Cucho Hernández entered a top 5 with Messi and CR7 that you won't believe

While many questioned Néstor Lorenzo's decision to call up Juan Camilo 'Cucho' Hernández to the Colombian national team, the numbers don't lie. The Colombian striker has been quietly climbing the ranks of the world's best, rubbing shoulders with the likes of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.

The CIES Football Observatory has released a ranking of the world's top forwards outside of Europe's top five leagues. And who do we find in the top five? None other than our very own Cucho Hernández, coming in at a remarkable fourth place. Ahead of him are only Messi, Benzema, and Ronaldo.

MLS Striker Challenges Football's Biggest Names

This ranking takes into account a variety of factors, including goals scored, assists provided, and overall performance. It's a testament to Hernández's consistent brilliance in MLS that he has been able to place himself in such elite company.

The Colombian's inclusion in this list is a major feather in the cap for Colombian football. It shows that even without playing in one of Europe's top leagues, it's possible to compete with the very best in the world. Hernández's success is also a boost for MLS, which has been steadily gaining respect as a top-tier league.

So, the next time you hear someone questioning Cucho Hernández's ability, just point them to this ranking. The Colombian striker is proving that he belongs among the footballing elite.