Linda Caicedo: Colombia’s secret weapon for 2024 Olympics | OneFootball

Linda Caicedo collects a loose ball just inside the area. In what seems like one swift motion, she shifts it to her left foot and arrows it into the corner. The Estadio Américo Montanini, one of the venues for the 2022 Copa América Femenina, has witnessed a moment. It’s a moment that sends the home nation into raptures and etches Caicedo’s name into even greater historical prominence.

The goal against Argentina takes Colombia into the final in their homeland. Perhaps even more significantly, it sends them to the 2024 Olympics. This summer will see Las Chicas Superpoderosas compete at the Games for the third time, and this time they’re determined to make their mark.

From dramatic qualification to arriving in France

A lot of water has gone under the bridge since that memorable moment in 2022. Caicedo has become a global superstar with a move to Real Madrid rewarding her sparkling form for Deportivo Cali. Mayra Ramírez shone for Levante and is now leading the line for Chelsea. Catalina Usme’s legendary status has also continued to grow.

Colombia’s development continued with an eye-catching showing at the 2023 World Cup. They topped their group and produced a stunning 2-1 win over Germany along the way. Victory over Jamaica in the Round of 16 was followed by a narrow defeat to England in the quarter-finals.

A run to the CONCACAF Gold Cup quarter-finals followed earlier this year. Exit to the USA was no disgrace and this team are ready to go again in France.

Ángelo Marsiglia has done a fantastic job with Colombia since taking over in January 2023. The 38-year-old has pushed the absolute best out of his team and has them playing to their strengths. Work rate is high on his agenda and he has the players to match that vision. They could well be tough opponents to beat and a threat on the counter-attack.

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Key player Linda Caicedo

The aforementioned Linda Caicedo is the out-and-out star of this team. From enrolling in a boys only academy in her homeland at the age of five, to signing for Real Madrid last year, it’s been quite the journey.

At the age of 14, Caicedo scored in the Colombian league finals for América de Cali. She also finished as the league’s top scorer, with seven goals in seven games.

Her time at Deportivo Cali made the big European clubs take notice and Real Madrid swooped in, with Caicedo still only 18 at the time. In November 2023, Caicedo was awarded the ‘Golden Girl’ award for the best female U21 footballer playing in Europe.

Goals in the 2023 World Cup only enhanced her reputation and she could well shine once more this summer.

What to expect from Colombia

Colombia will relish upsetting the big guns of the group in France and Canada. Even if those games don’t produce wins, a victory against New Zealand could hand them progress. A first ever Olympics win is attainable for this ever improving group.

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