Colombian Phenom and Cancer Survivor Linda Caicedo, 18, Scores In Women’s World Cup Debut

Nearly three years removed from overcoming a battle with cancer, 18-year-old Linda Caicedo seized the spotlight in her FIFA Women’s World Cup debut on Monday with an inspiring goal against South Korea.

The teenage phenom stepped onto the pitch representing her native Colombia on the sport’s biggest stage for the first time in her young career and quickly delighted the fans inside Allianz Stadium in Australia.

Caicedo, who rose to stardom following an ovarian cancer diagnosis at age 15, showed her off her blazing speed with an impressive individual effort to boost Colombia to a 2–0 lead.

Caicedo’s goal to double up Colombia’s lead added an impressive stamp to the star forward’s World Cup debut. Monday’s match also carried added historical implications for Caicedo as she is now the tournament’s first woman to play in the U-17 World Cup, U-20 World Cup and FIFA World Cup within a year.

A child prodigy who began playing at age five, Caicedo’s journey to the World Cup included a stunning debut at age 14 for Colombian professional team América de Cali. However, in early 2020, her career appeared to be in jeopardy after her diagnosis. Following a seven-month battle, Caicedo was declared cancer-free and eventually resumed playing. 

A member of the Colombian senior national team since 2019, Caicedo is now looking to lead her country to glory after turning in a Golden Ball-winning effort to help Colombia earn a World Cup following a final loss to Brazil at Copa América.

“I am an example that you can get out of that and overcome this,” Caicedo said of her journey prior to the World Cup. 

With efforts like Monday’s goal, it’s easy to see why Caicedo, a player known as “Colombian Neymar,” has been touted as one of the young stars to watch in this year’s Women’s World Cup. And, judging by the reactions from soccer enthusiasts online, the budding star has already garnered more than a few extra supporters: