Colombia: James Rodríguez gets into controversy by ignoring the president's daughter

James Rodríguez, number 10 and captain of the Colombian national team, became the target of criticism after allegedly ignoring Antonella Petro, daughter of Gustavo Petro, president of Colombia.

The case happened at an event with Petro, which marked the team's farewell to the United States to compete in the World Cup. At the event, the president presented the players with vueltiao sombreros, a hat that is a cultural symbol of the South American country, as well as national flags.

After the event, the players lined up to greet Petro and his daughter. James, in turn, walked straight past Antonella and, according to the Colombian press, ignored a request for a photo from the 17-year-old girl - see the video below.

The players of the Colombian National Team can have any political position, but do a disservice to Antonella, a teenager who plays football, just because she is the daughter of President Petro is horrible.

Very bad James Rodríguez. What a disappointment. pic.twitter.com/otUIaanBPN

- César García Garzón (@elojodelsalmon) June 4, 2026

For being the team captain, James was the most criticized by the Colombians, but other players also ignored the president's daughter. On X, formerly Twitter, more than five thousand people responded to a publication by the Colombian Football Federation, with the vast majority complaining about the athletes' stance.

¿ ́ ? @avianca

, . ́

Stay safe with @assistcard#ConOrgulloColombiano pic.twitter.com/A0V0ikzipd

- Selección Colombia (@FCFSeleccionCol) June 4, 2026

Colombia will compete in its sixth edition of the World Cup and is part of Group K, alongside Portugal, Congo and Uzbekistan. The debut will be on June 17th, at 11pm (Brasília time), against the Uzbeks, in Mexico City.

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Source: CNN