By Jhoan Sebastián Salazar Translated and Expanded for International Coverage
Main Facts
The landscape of Colombian women’s professional football continues to evolve, shaped by the dedication, sweat, and tactical brilliance of a new generation of athletes. Among them, Jessica Bermeo stands out as a pioneering figure. Hailing from the municipality of Pitalito in the Huila department, Bermeo has cemented her legacy by helping Deportivo Cali capture yet another domestic league title—the fourth in the club’s history, three of which have been secured consecutively.
In an exclusive interview with LA NACIÓN and LA NACIÓN Stereo, the talented midfielder opened up about the emotional triumph of securing another star for the Valle del Cauca powerhouse. Beyond domestic dominance, Bermeo’s focus is already locked onto the upcoming international frontier: the Copa Libertadores Femenina, scheduled to take place on Ecuadorian soil. With unwavering faith, tactical discipline, and a deep sense of regional pride, Bermeo and her teammates are preparing to fly the Colombian flag high on the continental stage.
Chronology: From Pitalito’s Pitches to National Glory
The journey to the summit of Colombian football was neither instantaneous nor effortless for Jessica Bermeo. Her story is one of perseverance, mirroring the broader developmental trajectory of women’s football in Colombia over the past decade.
Early Beginnings in Pitalito: Long before gracing the pitches of Colombia’s top-tier stadiums, Bermeo was honing her craft in Pitalito. Recognizing her natural talent and boundless energy from a very young age, she relied heavily on the unwavering support of her family, who backed her athletic ambitions from day one.
The Evolution of the Liga Femenina (2017–Present): Reflecting on the structural changes within the sport, Bermeo recalls the precarious state of the league during its inception. In 2017, the women’s tournament spanned a mere two months, offered minimal compensation, and suffered from a profound lack of media coverage. Over the years, through collective pressure from players, clubs, and media, the landscape shifted. Today, the Liga Femenina stretches across an eight-month calendar, featuring high-stakes finals, television broadcasts, and passionate crowds filling stadiums to watch giants like Deportivo Cali.
A Dynastic Run with Deportivo Cali: Bermeo’s integration into the Deportivo Cali squad marked a turning point in her professional career. Immersed in a highly competitive environment characterized by strong cultural unity and familial bonds within the locker room, she became an integral part of a squad that has redefined consistency in the Colombian league, securing a historic fourth title.
The Continental Horizon (Present Day): Having conquered domestic football, Bermeo and the Azucareras have turned their complete focus toward Ecuador, where the Copa Libertadores Femenina awaits. The team is currently undergoing intensive physical and mental preparations to face elite South American competition.
Supporting Data and Context
To understand the magnitude of Deportivo Cali’s current success and Jessica Bermeo’s individual milestone, one must examine the broader metrics of Colombian women’s football and international disparities.
Title Pedigree: Deportivo Cali’s latest championship reinforces their status as one of the most successful institutions in the history of the Liga Femenina, boasting four titles, with a remarkable sequence of three consecutive championships.
Regional Representation: Bermeo proudly carries the mantle for the Huila department, distinguishing herself as the Huilense player with the most titles in the history of the women’s professional league.
Structural Comparison with Brazil: During the interview, Bermeo highlighted the structural advantages enjoyed by regional powerhouses like Brazil. Brazilian clubs typically contest around three major tournaments per year, fostering a winning mentality in female athletes from early childhood. This infrastructure contrasts sharply with Colombia’s developing system, emphasizing the urgent need for robust foundational development.
Contractual Realities: Despite the league expanding to an eight-month duration, significant labor hurdles remain. Many female professional players in Colombia still sign contracts spanning only five months or strictly limited to the duration of a single tournament, highlighting a critical area for ongoing institutional reform.
Official Responses and In-Depth Interview
Jessica Bermeo on Winning Another Title with Deportivo Cali:
"First of all, I want to send a special greeting and thank you so much for the space. I am very happy, very content, and deeply grateful to God, the institution, and the coaching staff who gave me the opportunity to be part of this great team. This title is the direct reflection of the sacrifices I have made since I was a little girl. I want to take this opportunity to thank my family, who has supported me from day one, and all the glory and honor belongs to God."
On Being Huila’s Most Decorated Female Player:
"Being part of the history of my department brings me an immense amount of pride, and I hope to continue doing so. The Huila department possesses an immense amount of talent, and I am fully convinced of that, but we must know how to exploit and nurture it properly. I hope young girls continue to prepare themselves; the truth is, the path is never easy, and it always has its highs and lows. You have to be believers, disciplined, and—most importantly—if you do it with love, God will show you the way. Believe in yourselves; that is fundamental."
On the Secret Behind Deportivo Cali’s Success:
"Sebastián, Deportivo Cali Femenino is a very competitive team. We know what we have, we know who we are, we know what we are representing, and we know the immense talent that exists within our squad. Unity and family are the keys to continuing to make history in the league, and hopefully, we can replicate that success internationally."
On Preparing for the Copa Libertadores in Ecuador:
"We have to keep preparing ourselves, both physically and mentally. Brazilian football, for example, has around three tournaments a year, and from a very young age, their players are trained with a winning mentality, which is something truly admirable. Basically, that is what Colombian football needs: better preparation in foundational training, mindset, and physical conditioning."
On Whether Cali Can Win the Continental Crown:
"Deportivo Cali is very motivated, and the truth is that we are preparing in the best possible way to compete on equal terms against any team. We want to go after the cup; that is our primary objective, and with God’s help, we are going to achieve it. It won’t be easy, but with hard work and effort, we will fight to bring the title home to Colombia."
Implications and Future Outlook
Jessica Bermeo’s journey from the coffee-growing hills of Pitalito to the pinnacle of continental club football carries profound implications for the future of Colombian sports.
Inspiring the Next Generation: By becoming the most decorated player from Huila, Bermeo serves as a living blueprint for young girls in southern Colombia. Her success demonstrates that world-class athletic achievement is accessible to those outside the traditional urban hubs of Bogotá, Medellín, and Cali, provided there is adequate regional talent spotting.
The Push for Professionalization: While the Colombian league has made monumental strides—moving from a fleeting two-month showcase to a robust eight-month competition with television visibility—Bermeo’s testimony underscores the remaining gaps in labor rights. The persistence of short-term, five-month contracts remains a critical bottleneck that club owners, Dimayor, and the Colombian Football Federation (FCF) must address to secure the long-term well-being and professional stability of female athletes.
The International Benchmark: As Deportivo Cali prepares to touch down in Ecuador for the Copa Libertadores, the tournament serves as a litmus test for the actual competitiveness of Colombian club structures against South American heavyweights, particularly Brazilian powerhouses. A strong campaign by Cali could accelerate structural investments in youth academies across the country.
As Jessica Bermeo and her teammates pack their bags for Ecuador, they carry not just the aspirations of a legendary club, but the hopes of an entire nation yearning to see its women’s football reach the summit of South America.
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