Linda Caicedo, the first galactic of women’s football from Colombia

A prodigy. Against South Korea on Tuesday, July 25, Linda Caicedo will take part in her fourth international competition of the year with Colombia. At 18, the striker is already indisputable in the eyes of her federation, which did not hesitate to take her to the U20 World Cup, the U17 World Cup and even the Copa America with the first team at the end of 2022.

For the best. While Colombian women’s football experienced a late boom with the launch of its championship in 2017, the Tricolor reached the final of the last two tournaments mentioned. Feats of arms to which Linda Caicedo is far from being a stranger since she won the title of best player in the under-17s and that of the golden shoe on the continental scene.

First international cape at 14

But she keeps a cool head. “You shouldn’t believe it too much. I remain aware that I haven’t won any major trophies yet and that I’m only at the very beginning”, she stated on the FIFA website. However, the nugget has been shining in the Colombian league for a while.

Precisely since the summer of 2019 and his thunderous debut with America de Cali at just 14 years old. In her first season at the top level, Linda Caicedo distinguished herself by finishing top scorer in a championship that she won, scoring in the final. Enough to convince the national coach, Nelson Abadia, to open the doors of the A to him.

“Linda was born with the gift of being a girl who, whatever she asks of God, gives herself the means to achieve it and succeeds. She has a way of thinking and acting such that one would think that she is older”proudly affirmed to theAFP his father Mauro.

Even when she was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2020, forcing her to play in a wig due to her chemotherapy, Linda Caicedo displayed an impressive capacity for resilience to overcome the disease and win a new title with Cali’s other club, Deportivo, barely a year after her operation.

Figurehead at Real Madrid

Enough to attract the attention of the biggest clubs, who are already planning for February 25, 2023, the date of the 18th anniversary of the phenomenon, which must wait for its majority before committing abroad. “His transfer will make headlines around the world”predicted his agent, Cisco Terreros, to AS last January.

When she arrives at Madrid airport to sign with Real, La Cafetera is greeted by dozens of Spanish journalists. A craze never seen for a player. “It’s an important transfer, not only for me, but also for women’s football”she lets go. “Seeing a nugget choose Real over another team was really appreciated by the fans”confirms Laia Cervello Herrero, Spanish journalist for The Athletic.

“It’s difficult for Madrid to attract a player like Linda because the project is not as developed as at Barca. Anything that can help bridge the gap with the rivals is scrutinized.”

Laia Cervello Herrero, Spanish journalist

at franceinfo: sport

Holder from his arrival, the rookie has met expectations with an honorable record (2 goals and 4 offerings in 10 games). Enough to come to the World Cup with confidence. Linda Caicedo will try to guide hers there towards the eighth, where she could cross paths with her club partners, the French Sandie Toletti and Naomie Feller.