Right-Back), Granit Xhaka (Defensive Midfield), who came in from Arsenal, Florian Wirtz (Attacking Midfield), and Victor Boniface (Centre-Forward), who left Union Saint Gilloise. Let’s not forget the rising Argentine, Exequiel Palacios. Under the management of Xabi Alonso, Bayer is topping the Bundeglisa.

At the same time, in his international games, the former captain joined the senior Ecuador team in June 2021. Fast forward to the 2020 football year, Hincapie made the list of South Americans attending the 2022 FIFA World Cup with Enner Valencia (CF), Pervis Estupinan (LB), etc. It was heartwarming that Piero Hincapie’s family were there to support one of their own.

At the time of writing Piero Hincapie’s biography, the centre-back was regarded as Bayer Leverkusen’s rough diamond. Even though he has much to work on his playing style, he is still swift, technically sound and tactically intelligent. And soon, we will see Martin the South American making headlines like Sergio Ramos, his idol. And the rest is the story, they said.

Who is Jossmery Toledo?

Once footballers rise to fame, it is challenging for them to keep their personal lives a secret. Mainly because they start dating people who are famous or linked to showbiz. However, despite the several times that Piero had fully stated he had no girlfriend, there have been assumptions about the ladies whom he stated.

Firstly, Jossmery Toledo, who is from Peru and a reality star, was said to be Piero Hincapie’s girlfriend. Research shows she is a former police officer. The speculation about a relationship came to light when she posted photos on her Instagram after a vacation.

However, the centre-back has been silent about the flying rumours. Instead, Jossmerry came to debunk the story and said they were just friends. The Peru lady said she is hurt because Martin is being listed as her boyfriend even when they weren’t dating.

It wasn’t long before Ecuador’s En Contacto program revealed that Hincapie was dating fashion influencer Bianca Fariña. After they alleged the pair spent the end of the year together and enjoyed a jet ski with the footballer.

However, the Bayer Leverkusen teammate clearly stated they were just friends. And they both have no romantic relationship whatsoever. As sad as these allegations are, they could mar the excellent reputation of an individual. Until both parties confirm it, Piero Hincapie has no girlfriend.

Personal Life:

One of the activities the Ecuadorian native loves to engage in is exercise. Working out his core muscles and stamina is one of his most loved fields of life.

Martin also loves to spend his time with his dog and his family. Since there is no wag in the picture, Piero Hincapie hangs out regularly with his parents and siblings. Notwithstanding that, he was away from them at the young age of 10. Hence, the goleador uses every opportunity to catch up with activities.

Did you know Piero’s favourite food is the Tapado Arrecho and Blue Crabs? The former Barcelona Esmeraldas player said only his mom can prepare the dish the way he likes. Apart from eating good meals, the centre-back uses the calming nature of water to soothe his soul.

Lifestyle:

The ever-evolving Ecuador-born footballer is vital to Bayer Leverkusen’s success. As a professional centre-back, Hincapie stands out for his remarkable ability to maintain focus and lead a disciplined lifestyle on and off the field.

It is something Piero Hincapie’s parents have imbibed in their three children. Hence, we are not surprised that “The Wall” shares no clips or videos of his buildings or cars. It is not as though he is incapable of getting those kinds of stuff.

However, it is with certainty that the player has all those luxuries but chooses not to showcase them. Instead, Piero is living a very oof-the-gram lifestyle. Any information he doesn’t want will not be shared with anyone.

Piero Hincapie Family Life:

The presence of a household suggests a supportive personal life, which provides a balance to his career. From the video below, we know that Piero Hincapie’s family are always very supportive of their brother and child.

However, the player gives limited public information about his household. It is worth noting that they played an essential role in his career as a sportsman. Follow along for details about the Champ’s family life.

About Piero Hincapie’s Father:

Piero Hincapie’s father, who is affectionately called Don Hincapie, has a deep passion for football, particularly for the Emelec team. Emelec is one of Ecuador’s most famous football clubs, known for its rich sporting history and dedicated support base.

Don Hincapie’s love for the team showcases the family’s strong connection to the sport. And this likely influenced Piero’s own path to becoming a professional footballer. This shared enthusiasm for football, and Emelec is a significant part of the Hincapie family’s life and culture.

During a game that his son had with his favourite team, Piero scored a goal against them. The last child said he was sad about the match but was happy that he netted a goal. Despite the footballer’s shortcomings, his father was always by his side.

About Piero Hincapie’s Mother:

Mayra Reyna is known for her culinary magic, especially when it comes to whipping up Piero’s favourite dishes: the sumptuous Tapado Arrecho and the delectable Blue Crabs. Her love shines through these cherished meals’ vibrant flavours and rich aromas, creating heartwarming family moments centred around the dinner table.

It was very heartbreaking when her last baby left home at the age of 10. Imagine how sad and confusing it was to leave him to go outside her guidance and loving eyes. In order to cope, Piero Hincapie’s mother would always visit every two weeks. And before then, they (his parents) would always call daily.

Thankfully, Martin didn’t disappoint them but never left the training she had given him. And now that whenever he had any free time, Piero would hang out and put a smile on her face, including planting so many kisses on her cheeks to reassure her of his love.

About Piero Hincapie’s Brother:

As the older brother, Miquel was Piero’s first playmate, protector, and friend. From their earliest days, their bond was unmistakable, filled with laughter, shared secrets, and countless hours playing in their hometown’s warm, sunlit streets.

Spirited football matches marked their childhood. With a makeshift ball, the two brothers would dart through the alleys, their feet kicking up dust and their laughter echoing off the walls. Betto, being older and perhaps wiser, often lets Piero score the winning goal, seeing the sparkle of joy in his younger brother’s eyes.

As they grew, their roles evolved. Miguel Hincapie became not just a brother but a mentor to Piero, guiding him through the trials of adolescence. They shared dreams under the starlit sky, speaking of future triumphs and adventures. When Piero showed extraordinary talent and passion for football, Betto was his staunchest supporter. Cheering the loudest from the sidelines, his shouts of encouragement lost in the crowd’s roar.

Their paths diverged as they stepped into adulthood, with Piero’s journey taking him into the professional world of football. Yet, the distance did nothing to lessen the bond. They remained each other’s confidant, celebrating successes and facing challenges together. Betto watched with pride as Piero’s hard work and dedication led him to international acclaim.

About Piero Hincapie’s Sister:

The Hincapie siblings grew up with Piero and his older sister, Felicia Hincapie, forming an inseparable bond. The town folk often saw the siblings sharing joy and laughter, becoming a familiar and endearing sight in the community.

From the earliest days of childhood, Piero’s sister was more than just a sibling. She was his confidante and defender in times of trouble and understood his dreams. While Piero would be out playing football fervently, his sister would cheer him on.

As they grew older, the bond only deepened. Her belief in him was unwavering, her support a constant pillar in his life. Even as he achieved fame and success, Piero, his sister, remained his touchstone, who kept him grounded and connected to his roots.

Their relationship was beautiful, a testament to familial love and support. During festivities, they were the duo everyone admired, dancing to the rhythms of the marimba, their movements synchronized, a physical manifestation of their lifelong bond. And in quiet times, they were often seen sitting together, their silent understanding speaking volumes.

Piero Hincapie’s Relatives:

Did you know that the South American footballer was given his second name, Martin, in honour of his grandmother? And it is Piero Hincapie’s mother, whose name was Martin as well. Since she passed out way before he was born there is no information about her, nonetheless we can guess that she would have loved him so much.

Piero Hincapie’s cousin is Stéfano Tello. There is no doubt that the two must have been close and enjoyed each other’s company. True to this fact is when a tragic incident occurred sometime in 2023. More details about it are revealed below.

Untold Facts:

In the final section of this biography, we’re going to delve deeper into the life of this captivating footballer. Let’s not wait any longer and explore the intriguing aspects of Piero Hincapie, the outstanding player from Ecuador.

Piero Hincapie’s Salary:

The left-back’s contract with Bayer Leverkusen came with a transfer fee worth €6.35m. This means the Bundeglisa footballer’s earnings were bound to increase as well. And so in the 23/24 season, Piero Hincapie’s weekly payments are €40,000. The annual gross amount is €2,080,000 per year.

Piero Hincapie’s FIFA:

The former Norte América centre-back is in the mould of David Alaba and Nathan Ake, who prides themselves as a versatile defenders. Martins’ acceleration, sprint, and agility are well above 70 marks. In comparison, his defending skills show green, which means he has a ready-to-go personality on the pitch. And it is no wonder the Sergio Ramos adore is rated 79 per cent with an 80 potential rating.

Piero Hincapie’s Religion:

Don Hincapie (Piero Hincapie’s father) is an ardent Christian. He is also deeply devoted to Saint Martin de Porres, known as the saint of humility. This spiritual dedication is passed down to his son, who reflects this reverence by kneeling and offering gratitude before each game, regardless of the result.

Piero, deeply impacted by the outcomes of his games, expresses his emotions profoundly. Sometimes, he even cries when his team loses, as noted by his father. His father gifted him a Sacred Heart of Jesus card to provide comfort and guidance, which Piero cherishes and carries as a sentimental and guiding token.

Piero Hincapie’s Cousin was kidnapped:

Stéfano Tello was taken and held captive for five days. The police chief in Esmeraldas, General Fausto Buenaño, mentioned that Tello was released at night in a hard-to-reach area. Tello paid a large sum of money to secure his cousin’s release.

Later, one of the men who kidnapped Tello’s cousin, 28-year-old Freddy VG, was arrested. However, he was found dead a few days after the arrest. He was one of the two people involved in the kidnapping. General Fausto Buenaño confirmed this news. Lately, it seems that the relatives of many soccer players are becoming targets for theft and other crimes.

Piero Hincapie’s Tattoos:

It might be surprising that Bayer Leverkusen’s left-back, known for his public displays of faith, has chosen such a path. Yet, Piero Martin Hincapie demonstrates that true worship is a matter of the heart, beyond just external appearances. This is evident from the tattoos he sports on his left hand.

The South American joins players like Lionel Messi, Dutch starlet Memphis Depay (CF), Neymar (LW), and Nicolas Otamendi, all of whom have embraced body art. Notably, Sergio Ramos, whom Piero admires greatly as a football idol, also has tattoos.

How Rich is Piero Hincapie?

To understand the worth of the payments of the U-20 Copa Libertadores 2020 winner, we need to compare his earnings to his fellow citizens. According to reports from Rmoti, an average Ecuadorian makes 1,360 USD monthly. In contrast, Piero is paid 43,764 United States Dollars each week.

This, therefore, means that the person has to work for more than ten years to get the monthly income of the footballer. Imagine the wide margin in earnings; indeed, Hincapie has risen from the ground to the top in his financials.

End Note:

Piero Martín Hincapie Reyna, known by nicknames like “The Wall” and “Mister,” was born in Ecuador on January 9, 2002, to Jesus Hincapie and Mayra Reyna. As the youngest of three children, his birth marked the completion of their family. A photo showing Piero’s parents accompanies his early life story, emphasizing his roots and family values.

Piero’s upbringing in the coastal city of Esmeraldas was filled with unity, hard work, and a love for football. Playing in the streets with friends and siblings, he embraced the game early on, influenced by his parent’s encouragement and the local passion for football. Despite being pampered as the youngest, his attitude remained grounded, and he cherished his roots and community.

Piero grew up loving football, influenced by his father, Jesus, a former footballer and an ardent fan of the Emelec team. He played makeshift games in the streets of Esmeraldas, using stones as goalposts. His love for the game deepened, becoming more than just a pastime but a potential career path.

Despite his growing football career, Piero continued his education, attending Refinería school and later Complejo Independiente del Valle School, where he graduated with honours. His commitment to his teaching and sports demonstrates his determination and well-rounded character.

Beginning at a young age, Piero’s football journey saw him playing for local clubs before joining teams like Barcelona SC Academy and later Norte América. Despite the challenges and distance from home, his family supported him with regular calls and visits. His talent and hard work eventually led him to Deportivo Azogues and then Independiente del Valle, marking significant milestones in his career.

Piero’s dedication and skill catapulted him to the main squad of Independiente del Valle and later to the prestigious teams in Argentina and Germany. His move to Bayer Leverkusen and subsequent performance on the international stage, including the Ecuadorian national team, solidified his status as a rising star in football. Aside from Piero Hincapie’s bio, we’ve got other great football stories about defenders that will tickle your interest in autobiography. The memoirs of Jean-Clair Todibo and Ezri Konsa would further excite you.

Acknowledgement:

Thank you for reading our article about one of the most promising defenders in football. Your interest and engagement mean a lot, and we are thrilled you found unending value in our continuous delivery of exciting European football stories.

Piero Hincapie’s bio is part of our Men’s football stories collection. If you have further concerns about this article, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us.