Radamel Falcao’s omission from Colombia’s preliminary roster for the 2026 FIFA World Cup came as a surprise to fans and the media. However, head coach Néstor Lorenzo was honest about the reasons he left out the Tricolor’s all-time leading scorer.
During a press conference following the release of the preliminary 55-player roster, the Argentine coach made it clear that the decision was based on each player’s current form, not on their career achievements or historical significance within the national team.
“If Falcao had been on the same competitive level as the rest of his teammates on the list, he would be on it, given what he represents for soccer. The thing is, the criteria here also include athletic performance and how he measures up against his teammates,” Lorenzo stated.
The coach’s words reflect the difficult balance between admiration for a legend and the demands of building a competitive roster for the world’s premier soccer tournament.
Lorenzo acknowledges Falcao’s legacy
Despite his exclusion, the coach made it clear that he continues to have enormous admiration for the Colombian forward.
“Falcao is still a soccer player. It would be disrespectful of me to overlook him. I considered him as a player at the beginning of the process,” he explained.
Lorenzo even admitted that the decision was particularly difficult because of the affection he feels for the national team’s former captain.
“I adore Falcao; I always want him by my side. And I’d like to have him in the opponent’s box, right? But that’s just how it is. You have to make choices, and I know it’s tough,” he added.
The coach also drew on his own experience as a soccer player to show empathy for those left off the World Cup roster.
“It happened to me. I was also a national team player, and when you’re left out, you feel like you’re going to die. I understand these guys,” he said.
A Decision That Sparks Debate
Falcao’s absence has sparked divided opinions among Colombian fans.
On one hand, some believe the striker deserved to be included because of his leadership and legacy, especially in a tournament as important as the World Cup. On the other hand, there is a segment that supports Lorenzo’s stance and understands that the roster must reflect each player’s current form.
The truth is that Colombia is preparing to face the 2026 World Cup with a mix of experience and new talent, while one of the greatest idols in the country’s history could be left out of what would have been his last chance to play in a World Cup.
The decision has already been made. Now, the challenge for Néstor Lorenzo will be to prove on the field that prioritizing performance and competitiveness was the right path to take to inspire Colombia to dream big once again.
