Colombia Stereotypes

Colombia is a country who is ranked #4 for the best soccer team according to FIFA and has improved as a country overall (“FIFA”). With soccer being the most popular sport in the world, many people think of a country based on their soccer team. There are multiple negative stereotypes about Colombia that the soccer team has begun to eliminate. The Federación de Futból Colombiana, impacts Colombia in a positive way. The international soccer team from Colombia changes how Colombia is viewed in the world by showing that Colombians care about their country’s image, Colombia is a happy country, and Colombia is full of friendly people.
The Colombian soccer team changes how Colombia is viewed in the world by showing that Colombians care about their
country's image. Colombians want other people to see their successes through soccer. With Colombia being ranked the fourth best team according to FIFA, many others will think the country is successful as a whole (“Men’s”). Some people view Colombia as dangerous because of its previous drug and guerrilla problems, but Colombian citizens want that to be changed based on the soccer team’s performance. The individual players need to use their skills in their various international clubs so that their home country is thought of in a different way other than what the news portrays (Forero). For example, players like James Rodriguez, Carlos Bacca, and Radamel Falcao, who play for teams like Real Madrid, AC Milan, and Chelsea, can help show that Colombia isn't just a bad and dangerous country.
The Federación Colombiana de Futból, FCF, has showed the world that Colombia is a happy country.
The results from the Gallup International Association survey showed that Colombia was named the happiest country in the world for the year 2015. “Colombia is united by their love for soccer. Colombians rarely miss a chance to socialize over a good soccer match. Whether it’s celebrating for La Selección Colombia or facing defeat, Colombians wear their yellow, blue, and red with pride” (“Results”). Also, 49,612 Colombians get very excited and full of joy during soccer games at El Estadio Metropolitano in Barranquilla, which is the the city of happiness (“Estadio”). Lastly, the fans are always smiling if the Colombian soccer team wins, loses, or ties. According to Oscar Saavedra, “No matter the score, there are parties, music, and people out on the streets until around 3:00am in various cities across the country.” The soccer team shows what the country of Colombia really
is.
The statement, Colombia is full of friendly people, is greatly supported by the Colombian soccer team.
The players on the team show that people in Colombia are amiable because they won the FIFA Fair Play Award in the 2014 World Cup, which is awarded to any team that has at least made it to the knockout round and has the best disciplinary record (“FIFA”). “Locals at the stadium are friendly and usually very accepting and welcoming to foreign tourists” (“Visit”) as well. Also, players on the team are starting foundations to benefit the community. For example, Falcao, one of the greatest and most well-known players in Colombian soccer history, helps out kids who enjoy the game of soccer but don't have as many opportunities in the foundation, La Fundación Fútbol con Corazón. This shows how the soccer team expresses that Colombia has kind people, starting with the players
themselves.
The image of Colombia is continuing to change due to the Colombian soccer team because they have showed that Colombians care about their country’s image, Colombia is joyful, and Colombia has amiable people. Colombians want people to think of Colombia as a country who has become successful instead of focusing on the drugs and violence. Colombia s have a passion for soccer that brings lots of happiness and excitement to the country. Also, from the soccer players, to the stadium staff, and the fans, Colombia is full of kind people. Without the Colombian soccer team, Colombia would continue to be viewed negatively instead of what the county really is like.