Real Madrid prodigy Linda Caicedo is the star of FIFA World Cup

In the world of women’s football, Linda Caicedo hasn’t exactly been a secret.

Caicedo marked herself as a rising star well before the World Cup, making her pro debut at 14, being named player of the tournament at the Copa America at 17, and moving to Real Madrid at 18.

But in terms of getting the world’s attention, it’s safe to say all those feats have paled in comparison to the electric start Caicedo has made at the World Cup.

Hailed as a rising star before the tournament, the 18-year-old may be the star of the World Cup so far as the group stage enters its final round of matches.

Caicedo has scored in each of Colombia’s first two games, netting her first against South Korea after a tremendous run followed by a goalkeeping error on her shot from distance.

But it was Caicedo’s second goal, and Colombia’s second game, that changed the tenor of the whole conversation around the teenager and her team.

The way Caicedo jackknifed through two German

defenders with outrageous close control would’ve been good enough on its own, but she then rifled an unstoppable shot into the far corner for one of the goals of the tournament.

Colombia would go on to secure one of the biggest shocks of the tournament so far, getting a last-second goal to beat Germany 2-1 and make it two wins from two.

In addition to her on-field exploits, Caicedo’s health issues have also garnered her some notoriety both before and during the tournament. The teenager was diagnosed with ovarian cancer at age 15, undergoing surgery and six months of chemotherapy before returning to the field six months later.

Now cancer-free, Caicedo has suffered a pair of different health scares at the World Cup. She first collapsed at training ahead of the Germany match and then went down to the ground clutching her chest late in the game itself.

On both occasions Colombia officials have said the teenager is fine, merely attributing the issues to stress and fatigue.

“We know that Linda had some problems in the past, but nothing to be worried about,” assistant coach Angelo Marsiglia said after the Germany game. “She was very tired of course. She had a bit of acceleration in her heart, but this wasn’t a problem.”

As long as Caicedo can maintain her health, she has every chance to lead Colombia on a deep run through this tournament. As Marsiglia said after the South Korea game, the teenager appears to be born for this stage.

“She has been growing extraordinarily and has a very mature level,” Marsiglia said.

“She brings joy to everyone. She makes a difference, and that brings joy to the team. She’s an extraordinary player. She is one of the leaders. She asks for the ball, she never hides, she’s always pushing harder.

“She’s from another planet — a different type of player; entirely unique. And she’s a very humble person, despite everything she’s going through.”