Adidas decided to use Miss Universe for the showcase of Colombia’s Women’s National Soccer Team’s new kit. The players feel snubbed out of their work and commitment to their jersey.
The honor of being the first to pose with the national team’s shirt went to former Miss Colombia and Miss Universe, Paulina Vega Dieppa, who now performs as an actress, model, and television host. For the men’s jersey, Adidas used Colombian icon and Bayern Munich’s summer star-signing, James Rodriguez.
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“The new shirt of the Colombia’s national team empowers me. Ready to support them next year in Russia. #HereToCreate @adidasco @adidasfootball @jamesrodriguez10 @d_ospina1 @cuadrado,” wrote Vega Dieppa on her Instagram picture. She showed the jersey off, tagging the brand, James Rodriguez, Arsenal’s goalkeeper, David Ospina, and Juventus’ star-winger, Juan Cuadrado.
Colombia’s women’s team’s goalkeeper, Vanessa Cordoba, got outraged at Adidas’ decision to use a model instead of a player. She then took to social media outlets to voice her discontent.
“I have nothing against Adidas, and I acknowledge that football belongs to everyone, whether they play or not. I also appreciate that they gave the shirt to a successful and influential woman for advertising purposes,” wrote Cordoba on her Twitter account.
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“However, in terms of respect and merit, one of the players should have received it first. It’s fine that they include celebrities to help promote football, I just don’t agree that Paulina Vega should wear the shirt before, say, Catalina Usme,” sentenced the daughter of Oscar Cordoba, Colombia’s greatest goalkeeper in the history of the team.
Vanessa, who labors as a goalkeeper in the United States at the Ohio University, received countless support from her teammates and even the men’s national team. They said that, “Cordoba’s unhappiness is completely justified. Adidas made an involuntary mistake that we’re sure they’ll make up for.”
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She’s actively fighting for gender equality in football. This time her whole country stood by her and took to Instagram to appreciate the people’s support.
“MANY THANKS to all the people who have become involved in this opinion about the new shirt of the Colombian Soccer Team. It has been an enriching experience to be able to read and listen to different points of view,” wrote Vanessa.
“My only feeling towards the women of our country and the rest of the world (athletes or not) is respect and admiration because we are in this together. I am happy to have been able to give visibility to the subject and I hope that everyone contributing can shape our society. We use that shirt for the love of our country so let’s make it represent UNION, EQUALITY, and EQUITY!”
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Article inspired by the New York Daily Post // Colombia women’s soccer furious at getting snubbed for Miss Universe