BOGOTA, Colombia (AP) — The bright yellow soccer jersey that typically represents Colombian national pride and unity has transformed into a divisive political symbol ahead of the nation’s presidential runoff election.
What was once worn primarily during soccer matches and patriotic celebrations is now a regular fixture at campaign events for Abelardo de la Espriella, who secured the highest vote count in Sunday’s initial election round. The outspoken attorney, who refers to himself as “the tiger,” frequently appears in the national team jersey while addressing crowds from stages secured with bodyguards and protective glass barriers.
His opponent in the June 21 runoff, Sen. Iván Cepeda, has strongly criticized this practice. Cepeda, who represents the ruling party and serves as an ally to President Gustavo Petro, condemned his rival’s clothing choice as theft of a national emblem.
Writing on social platform X this Monday, Cepeda described the practice of wearing national team jerseys during political events as an “opportunistic act” that deserved legal scrutiny.
“The national (soccer) team belongs to all of us,” stated Cepeda, who finished second in Sunday’s voting while representing Petro’s Historical Pact party. “Stop stealing things that belong to the entire nation.”
In contrast to his opponent’s jersey-wearing approach, Cepeda appears at his own events dressed in dark sweaters and white shirts with mandarin collars. He has requested that his followers avoid wearing Colombia’s jersey or other national symbols during his campaign gatherings.
“Let’s run a clean, transparent campaign,” Cepeda declared.
The conservative celebrity lawyer has remained silent regarding Cepeda’s jersey criticisms. However, his campaign team is now actively promoting increased use of the jerseys among supporters as a form of resistance against Cepeda and the current administration.
“This jersey, besides showing support for our players, now also represents the defense of the freedoms that Cepeda wants to take away from us,” stated Daniel Briceño, a congressman backing de la Espriella, in a recorded message.
This political battle over national soccer attire mirrors recent events in Brazil, where supporters of former President Jair Bolsonaro claimed the country’s distinctive gold and green jersey during the previous decade.
Bolsonaro, currently under house arrest for attempting a coup following his 2022 election defeat, actively encouraged jersey-wearing at his political gatherings and voting locations.
Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has since worked to reclaim the jersey’s symbolism during his current term, wearing it publicly and encouraging supporters to do likewise to prevent “the colors or Brazil” from being “taken over by any fascist.” Musicians supporting Lula have also worn the soccer shirt during performances as part of these reclamation efforts.
Political marketing expert Carlos Andrés Arias from Bogota noted that politicians from Cepeda’s party, including President Petro, have also incorporated Colombia’s yellow jersey into rallies and campaign advertisements, though with less frequency.
According to Arias, de la Espriella gains advantage from the jersey because it symbolizes patriotism, a core theme of his campaign messaging. The candidate has promised stricter security measures and an end to negotiations with rebel organizations.
Arias warned that Cepeda’s attempts to prevent opponents from using the jersey during political events could prove counterproductive by strengthening the association between de la Espriella’s campaign and the national team’s colors.
“People will now think that wearing the jersey is a sure way to support de la Espriella,” Arias explained.
The National Football Federation of Colombia, which holds marketing rights for the jerseys, announced this week that it lacks authority to regulate shirt usage at non-commercial gatherings, while expressing disappointment about their use for non-sporting purposes.
Raúl Cardona, who volunteers for Cepeda’s campaign in Bogota, indicated that the candidate’s supporters will begin wearing jerseys at their own political events. He mentioned observing some Cepeda supporters already wearing Colombia’s national team shirts during recent marches in the capital.
“We need to democratize the use of the jersey,” Cardona emphasized. “And stop the rival campaign from monopolizing this symbol.”
