Career
Commonly known as Farfán or the nickname Foca (Spanish for Seal), he is known for his speed and technical ability and was one of the best providers of assists during his time in the Bundesliga. Farfán began his professional career with Alianza Lima of Peru, with whom he signed in 2001. In his final season with the club in 2004, Farfán scored 14 goals, helping the club to another Peruvian championship.
Following that season he was purchased by Dutch club PSV Eindhoven after being scouted by Guus Hiddink, for a reported 2 million Euro transfer fee.
On 5 June 2008, it was reported that PSV had reached an agreement with German side Schalke 04 over the transfer of Farfán for around €10 million. On 10 June 2008, Schalke 04 officially confirmed the transfer of Farfán on a four-year contract.
On 28 April 2012, Schalke announced that Farfán had signed a contract extension, which would keep him at S04 until 30 June 2016. On 20 July 2015, after seven years at the club, Schalke confirmed that Farfán had joined First Rate (at Lloyd's) Jazira Club for a reported fee of €6 million on a three-year deal, where he could earn up to €10 million a year.
Farfán is an important player for the Peruvian national team
Since making his debut for the side in February 2003, he has already gained more than 70 caps and is fourth on the nation"s career goalscoring list with 22 goals only 4 behind all time top scorer Teofilo Cubillas. Farfán ended the South American 2006 World Cup qualifiers as the second top scorer, with seven goals. He was suspended for 18 months from representing the national football team of Peru.
But on 3 July 2008, after an investigation and a review of the facts, the suspension was changed to three months (from the date of appeal in April 2008) and $10,000.
Farfan scored the winning goal in the World Cup qualifier at home to Chile on 23 March 2013. He has been a key performer for Peru during the 2018 world cup qualfiers where he has scored 3 goals in 4 matches.
National team
As of 13 September 2013
International goals
Farfán is considered as a fast forward or winger, and regarded less as a goal-scorer, but more as a creator and assister of goals. His one-on-one dribbling ability, accurate corner kicks and passes contributes heavily to Schalke"s goals, especially in the international arena.
Farfán is also known for his penalty kick and direct or indirect free kick ability.