'Heir' Marta and twice passed out at the World Cup
The goal to set a 2-0 victory for Colombia against South Korea in the opening match on July 25 put Caicedo in history. At 18 years, 153 days, she became the second youngest South American female player to score at the congress after Brazilian legend Marta, who holds the record six-time FIFA Player of the Year award and the most goals in the world. Cup (17 goals).
Two days later, Caicedo collapsed on the training ground and was unconscious for 90 seconds before being rushed to the hospital. But just three days later, Caicedo quickly recovered, started and scored to help Colombia create an earthquake when defeating Germany 2-1. In this match, the striker born in 2005 again collapsed in the 83rd minute, but returned to the field until the sixth minute of injury time.
Those who know the extraordinary journey Caicedo went through before coming to Australia probably won't be surprised with the way she got up after falling. Playing professional football since his America de Cali debut in July 2019, at the age of 14, just four months later, Caicedo was called up to the Colombia team.
But Caicedo's promising future with football seemed to fall apart in 2020. During the time Covid-19 swept through, the young striker began to feel pain in his abdomen. She was informed that she had ovarian cancer. Twice after the diagnosis, in March 2020, Caicedo went to the operating table to remove the tumor and part of the ovary.
"It's been a difficult journey, thank God for getting me through," Caicedo told the BBC. "My family was always behind me, and the coach was by my side to encourage me. He used to call me. One day, I had surgery and felt like I wouldn't be able to play top football anymore. Coach Abadia said: 'Relax and I'll be back.' I want to thank him."
Caicedo spent six months on chemotherapy after surgery. And just a few days after finishing treatment, when it was announced that he had defeated cancer, Caicedo returned to training. She plays for both the Deportivo Cali club and the national team. Not only wearing the national team shirt, Caicedo also plays for the U17 and U20 teams to gain experience.
In 2020, Caicedo participates in four different international tournaments, including South America U17, Costa Rica U20 World Cup, India U17 World Cup and Women's Copa America. The world really noticed her in the final tournament. At home, Caicedo helped Colombia reach the final before losing 0-1 to Brazil. She was chosen as the best player in the tournament.
A series of big clubs in Europe lined up with her autograph. Barca president Joan Laporta confirmed to have followed Caicedo for many years, while British and German press reported that Chelsea and Bayern Munich had contacted her. In February 2023, just days before turning 18, Caicedo signed for Real Madrid.
On the big day of his life, Caicedo didn't go out to celebrate with family or friends. At 11 pm that day, she called a young cancer patient before he had surgery. After what he has been through, Caicedo understands there are fiercer battles outside of football.
It is an honor to be compared to Marta and South American football is perhaps witnessing the maturation of a new icon. However, talking about his own achievements, Caicedo showed modesty: "I'm still very young, need to learn more. I have more experience every day wearing the national team shirt. This is the first World Cup and I want to enjoy. There are many things waiting for me ahead."
Commenting on Caicedo, Colombia assistant coach Angelo Marsiglia called her an alien. "She's always ready to receive the ball and doesn't want to hide. Linda is rare, like from another planet," he said.
