Linda Caicedo talks about overcoming cancer and FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 dream

The 18-year-old forward plays for Real Madrid Femenino

When Linda Caicedo was only 15 years old, her dreams of playing football became a distant memory when he learned that she had cancer. 

A teenage footballer of astonishing potential, Linda Caicedo had already made her senior international debut and finished first in goals scored in Colombia's local tournament.

Linda Caicedo's impressive development showed no indications of slowing down, but a terrible ovarian cancer diagnosis caused everything to change. In an Interview with FIFA, Linda Caicedo describes how it was mentally draining after being diagnosed with cancer.

“At the time, I didn't think I could play professionally again because of all the treatments and surgeries I had to go through. “Mentally, it was a very difficult moment in my life. I'm forever grateful that it happened when I was very young. I was able to recover, I also had my family's support. And I feel very good now, what happened made me grow. I feel thankful and happy to be here.”

“I believe my strengths are my humility and joyfulness. My strengths in the field are being able to be myself with the gift God gave me, having fun, which is the most important thing, and from that point, letting my game flow."

"I'm still growing, and that pressure is difficult sometimes, but that’s why you need to find physical and mental balance. I try to see everything that has happened to me as a good thing and try to have fun, because playing football is my passion.”

As Colombia looks to build on their fantastic Copa America Feminina success, Linda Caicedo is now ready to showcase her exceptional talent on the highest platform in women's football. When questioned about whether or not Colombia can advance at the FIFA Women's World Cup in 2023, the adolescent's unshakeable optimism is once again obvious.

What does participation in your first senior Women's World Cup mean for you?

I've wanted to represent Colombia since the time I was a young child. I participated in both the U-17 and U-20 World Cups. The main national team is obviously at a higher level of competition, so I'm currently practising for them. I want to do my best because there are a lot of expectations. The group is assured. I have long admired and respected every one of my team members as I have watched them compete. I put a lot of effort into getting here [to the national team], but my goal is to go above and above for the group.

Do you think women's football in Colombia has improved recently?

Our football has changed a lot, and we've gotten a lot of help. We participated in the two World Cups and Copa America last year at the U-17 and U-20 levels. Both the domestic league and we have seen significant growth. With all of that assistance, we are making strides. In Colombia, we have excellent athletes as well, like Catalina Usme.

You served as captain of the Colombian team that placed second in India's U-17 World Cup. It was the very first time that a team from the nation has advanced to the World Cup final, whether it was men or women. What do you think about that contest?

It was amazing for us to go through something like that at the age of barely 17. The help we had at home was incredible. I believe the most important lesson I learned was how to develop personally. Being the captain of the U-17 team and having a leadership position helped me mature further. I developed a greater sense of regard and compassion for my team members.

You had a fantastic Copa America Feminina at the highest level and are well known for scoring the game-winning goal against Argentina in the semifinal.

2022 as a whole was extraordinary. While playing for the three Colombian teams (U-17, U-20, and Seniors), I experienced significant occasions. Scoring that goal against Argentina was the best thing. That was incredible. It made many Colombians happy. We had a fantastic campaign, and we aim to go down in World Cup history in 2023. We have been preparing for months, and we will travel there with pride in our nation.

What kind of encouragement is Colombia's fervent support to you?

Your Copa America games attracted more than 15,000 spectators. There will always be admirers for us. Whether it comes from afar or close by. In every city where we performed, people expressed their support. And I believe that support will be seen in Australia and New Zealand as well. Regardless of whether they are at their homes or in the stadiums, Colombians will be rooting for us.

The World Cup draw placed Colombia in a group with Germany, Korean Republic, and Morocco. What difficulties do you anticipate against such teams?

We are aware that the eligible nations are among the greatest in the world. All of the games will be challenging, and all of the groups are challenging. However, we are preparing for this. You can count on Colombia to play with a positive attitude, lots of effort, and discipline. Each match is a final, thus the team is focused and composed.We know exactly what we need to accomplish to advance through the group stage and go on to make history.