18-year-old Ovarian cancer survivor, Linda Caicedo has emerged as a shining star for Colombia’s women’s national football team, scoring a crucial goal in their 2-0 victory over the Republic of Korea at the FIFA World Cup.
At the tender age of 15, Linda Caicedo received the devastating diagnosis of ovarian cancer, leaving her dreams of a flourishing football career hanging in the balance. Despite already making her debut for América de Cali and Colombia’s national team, her aspirations were put on hold as she faced the challenging journey of battling the life-threatening illness.
Speaking about the uncertainty she faced before her operation, Caicedo shared her fears, saying, “The day they were going to operate on me, I thought I would not be able to return to top-level football.” However, the teenage footballer received overwhelming support, with Colombia’s head coach Nelson Abadía standing by her side since she was 12 years old. His words of encouragement and belief in her abilities gave Caicedo the strength to fight and return to the sport she loved.
Thankfully, Caicedo received the fortunate news that she was cancer-free, marking a turning point in her journey. With unwavering determination, she worked hard to prove her exceptional talent and determination. Her resilience paid off during the 2022 Copa América Femenina, where she was named the best player of the tournament, showcasing her outstanding abilities and potential.
In early 2023, Caicedo’s talent caught the attention of Real Madrid Femenino, who signed her to their team. Since joining ‘Las Blancas’, she has impressed with ten appearances, scoring two goals, and providing four assists. Her performance and contributions have elevated her to new heights and have made her an integral part of the team.
During Colombia’s World Cup campaign, Caicedo once again demonstrated her prowess on the field. Her goal in the 2-0 victory over the Republic of Korea not only secured a crucial win for her team but also served as a testament to her remarkable journey from cancer survivor to a footballing star on the world stage.
