Once Caldas: A Deep Dive Into the Soul of Colombian Football’s Bold Mountain Club

Nestled in the high-altitude heart of Manizales,Once Caldas stands not merely as a professional football club but as a living emblem of regional pride, resilience, and tradition. Known for its fiery blue and yellow colors and the passionate support of its fanbase, Once Caldas—founded in 1948 and named after Colombia’s 19th-century liberator, Francisco de Paula Caldas—has woven itself into the cultural fabric of Colombia’s Antioquia region. More than 75 years of competitive play have shaped a club with deep roots, complex identity, and unwavering influence on Colombian football.

Born from the merger of small local teams, Once Caldas rose through the ranks with grit and vision, quickly becoming a symbol of Manizales and the broader coffee-growing region. The club’s first major breakthrough came in 1984 when it claimed its inaugural Campeonato Nacional title, a landmark that transformed it from a regional contender into a national force. Since then, Once Caldas has competed in every division of Colombian football, including multiple stints in the top-tier Categoría Primera A, where it continues to stare down elite clubs from Bogotá, Medellín, and Cali.

From Coffee Country to Professional Fame: The Origins of Once Caldas

The club’s identity is deeply tied to its origins in the fertile coffee axis of Antioquia, where the post-war economic boom fostered local sports institutions. As refineries and agriculture thrived, football clubs emerged as community anchors—ESC and Once Caldas among them. The merger that birthed Once Caldas in 1948 was driven by a pragmatic push to consolidate talent and elevate competitive viability.

Inserted into the National Football League in the early 1950s, Once Caldas quickly distinguished itself with a disciplined style and homegrown talent. Early stars like goalkeeper Aurelio Díaz and striker Waldemar Estupiñán laid the foundation for future success. By the 1970s, the club expanded its infrastructure, building El Campín—now officially known as Estadio Sonsón—on the city’s outskirts, a venue that would become a fortress for home supporters.




Chessboard Warriors: Tactical Identity and Notable Players

Once Caldas’ tactical evolution reflects broader shifts in Colombian football. Historically grounded in solid defensive organization, the club has embraced modern pressing systems under visionary coaches. In the 1990s and early 2000s, under managers like Nilton Mampuya and later Fernando Durad, the team balanced discipline with fluid attacking Football, producing players who excelled both in domestic leagues and international competitions.

Golden Era: 1994 National Title and Beyond

The 1994 campaign remains a pinnacle in Once Caldas’ history. Led by coach Nilton Mampuya and captaining players