Career
He played 49 times for the Colombia national team scoring 12 goals and is the top Colombian player in the IFFHS"s rank of South American Player of the Century. Ortiz started his illustrious career at striker in 1971 in the youth system of Millonarios, made his first team debut against Internacional de Porto Alegre scoring the game-winning goal. In 1980, Willington or "El Viejo Willy" (Spanish for Old Willy) as he became known as, was transferred to and played for "Los Azucareros" for three seasons.
Nonetheless this two seasons drew him plenty of attention for his notable play against South American Football giants River Plate of Argentina.
Play which included a memorable goal against a popular goalkeeper of said era, Ubaldo Fillol. He was one of the best football players of his time.
He was even recognized by king Pele. He possessed an amazing mix of speed and technique, similar to other stars like Pele, Maradona, Messi and the unmistakable Ronaldinho.
He formed part of what some believed was an ultra defensive team but in 1983 alone Ortiz and fellow striker Juan Mauel Battaglia combined for 40 goals.
Willington formed part of America de Cali sides that where so explosive America De Cali went on to be known as "Louisiana Mechita"(Literally meaning in English "The Fuse" like that of bottle-rocket firework). Ortiz played for the Colombia Olympic team at the 1972 Summer Olympics. He played in three editions of Copa América in 1975, 1979 and 1983 reaching the final in 1975.