I Signal Colombia Sports we relive the story of one of the most important men in the history of Colombian football, the great Pedro Sarmiento.
To talk about Pedro Sarmiento is to talk about the origins and history of Colombian football. Born Pedro Sarmiento on 26 October 1956 in Medellín, his football and strength in midfield earned him recognition as one of the best midfielders in FPC history.
‘The Simple’, as he was known in Colombian football, was a strong man on the mark, but with a good touch, a good start and his head was always held high. Sarmiento has always been a purslane man, he started his career as a professional in 1976 in the green institute, a team where he won two titles as a professional player: 1976 and 1981.
However, and although Pedro Sarmiento was one of those players with a green heart, in 1985, after working with Nacional, he moved on to one of his strongest rivals, It is América de Cali, a team that was not only one of them but also won the championship twice in 1985-1986, as well as being second in the continent three times in 1985, 1986 and 1987.
Pedro Sarmiento in the Colombian National Team
With everyone’s team, Pedro Sarmiento played a very important role. He was a genius and figure in 1980 South Americawhere he is remembered for an epic hat trick against Brazil. While with the majors he took part in the teams that faced the qualifiers for the 1982 and 1986 World Cups.
Pedro Sarmiento: coach with all honors
The América de Cali Sub 23 and the Colombian National Team of the same category were Sarmiento’s first gigs in technical assistance; later on the senior team between 95 and 98 where he was on the right Hernán Darío Gómez, in 2002 he resumed assistance to help Víctor Luna in that epic Independiente Medellín who returned to the title after more than 50 years and in 2003 he returned to the cell to join him Francisco Maturana.
As a coach, Pedro Sarmiento could be said to have gone through almost every professional soccer team in Colombia: Independiente Medellín, Deportivo Cali, Santa Fe, Cúcuta Deportivo, Deportivo Pereira, Envigado, Independiente Medellín 2013-2014, Águilas Doradas, Unión Magdalena and his most recent time at Once Caldas in 2023 It was the teams that had the privilege of seeing him sitting on their bench.
Pedro Sarmiento won four titles as a professional player: Nacional in ’76 and ’81, América in ’85 and ’86 as technical director in 2004 with Independiente Medellín and in 2005 with Deportivo Cali.
Peace at the grave of Pedro Sarmiento who will live on in the hearts of fans throughout the history of Colombian football. They saw him parade on the field and on the bench.
Interview between Time.news Editor and Football Expert on Pedro Sarmiento
Time.news Editor: Welcome to Time.news! Today, we have a special guest with us, a football expert who will help us dive deep into the illustrious career of one of Colombia’s most significant football icons—Pedro Sarmiento. Thank you for joining us!
Expert: Thank you for having me! It’s a pleasure to discuss Pedro Sarmiento, a tremendous player whose legacy continues to inspire many.
TNE: Pedro Sarmiento was born on October 26, 1956, in Medellín, a city known for its vibrant culture and, of course, its passion for football. How did his early life in Medellín influence his career?
Expert: Medellín has a rich football culture, and being born there undoubtedly shaped Sarmiento’s early love for the game. The competitive atmosphere and the strong community support for local teams gave him the foundation he needed to pursue football professionally. His upbringing likely instilled a sense of resilience and determination—traits that defined his playing style.
TNE: That’s fascinating! He started his professional career in 1976 with Atlético Nacional, where he not only earned a reputation as a solid midfielder but also won two league titles. What made him such a standout player during these years?
Expert: Sarmiento was known as ‘El Simple’, and that moniker somewhat understated his abilities. He was tough in tackles, had an excellent touch on the ball, and always seemed to read the game well. His physical strength and tactical intelligence allowed him to control the midfield effectively. Winning titles with Nacional solidified his place among Colombia’s best midfielders.
TNE: In 1985, he made a significant decision to join América de Cali, one of Nacional’s fiercest rivals. What factors might have influenced his move to América, and how did he perform there?
Expert: Transferring to a rival club like América de Cali would have been a bold move for any player, but Sarmiento’s decision showcased his ambition. At América, he achieved remarkable success, winning the championship twice and coming close to continental glory. His experience and leadership on the field were vital to the team’s successes during that era, particularly as they competed in major tournaments like the Copa Libertadores.
TNE: Speaking of international play, Sarmiento was instrumental for the Colombian national team, especially in the 1980 South American championships. Can you elaborate on his contributions during that period?
Expert: Absolutely! Sarmiento wasn’t just a key player for his clubs—he was pivotal for the national team. In the 1980 South American Championship, he displayed remarkable skill and composure under pressure, helping Colombia secure a third-place finish. His ability to control the tempo of the game and distribute the ball effectively made him invaluable. He connected well with his teammates and was always looking for that scoring opportunity.
TNE: Reflecting on Sarmiento’s career, why do you think he remains a significant figure in Colombian football history?
Expert: Sarmiento’s legacy transcends his on-field achievements. He represented dedication, resilience, and sportsmanship. He played during a transformative time for Colombian football, helping elevate its status both nationally and internationally. Young players today can look to his career as an example of what hard work and passion can achieve. His story continues to resonate, solidifying his place as a football icon in Colombia.
TNE: Thank you for sharing such rich insights into Pedro Sarmiento’s career. It’s clear that he was much more than just a player; he was a pioneer in Colombian football.
Expert: Thank you! It was a pleasure to discuss such an influential player. Sarmiento’s story is one that will continue to inspire future generations of footballers.
TNE: And that concludes our discussion on Pedro Sarmiento, a true legend of Colombian football. Thank you for tuning in!