Paris 2024 will mark Colombia’s third Olympic Games with a women’s football team competing, and this summer, Las Chicas will be looking to make history by advancing past the group stage for the first time ever.
Although they didn’t qualify for the last Olympic Games in Tokyo, Colombia made a significant impact in both the 2012 London and 2016 Rio tournaments.
While they didn’t reach the quarter-finals in those editions, Colombia brings a sense of flair and passion to the international stage unlike any other team. Having reached the quarter-finals in the 2023 World Cup, Colombia has shown they are a team to watch at this summer’s Games.
Las Chicas are an exciting and flamboyant team that relies on passion and unwavering spirit to overcome each challenge they face. These qualities will be invaluable in their group games this summer against New Zealand, hosts France, and reigning champions Canada.
Players to Watch
One player who impressed in last year’s World Cup, bursting onto the scene, was Linda Caicedo.
The 19-year-old forward embodies excitement and flair, and both Colombian fans and neutral spectators delight in watching her play.
Her speed, agility, and ability to leave defenders trailing in her wake make her one of Colombia’s most dangerous and unpredictable assets. Opponents will be wary of facing her on the field.
Also on the radar of opposing teams this summer will be the more experienced Mayra Ramírez.
Chelsea FC’s dynamic midfielder dictates games in ways that astound when she steps on the pitch.
Ramírez can position herself up top as a target, ready to increase her goal-scoring numbers, but also surprises with her impressive footwork and dribbling abilities. A playmaker for the ages, she is certainly a formidable force for Colombia alongside Caicedo.
New leadership: head coach’s first tournament
Angelo Marsiglia took over as head coach of the Colombia women’s team following the departure of Nelson Abadía last year.
Though he has had relatively little time to establish himself as the new manager, he previously served as the assistant head coach, providing continuity to the team.
At 38, Marsiglia is one of the younger managers leading a team at the Games this summer, but he insists his team “always wants to win.”
Having been part of the coaching staff that experienced heartbreak in the 2022 Copa America final against Brazil, Marsiglia is no stranger to the highs and lows of international football. Together with his players, he hopes to make history in Paris.
Group games schedule
Colombia will kick off their tournament against host nation France on Thursday, 25 July, before taking on New Zealand and the current gold-medal holders Canada on 28 and 31 July, respectively.
Throughout the tournament, we will be providing daily coverage with match reports and features for each team. You can also watch all the Olympic action on BBC in the UK or Discovery+.
Full squad
Goalkeepers: Catalina Pérez, Katherine Tapia
Defenders: Carolina Arias, Daniela Caracas, Manuela Vanegas, Jorelyn Carabalí, Daniela Arias, Yirleidis Minota, Ángela Barón
Midfielders: Daniela Montoya, Leicy Santos, Marcela Restrepo, Liana Salazar, Ilana Izquierdo
Forwards: Catalina Usme, Linda Caicedo, Manuela Paví, Mayra Ramírez
Reserves: Sandra Sepúlveda, Lady Andrade, Wendy Bonilla, María Camila Reyes
Featured image courtesy of Niek van Son via Flickr. No changes were made to this image. License details found here.