At the age of 15, Linda Caicedo, the forward of the Colombian team in the Women’s World Cup, received a devastating diagnosis. She had ovarian cancer.
Caicedo had already made his professional debut, with América de Cali, and the Colombian absolute.
The news threatened to end his career.
“What I remember was that I had to have surgery one day and I felt very bad,” said Caicedo. “I thought I would not return to top-level football.”
Nelson Abadía, the coach of the Colombian team, was in charge of encouraging him in a telephone conversation.
“He told me to relax, that you’re going to come back,” recalled the Real Madrid striker.
Today, she is one of the best youth soccer players in the world.
At 18, Caicedo is preparing for her debut in a women’s World Cup. Colombia will face South Korea in Sydney on Tuesday.
And he left a message for those who fight against cancer: “I am an example that this can be overcome.”
Tuesday’s game could also mark the World Cup debut for Casey Phair, a 16-year-old striker for South Korea. Born to a Korean mother and an American father, Phair grew up in the United States. He is not expected to start. If she steps onto the court, she will become the earliest player in a World Cup match, be it men’s or women’s.
“We’re going day by day,” South Korea coach Collin Bell said Monday when asked about Phair. “I really don’t want the expectations to be unreasonable for a player that young without even making her debut.”
While Phair’s presence is in doubt, Caicedo is fixed in Colombia, key to his options. She represents the potential of women’s soccer in the country.
“It’s everyone’s hope,” said Valentina Peña Orozco, who covers the World Cup for W Radio in Colombia. “Linda is the promise of Colombia.”
Caicedo played in the Colombian league for several years before signing with Madrid in February. She was the top scorer in the 2021 women’s Copa Libertadores with Deportivo Cali. She was also proclaimed the best player in the 2022 Copa América.
That performance in the Copa América catapulted the Colombians to this World Cup.
Caicedo scored two goals and provided four assists in 10 appearances for Madrid last season.
The clash between the Colombians and the South Koreans could be essential for the aspirations of both to survive Group H. Germany and Morocco complete the key.
Abadía has coached Caicedo since she was 12 years old and took her to the national team when she was 14 years old. She has directed the Colombian national team since 2017.
“These players have a brilliant moment,” Abadía said.