On June 4, a national scandal erupted when star Colombian soccer player James Rodríguez apparently snubbed President Gustavo Petro’s daughter as she asked for a photo.
The incident sparked debate online about political polarization ahead of run-off presidential elections and the need for unity.
But in a turn of events, Rodríguez and Antonella Petro made up just days later, in a possible sign of soccer’s power to unify a divided nation.
The incident happened as the Colombia team bid farewell to their nation, boarding a plane to head to compete in the World Cup, which begins this week.
In addition to the selfie snub, official photos showing the players with forlorn expressions on their faces as they posed with the president also caused a stir.
Significant outrage ensued on social media, with some Colombian fans accusing certain players on the team of ‘betrayal’ of their underprivileged roots, and showing their conservative ideology by snubbing the left-wing president. A photo released of the players inside the plane attracted particular ire on X. Others, however, supported Rodríguez, viewing the incident as an effort to prevent Petro from appropriating the photo shoot for political gain.
Following the incident, Petro, in a lengthy post on X, spoke to James Rodríguez directly, saying: “The political ideas you have don’t pull me away from the common goal that you win and be the best.”
“Because we want the national team to win, my message is this: use the individual brilliance that has brought you fame, just as you did when you were poor kids from the working-class neighborhood; go back to playing in the streets with homemade balls, and we’ll win.”
But the incident seemed to have settled down this weekend, with Antonella Petro, the president’s daughter, sharing James Rodríguez’ personal apology to her via Instagram. In the message, Rodríguez said he did not hear her ask for a photo, and that he would send her a shirt as an apology.
Despite the resolution of the controversy, the event itself and the reactions to it have raised questions over political division in Colombia, and how it has permeated all facets of culture.
The incident comes amid a tense election battle in Colombia, with far-right outsider Abelardo de la Espriella winning 43.7% of the votes in the first round of elections, followed by leftist Iván Cepeda at 40.9%. A runoff will be held on June 21 to determine Colombia’s next president.
During the election campaign, de la Espriella has stirred controversy by donning the national team’s jersey, such that a court temporarily banned him from using the shirt for political campaigning. Critics accuse de la Espriella of weaponizing a national symbol for political purposes, though others say that efforts to restrict the usage of the jersey will be difficult to enforce and represents a stifling of free expression.
Speaking to Latin America Reports, Gabriel Romero, veteran Colombian sports journalist and author of Confesiones de un hincha, detailed how the incident was yet another scandal, but one that reveals just how much politicisation has affected all sectors of the country.
“The incident is characteristic of our “Patria Boba” (foolish homeland). That way of looking at things in black and white. James’s attitude was not appropriate [but] the disproportionate reaction from both sides is a consequence of political polarization. A clash between the extreme right and the extreme left, which could have serious consequences if there is no moderation from the parties,” said Romero.
For the journalist, the hoo-hah represents an opportunity for the government to “capitalize on the incident to favor Cepeda and once again show the president as a victim.” Romero also sees de la Espriella’s usage of the jersey as another example of opportunism: “Governments have not been aware of the influence of football on society. They only take advantage of it for their short-term interests.”
There are also signs that this incident has revealed something deeper about the intersection between politics and popular culture in Colombia. Romero pointed out historical precedents surrounding soccer, and how Thursday’s incident represents a difference in public sentiment.
“Before, the national team used to unite. In the controversy of the “Yes” and “No” for peace (the 2016 referendum on a peace deal between the Colombian government and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), in which the proposal was rejected), the national team of Pékerman was the balm. Now it is different. The team is no longer an antidote. Extreme polarization broke the barriers of football. It is terrifying that we debate more over a photo of James than over the serious problems that afflict us.”
Ultimately, Romero believes that more fleeting scandals will occur of both a political and sporting nature. However, he says that “what is clear is that never before had polarization touched the core of the National Team.” It remains to be seen if the upcoming World Cup will reconcile, or further divide, a deeply polarized country.
Featured image description: President Gustavo Petro poses with Colombia’s national soccer team.
Featured image credit: @PetroGustavo via X.
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