Paniagua: Colombia's youth development is bearing fruit

Carlos Paniagua, the coach of Colombia's U-20 women's national team, has described the current period as a "crucial moment" for football in his country. In an interview with FIFA, the 63-year-old tactician reflected on the progress of Colombian women's football, the development of young players, and his experience coaching standout talent Linda Caicedo.

Paniagua's first taste of coaching Colombia's youth sides came at the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup Costa Rica 2022, where he guided the team to the quarter-finals. Later that year, he led the U-17s to a historic final appearance in India, with Caicedo emerging as one of the tournament's standout performers. Although Colombia missed out on qualification for the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup Morocco 2026, Paniagua will still be on the global stage this year, leading the U-20s at Poland 2026 from 5 to 27 September.

A crucial moment for Colombian football

Paniagua expressed pride in seeing players progress through Colombia's youth ranks and establish themselves in the senior setup. He noted that around 15 players in the senior national team came through the U-17 and U-20 sides, including Luisa Agudelo, Ana Maria Guzman, Gabriela Rodriguez, and Caicedo.

"It is hugely rewarding. When you take on a role like this, your responsibility is not only to achieve results but also to help them grow, both as players and as individuals," Paniagua said.

He added: "This is a crucial moment for Colombian football, with many of our players now establishing themselves at clubs abroad. That raises the level of the national team while also strengthening our domestic league by showing that it can produce players capable of succeeding in the world's best leagues."

Building on the 2024 experience

Colombia's memorable experience as hosts in 2024 sparked a surge of interest in women's football across the country. Las Chicas Superpoderosas reached the quarter-finals again before bowing out on penalties against the Netherlands, while supporters turned out in huge numbers throughout the tournament. Paniagua believes the team is in a strong position, citing their performance at the Copa America Femenina, where they came agonisingly close to lifting the trophy.

Linda Caicedo: A special talent

Paniagua first encountered Caicedo when she was just 14, coaching against her in the professional league, including a final with a domestic title at stake. He recalled: "You could already see how much she stood out from the rest despite being only 14. That is extremely rare and immediately makes you realise you're dealing with a special talent."

He added: "Once I began working with the national team and had the chance to work with her every day, get to know her as a person and see her ability first-hand, I knew I was working with a truly special talent."

Paniagua highlighted a particular moment at Costa Rica 2022 when Caicedo, then 17, played against players up to three years older. In the opening match against Germany, which Colombia won 1-0, he saw what Caicedo was truly capable of. "I had no doubt she would be a key player for us," he said.

Looking ahead to Poland 2026

Colombia have been drawn in Group E at Poland 2026 alongside Costa Rica, Portugal, and defending champions Korea DPR, who beat Japan in the 2024 final in Bogota. Paniagua is optimistic about his team's chances, describing them as "a physically strong side whose technical quality keeps improving, with outstanding individuals who know how to use their talent for the benefit of the team."

He concluded: "That collective mindset is essential if you want to compete at the highest level. I really like where the national team is at right now."