Pivot of controversy in the boarding of the National Team Colombia for the World Cup, James Rodriguez got in touch with Antonella Petro, daughter of the country’s president Gustavo Petro.
The number 10, questioned by public opinion after not responding to the young woman’s photo request, thanked Antonella for her support and promised to assist her after the World Cup.
“Antonella, this photo is going to happen! (…) Thank you for supporting me and all my teammates, everything has its moment and now is the time to be united for our team at the World Cup. We are ready”, wrote James Rodríguez to Antonella.
Antonella Petro accompanied her father, Gustavo Petro, on his departure to the United States, this Friday (5), and .
The stance of shirt 10 and other players generated great repercussion on social media.
“The first goal I celebrated in my entire life was James’ goal in the 2014 World Cup. One of my best memories was when I was six years old and I met him. How can I be sad watching the team? It would be something illogical. Yesterday was a day that I will keep, with joy, forever in my heart. I tell all of Colombia that we must support our team. On the field, we are one country”, said Antonella.
Néstor Lorenzo, coach of the Colombian national team, also minimized the episode. For the coach, the squad is “armored”.
“The group is already used to these things. I always say that we have to be shielded from criticism and praise. We went to a protocol act, and we did it with respect and pride. Since we arrived here, the team has played for the whole of Colombia, and the captains’ speeches are like this before the games. This commitment that we made when receiving the pavilion already existed within us. We know that there were misinterpretations, with the videos cut, but we seek unity, dedication, and doing things from the heart. It is for everyone, for the 50 million Colombians”, he stated.
See the note from the Colombian Football Federation about the episode
“The Colombian Football Federation (FCF) informs public opinion of its position in relation to the interpretations and comments that emerged when the national pavilion was handed over to the sports delegation that will represent Colombia at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The Federation reiterates that its main commitment is to ensure the integral well-being of the members of the Colombian National Team and all those around them.
In this sense, it repudiates any manifestation of aggression, harassment or defamation against players, their families or members of the national delegation.
Furthermore, it considers it important to clarify that the handing over of the national flag constitutes a protocol and institutional act that is part of the official traditions and ceremonies that historically accompany Colombian sports delegations in international competitions of a global and Olympic nature. This act is carried out in a context of respect for national symbols and State institutions.
The Colombian National Team represents the Nation in all its diversity and plurality. Its players embody the values of sport and collective effort, carrying with them the dreams and feelings of millions of Colombians, regardless of any political or ideological considerations.
The Colombian Football Federation is grateful for the fans’ continued support and encouragement and calls to maintain an environment of respect, harmony and unity around our National Team.”
