Once Caldas

Once Caldas: The Rise and Fall of a Colombian Football Club

A Journey Through History, Triumph, and Challenges

Once Caldas, a Colombian football club based in the city of Manizales, has had a remarkable journey marked by both triumphs and challenges. Founded in 1946, the club has risen to the heights of continental glory, winning the prestigious Copa Libertadores in 2004, but has also faced periods of decline and financial struggles.

The Glory Years: Copa Libertadores Triumph

The crowning achievement in Once Caldas' history came in 2004 when the club defied all odds to win the Copa Libertadores, South America's most coveted club competition. Led by a talented squad featuring the likes of Juan Carlos Henao and Jonathan Fabbro, Once Caldas overcame teams from Argentina, Uruguay, and Brazil en route to the final.

In a dramatic final played at the Estadio Palogrande in Manizales, Once Caldas defeated Boca Juniors of Argentina in a penalty shootout to become the first Colombian club to win the Copa Libertadores. The victory sent shockwaves through the football world and cemented the club's legacy as one of the most successful in Colombian history.

Financial Troubles and Decline

After the Copa Libertadores triumph, Once Caldas struggled to sustain its success both on and off the field. Financial mismanagement and lack of investment led to a decline in the club's competitiveness, and the team was relegated to the Colombian second division in 2011. The club spent several years in the lower divisions, facing significant financial challenges.

A New Era and Future Prospects

In recent years, Once Caldas has undergone a period of resurgence. The club secured promotion back to the Colombian first division in 2015 and has since established itself as a competitive force. The team has won the Colombian Cup twice (2018 and 2020) and has consistently qualified for continental competitions.

Once Caldas' future prospects look promising. The club has a strong youth academy that has produced several talented players, and the team is financially stable. With continued investment and support, Once Caldas has the potential to once again challenge for major honours both domestically and internationally.