Envigado

Envigado Fútbol Club is a professional Colombian football team based in Envigado, a city located in the southern region of the Aburrá Valley, Antioquia. Founded in 1989, the club has since established itself as a significant force in Colombian football, known for its robust youth development program and competitive performances in the country's top-tier league, Categoría Primera A.

The club's roots trace back to the local amateur team, Envigado Deportivo, which was transformed into a professional outfit by businessman Gustavo Upegui. The club's rise was meteoric, ascending from the second division to the top flight in just three years. The team's first appearance in the Primera A came in 1992, marking the start of a new era for Envigado F.C.

Envigado F.C. is renowned for its youth academy, known as La Cantera de Héroes (The Quarry of Heroes). The academy has produced numerous talented players who have gone on to have successful careers both domestically and internationally. Notable alumni include James Rodríguez, who won the Golden Boot at the 2014 FIFA World Cup, and Fredy Guarín, a key player for Inter Milan and the Colombian national team.

Despite its reputation for nurturing young talent, Envigado F.C. has yet to secure a Primera A title. The club's best finish came in 2012 when they reached the semi-finals. However, they have consistently remained in the top division, demonstrating their competitive edge and resilience.

The club's home ground is the Estadio Polideportivo Sur, a multi-purpose stadium with a capacity of over 11,000. The stadium is known for its vibrant atmosphere, with passionate fans creating a sea of orange and white, the club's official colors.

In 2014, Envigado F.C. faced a significant setback when the U.S. Treasury Department placed the club on its "Clinton List" of entities linked to drug trafficking. This was due to alleged connections with a former club owner, Gustavo Upegui, who had ties to the notorious drug lord, Pablo Escobar. The club was removed from the list in 2018 after demonstrating that it had cut all links with illegal activities.

Despite the challenges, Envigado F.C. continues to be a beacon of hope for young Colombian footballers. The club's commitment to youth development, coupled with its resilience in the face of adversity, has cemented its place in the heart of Colombian football. Envigado F.C. may not have a trophy-laden history, but its contribution to the sport, particularly in player development, is undeniable. The club's motto, "El Equipo del Sur" (The Team of the South), is a fitting testament to its enduring presence in Colombian football.