The Colombian national team is embroiled in controversy due to the alleged refusal of James Rodríguez to take a photo with Antonella, daughter of President Petro, during a tense and serious event.
A refusal that triggers criticism
The controversy arises in Colombia because James Rodríguez, captain of the Colombian team in the 2026 World Cup, reportedly declined to take a photo with Antonella, Gustavo Petro's 17-year-old daughter, who presented them with the national flag. During the event, the players received a sombrero vueltiao, a gift from President Petro, with mostly serious expressions.
Tension and uncomfortable gestures
During the event, several soccer players appeared uncomfortable and unsmiling, with James positioned at the back even in the official photo. This image contrasts with another one later, where everyone is smiling on the stairs of the plane heading to San Diego for their upcoming friendly match against Jordan.
Use of national symbols in electoral campaign
The event is overshadowed by political controversy, as a judge ordered a presidential candidate to refrain from using Colombian national team symbols in their campaign, sparking criticism and debates about the use of the national jersey in the political sphere.
This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, James Rodríguez genera controversia al negar foto a la hija de Gustavo Petro