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Football Jersey Wars: Are Civil Liberties Being Sabotaged in Colombia’s Presidential Run-Off?

By Richard Emblin - June 10, 2026

During four years of Gustavo Petro’s presidential term, Colombians have witnessed the symbolic resurrection of flags and banners that many believe should be relegated to the country’s violent past. The president has brandished Simón Bolívar’s sword at political events, invoked images of the M-19 guerrilla movement of which he was once a member, and even […]

The Final Duel: Messi versus Colombia in Copa América 2024

By Taylor Lennox - July 12, 2024

Lionel Messi’s Argentina will face Colombia in the highly anticipated 2024 Copa América USA final at Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium on July 14. The match, kicking off at 8:00 PM (ET), promises a thrilling conclusion to the tournament.

Colombia’s football stadiums resound to Anti-Petro chants

By Richard Emblin - November 27, 2023

Colombia’s football stadiums have become unexpected arenas of dissent as the fervent chant ‘Fuera Petro’ echoes defiance against President Petro.

FC Liverpool striker Luiz Díaz scores a goal against Luton Town and sends emotive message to his kidnapped father, Manuel Díaz. Photo: FILE

Colombia’s ELN justifies taking Luis Díaz’s father as “economic hostage”

By The City Paper Staff - November 6, 2023

The ELN’s Pablo Beltran justified the kidnapping of Manuel Díaz, father of FC Liverpool’s Luis Díaz as an “economic hostage” of the Colombian guerrilla.

Historic! Colombia in World Cup quarter-finals against England

By The City Paper Staff - August 8, 2023

Colombia will face England on Saturday in the Women’s World Cup quarter finals after a goal by team captain Catalina Usme against Jamaica.

Colombian midfielder Freddy Rincón dead at 55 after car crash

By Richard Emblin - April 14, 2022

After two days in a coma, the result of a car crash, legendary Colombian midfielder Freddy Rincón has died at the age of 55.

Colombia loses seat as Copa America 2021 co-host

By The City Paper Staff - May 22, 2021

Despite efforts by the Colombian government to postpone the football tournament to November, all Copa America matches will be played in Argentina.

Tiempo de Juego: The life changer that begins with a game

By Richard Emblin - June 28, 2019

Esteban Reyes is the director of Tiempo de Juego, a non-profit created in 2006 to give vulnerable youth motivational and leadership skills through football.

Editorial: Showing our true colors

By Richard Emblin - July 13, 2018

On the eve of the final match of FIFA World Cup Russia, Colombia may have been ousted too early, but the tournament gave us great moments and plenty of social media vitriol.

“Respect our culture, language and race” Foreign Ministry tells Colombia fans

By The City Paper Staff - June 20, 2018

The offensive behavior by a handful of Colombia fans in World Cup Russia has been condemned on social media and by the country’s Foreign Ministry.

Colombia’s World Cup dream at risk after “draining” loss to Japan

By Jacqueline de Klerk - June 19, 2018

Not all over yet for Colombia despite a heart-wrenching loss against Japan in World Cup opener. La Selección must win against Poland to have a chance to stay in Russia.

Colombia in Russia ahead of World Cup ceremony and opener against Japan

By The City Paper Staff - June 12, 2018

Colombia’s national football team has arrived in Russia before the opening ceremony of the FIFA World Cup on June 14 and first game against Japan in Group H.

Atlético Nacional win FIFA Fair Play award for response to Chapecoense tragedy

By The City Paper Staff - January 10, 2017

At its gala award ceremony, football’s governing body FIFA recognized the Medellín team for its compassionate response to the plane crash tragedy.

A memorial to Jack Greenwell in his hometown in England

Remembering Jack Greenwell, key forgotten figure of Bogotá football

By Richard McColl - October 28, 2016

All but forgotten in Bogotá, the town of his death, football coach Jack Greenwell finally got the recognition he deserves in his hometown.

Colombian youth train for the big leagues with Alset Bolton, based in Bogotá.

Alset Bolton teaches more than football to Bogotá youth

By Jared Wade - May 21, 2016

Alset Bolton football club helps young Colombians break into the tough world of competitive sports, but it also prepares them for life beyond the pitch.

Soccer for Peace a ‘game changer’ for Colombia’s Pacific region

By Katherine Ko - December 26, 2015

For youth in the Colombian Pacific region, soccer teaches skills like teamwork and cooperation — and helps keep kids out of conflict.