President Gustavo Petro sparked a national debate on July 11, 2026, by publicly criticizing footballer Juan Guillermo Cuadrado following the player’s support for president-elect Abelardo de la Espriella. Petro’s comments, which referenced the murder of Cuadrado’s father, drew sharp condemnation from political figures who argued the president crossed a line of personal decency. As the president nears the end of his term—with almost three weeks remaining before he leaves office—the episode has highlighted the confrontational nature that has defined his mandate.
The Videocall and the Horrible Night Controversy
The conflict originated from a social media post by president-elect Abelardo de la Espriella, who shared a video on his official X account of a conversation he held with Colombia national team players Yerry Mina and Juan Guillermo Cuadrado. The players expressed their firm support for the incoming administration for the 2026-2030 period. During the call, the players discussed their emotional state following Colombia’s elimination from the 2026 World Cup, where the team was knocked out in the Round of 16 after a match against Switzerland.
Despite the disappointment of the tournament, the players emphasized unity. Yerry Mina told the president-elect, We are very sad because we did not pass, but we are also happy because you won. We, well our convictions, our thoughts, brother, we are as firm as you. De la Espriella consoled the players, noting that while the team lost on the pitch, the most important match was won on the 21st, in reference to the second round of elections held on June 21, 2026.
During the conversation, Juan Guillermo Cuadrado agreed with the sentiment that the election was the most significant event. Addressing De la Espriella, the player stated, The truth, as you say, the horrible night has ceased. This specific phrase was intended to echo De la Espriella’s rhetoric regarding the change in government, but it immediately triggered an aggressive response from the outgoing president, Gustavo Petro.
Petro’s Response and the References to Personal Tragedy
Petro took to X to address Cuadrado directly, linking the footballer’s political endorsement to the violent history of the region where he grew up. The president wrote: Brother Cuadrado, I do not know who murdered your father with a gunshot in the night, but it is highly probable that it was the armed men who trafficked cocaine and dominated the region. Those men you applaud today have returned to power, this time at a national level. I hope you do not regret it for the sake of our common people.
The message, which brought to light a painful and personal episode from Cuadrado’s childhood, prompted a broader discussion regarding the legitimacy of a head of state using a private citizen’s tragedy to make a political point. As of the time of reporting, Cuadrado had not publicly responded to the president’s statements.
Political Reaction and Calls for Reconciliation
The president’s decision to invoke a personal tragedy for political purposes prompted immediate backlash. The outgoing senator María Fernanda Cabal criticized the move, stating, Minuscule man, every day more insignificant. His only doctrine is hatred and resentment. Solidarity with Cuadrado.
The governor of Córdoba, Erasmo Zuleta, also intervened, sending a message to the president reminding him that the country has suffered significantly from violence at the hands of both paramilitaries and guerrillas. Zuleta noted, You are a few days away from handing over the dignity you currently hold. The incident remains a point of contention as the transition process between the current administration and the incoming government continues.
Find more reporting in our Sports section.
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