Yaimar Abel Medina Ortiz (born 5 November 2004) is an Ecuadorian professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for Belgian Pro League club Genk and the Ecuador national team.
Club career Medina came through the academy at Independiente del Valle. He made his debut in the first team on 30 July 2022 against Barcelona S.C. in Ecuadorian Serie A. He scored his first league goal on 2 June 2023 in Serie A, contributing to his team's 2–0 victory over S.D. Aucas.
On 9 January 2025, Medina signed a 4.5-year contract with Genk in Belgium.
International career He was part of the Ecuador national under-20 football team that took part in the 2023 South American U-20 Championship in Colombia, in which his Ecuador side achieved fourth place, ensuring its qualification for the 2023 U-20 World Cup held in Argentina.
On 27 December 2023, he was included by coach Miguel Bravo in the Ecuador national under-23 football team. On his debut, he scored two goals against Colombia U23. He also scored again in his second match against Venezuela U20.
Medina made his debut for the senior Ecuador national team on 6 September 2024 in a World Cup qualifier against Brazil at the Estádio Couto Pereira. He substituted Pervis Estupiñán in the 85th minute, Brazil won 1–0.
On 31 May 2026, Medina was selected in the 26-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Career statistics Club
+ Appearances and goals by club, season and competitionClubSeasonLeagueNational cupContinentalOtherTotalDivisionAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsIndependiente del Valle2022Serie A502010—80202318100401023120242555060—365Total4867011010676Genk2024–25Belgian Pro League30———302025–26Belgian Pro League23010121—3612026–27Belgian Pro League3000——30Total29010121—421Career total77680231101097
International
+ Appearances and goals by national team and yearNational teamYearAppsGoalsEcuador202410202530202630Total70
Style of play Medina has played on both flanks, both deeper as a wing-back and further forward in a more attacking position.
Honours Independiente del Valle Serie A: 2021 Copa Ecuador: 2022 Supercopa Ecuador: 2023 Copa Sudamericana: 2022 Recopa Sudamericana: 2023
References
External links