Colombian Soccer: An Old Boys' League? (Opinion)

With Independiente Santa Fe's title in the 2025 Betplay League, the first half of the season's results are in, and some portals, such as 365 Scores, have announced their ideal starting XI for the competition.

The Colombian League has been a breeding ground for young talent, and the ideal team for the first half of 2025 offers at least a different and interesting interpretation: 10 of its 11 members are over 30 years old. From Mosquera Marmolejo in goal to Hugo Rodallega at striker, the recognition of the tournament's best is dominated by players with a track record, experience, and, above all, footballing maturity. The only player under 30 is Jorman Campuzano (Atlético Nacional).

There are two possible interpretations. This list of "luxury veterans" is no coincidence. Either it reflects a shift in the traditional narrative that used to associate peak performance with youth, or it's simply a low-level league where veterans can shine without resistance, a bit like the elephant's graveyard.

Today, Colombian football shows that physical fitness isn't the only determining factor on the field. Tactical intelligence, reading the game, decision-making under pressure, and the ability to lead a group are just as important as speed or explosiveness, and these qualities typically become stronger over time.

Juan Fernando Quintero (32 years old) continues to be the brain that sets the pace, he has never been fast but he has more vision.

Edwin Cardona (32) transformed his style to contribute with filtered passes and leadership.

Daniel Torres (36) and Jorman Campuzano (29) dominate the half with order and tactical rigor.

Dayro Moreno and Rodallega , with almost 80 years between them, continue to score goals as if time had stood still.

This phenomenon speaks not only to the professionalism and longevity of these players, but also to the need for Colombian teams to have solid role models in an environment where many promising players are still seeking to mature, in the face of an increasingly voracious market that has sought to recruit underage players.

It's not about romanticizing age. High-performance football will always require young players. But what this season made clear is that well-maintained experience isn't a burden, but a valuable asset. A mature player who takes care of himself physically and mentally can be more decisive than a young player with talent, but without the skill set that comes with age.

Perhaps what we're seeing in La Liga isn't an exception, but a trend. Football is realizing that peak performance can extend beyond the age of 30 if workloads, motivation, and life off the field are properly managed.

In times of constant change and markets pushing to sell young players to Europe, it's comforting to see that there's still room for those who have lived through a thousand battles. And they're not just there to advise in the locker room, but to make a difference on the pitch.

Score 365's ideal XI: Mosquera Marmolejo; Daniel Londoño, William Tesillo, Emmanuel Olivera; Daniel Torres, Jorman Campuzano; Edwin Cardona, Frasica, Juan Fernando Quintero; Dayro Moreno, and Hugo Rodallega.

CAMILA ESPINOSA ARISTIZÁBAL