The attacker received the ball in the rival’s pitch, went through two defenders, left behind the third one as well, cut to the centre to leave behind the fourth and then sent an accurate shot into the net to seal the score, 2-0 to America de Cali.
This description may fit goals which are being scored by Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo, but in this case, we are talking about Colombian female striker Linda Caicedo, who plays for America de Cali. Another detail that you should know is that it was her first-ever match with the senior team and that she’s only 14 years old. And yet, not many people believed that Linda would become the Cinderella of Colombian women’s football. Three months later she’ll be crowned as the top scorer of the league and lead America to its first championship title in history.
Linda Lizeth Caicedo was born on 22.2.2005 in Cali, and according to her, she loved football since she was a little girl. Unlike many other cases, she had total support from both of her parents, and on the day she told them that she wants to become a footballer, they already searched for a club for her to play. Since there was only a boys team in her neighbourhood, Caicedo started to play there and soon became as good as the boys, if not better. Later, she joined the team of Valle del Cauca department and led them to win youth national tournaments and also finish as top scorer several times. The rumour spread fast, and soon she joined America de Cali, her favourite club. Her good performances caused senior team coach, Andres Usme, to give her a chance to play in the professional league at the age of only 14, probably his best decision ever.
Caicedo made an excellent debut season and finished as the top scorer of the league along with Cortulua’s Joemar Guarecuco with seven goals each. Besides her debut goal, she scored a hattrick in the Clasico against Deportivo Cali and most importantly, the goal in the second leg of the final against Independiente Medellin, the goal which won the title eventually. Caicedo now holds a long list of records: The youngest player ever in the league, youngest to score, and the youngest to be nominated for best player of the year.
The incredible thing about her is that despite the young age, she plays and behaves on and off the pitch like a mature and experienced player. Outside the field, Caicedo also looks at other directions for the future, knowing that football won’t last forever. One of her hobbies is reading books, and in the future, she would like to study industrial engineering. But for now, football is still her main goal. “This is my dream, and I work very hard to fulfil it. I want to study in the United States one day and play football in the league there, but right now I must stay focused because I still didn’t achieve anything”, she says modestly.
The fans already call her “The Colombian Neymar” because of her similar style to the Brazilian superstar. The speed, dribbling and incredible ball control surely make her a candidate to be the feminine version of Neymar, a comparison she embraces. Her favourite female footballer is America De Cali’s captain and one of the best players of Colombia, Catalina Usme. Usme also was the one who encouraged Linda before her debut match, the same one which she scored her magnificent goal. “The things Catalina said to me gave me confidence since they were said by a person that I admire. I felt relief”, said Caicedo.
Six months ago, the Colombian professional league was in existential danger. The federation didn’t think that there’s any justification for keeping a professional league due to lack of interest. They decided to establish a semi-pro league which includes only players between the ages 16-23. Only a stubborn battle by the players made the federation continue with the professional league to its third season. And the result? Some exciting matches during three months and an average attendance of 25,000 people in both final legs.
Most importantly, a semi-professional league would likely miss players like Caicedo and Usme, due to the age rules. This story proves that there’s a place for a professional league in Colombia. Unfortunately, Caicedo won’t be able to take part in America’s campaign in the Copa Libertadores which will start next week since U-16 footballers aren’t allowed to play in the competition.
Meanwhile, FIFA accepted Colombia’s bid to host the 2023 Women World Cup, and it can be a fantastic opportunity to watch Caicedo in the most prestigious tournament in front of her fans. She was invited to several national team camps but still not to an official match. After the past several months, that invitation is a matter of time, although she may play first in the youth national teams. The future is bright for Caicedo and don’t be surprised if you’ll see her starring in the next couple of years in Europe or the United States. “The Colombian Neymar” wants to keep making history, and she has what it takes to do just that.