The Anthem
Oh Gloria Inmarcesible
▶ Listen on YouTube ↗“¡Oh gloria inmarcesible! ¡Oh júbilo inmortal! / Oh unfading glory!…”
By law, it is broadcast on Colombian radio and TV every day at 6am and 6pm.
The Legends
Names that echo
Carlos Valderrama
Midfielder · 1980s–90s
'El Pibe'; unmistakable blonde mane and the artist of Colombian football.
James Rodríguez
Midfielder · 2010s–20s
Golden Boot winner at the 2014 World Cup with one of the great volleys.
René Higuita
Goalkeeper · 1980s–90s
The sweeper-keeper who invented the outrageous 'scorpion kick' save.
Fun Facts
Worth knowing
- 01
Colombia's anthem is, by law, played twice daily across the country's airwaves.
- 02
James Rodríguez's chest-and-volley against Uruguay in 2014 won the World Cup's Goal of the Tournament.
- 03
Colombia is the world's emerald capital and one of its biggest coffee producers — hence 'Los Cafeteros'.
At the World Cup
The story so far
Carnival football with a steely edge. From Valderrama's 1990s flair to James Rodríguez's 2014 explosion — when Colombia reached the quarter-finals — Los Cafeteros are one of the World Cup's most joyful watches.
James lights up Brazil
James Rodríguez's six goals and a stunning volley carried Colombia to a first-ever quarter-final.
Higuita's flair — and folly
René Higuita thrilled and ultimately undid Colombia, but redefined what goalkeepers could be.
Group Stage