Linda Caicedo, the first female soccer galactic from Colombia

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

For the best. While Colombian women’s football experienced a belated boom with the launch of its championship in 2017, the Tricolore reached the final of the last two tournaments mentioned. Prowess to which Linda Caicedo is far from a stranger given that she won the title of best under 17 player and that of golden boot on the continental scene.

First international cloak at 14 years old

But she keeps calm. “You don’t have to believe it too much. I remain aware of the fact that I haven’t won any major trophies yet and that I’m only at the beginning”, he stated on the FIFA website. However, the nugget has been shining in the Colombian league for some time.

Just from the summer of 2019 and from his thunderous debut with America de Cali at just 14 years old. In her first season at the top level, Linda Caicedo stood out as top scorer in a championship she won, scoring in the final. Enough to convince the national coach, Nelson Abadia, to open the doors of Serie 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 achieves it. She has such a way of thinking and acting that one might think she is older”proudly stated atAFP extension his father Mauro.

Even when diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2020, forcing her to play in a wig due to chemotherapy, Linda Caicedo showed impressive resilience to overcome the disease and win a new title with fellow Cali club Deportivo just a year after the operation.

Magician at Real Madrid

Enough to attract the attention of the bigger clubs, which 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, a AS last January.

When he arrives at Madrid airport to sign with Real, La Cafetera is greeted by dozens of Spanish journalists. A mania 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 very appreciated by the fans”confirms Laia Cervello Herrero, Spanish journalist for The Athletic.

“It’s difficult for Real to attract a player like Linda because the project isn’t as developed as at Barça. Anything that can help close the gap with their rivals is being examined.”

Laia Cervello Herrero, Spanish journalist

to franceinfo: sports

Starter since his arrival, the rookie has met expectations with an honorable record (2 goals and 4 offers in 10 games). Enough to get to the World Cup with confidence. Linda Caicedo will try to guide her there towards the eighth, where she could meet her club mates, the French Sandie Toletti and Naomie Feller.