In a heartwarming display of sportsmanship and friendship, former Spanish international and soccer legend David Villa visited the Colombian national team on March 24, 2025. This memorable encounter took place during an open training session at the Estadio Metropolitano Roberto Meléndez in Barranquilla, just days ahead of a crucial World Cup qualifier against Paraguay. Villa shared touching moments with current star players such as James Rodríguez, Luis Díaz, and David Ospina, leaving fans and players alike excited about the upcoming match.
Villa, renowned for being Spain’s all-time top scorer with 59 goals, arrived in Colombia as part of an Adidas promotional tour. It marks his first visit to the South American country, and he expressed enthusiasm about exploring other cities during his stay. His participation in the training session was more than just a nostalgic visit; it symbolized a bridge between generations of players, fostering camaraderie among those present.
During the training event, the Colombian national team presented Villa with a special commemorative jersey, featuring his number 7, in recognition of his stellar playing days. This gesture highlighted the respect from both the federation and the players for Villa’s significant impact on the sport. In turn, Villa engaged warmly with both veteran and younger team members, creating an environment charged with excitement.
Villa shared his predictions regarding the Colombia-Paraguay matchup with the media, expressing confidence in a 3-1 victory for Colombia. His expectations included a brace from Luis Díaz and a goal from James Rodríguez, which only added to the optimism surrounding the match. “I say Colombia will win 3-1. Luis Díaz will score 2 goals and James Rodríguez will score 1,” Villa confidently declared, boosting the team's morale ahead of the encounter.
In a separate interview, Villa expressed, “I’m looking forward to my time in Colombia, training and enjoying my days here. I’ll maximize my free time by visiting different cities.” His trip not only encompasses soccer-related engagements but also important business matters as he serves as an ambassador for Adidas, the official sponsor of the Colombian national team.
Villa also reflected on the competitive nature of the South American qualifiers, commenting, “This qualifiers are tough. I’m watching it closely and I’m extremely excited to finally see this tournament live, especially the Colombia vs. Paraguay match.” His admiration for Colombian players extended beyond the training session, as he shared heartfelt remarks about James Rodríguez. “I have a lot of love and gratitude for James. He’s a wonderful person and I can’t wait to see him again,” Villa stated. Though they never played on the same team, the two have always maintained a great relationship as rivals.
Moreover, Villa expressed appreciation for another star player, Luis Díaz, saying, “I have a special fondness for him. He’s an excellent player. His role on the field is very similar to what I used to play for Barcelona or the national team.” He extended good wishes to both James and Luis for their careers, hoping for much success ahead.
However, the Colombian team now faces additional challenges, including the looming threat of player suspensions due to yellow cards. As they prepare for this crucial clash, the team is at risk of losing up to 12 players if they receive yellow cards during the Paraguay match. Key players at risk include goalkeeper Camilo Vargas and defenders Daniel Muñoz, Carlos Cuesta, Jhon Lucumí, and Johan Mojica, among others.
As the Colombian squad gears up for their match, anything less than a victory could place their World Cup ambitions in jeopardy. The match against Paraguay is particularly important, being their 14th round in the qualifiers and essential for collecting valuable points. The stakes are high, especially given the team’s recent struggles, having suffered three consecutive losses prior to this fixture against Paraguay.
“The atmosphere in the stadium is expected to be electrifying, and fans, including soccer icons like David Villa, are sure to pack the stands to witness this critical showdown,” noted head coach Néstor Lorenzo. Lorenzo, who had a recent wardrobe change opting for a sharp white polo shirt instead of his traditional maroon known for superstitious reasons, understands the gravitas of this moment for his team.
The match is scheduled to kick off at 7 PM (local time) and promises to be a thrilling encounter filled with exciting soccer action. Huge expectations loom over the Colombian team, who are looking to turn around their fortunes and retain their World Cup qualifying hopes. Villa’s recent visit served as a powerful inspiration, showcasing the bonds formed through the beautiful game, and may just tip the scales in favor of the Colombian squad.