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FOOTBALL
IN MEDELLÍN

Your guide to playing football in Medellín

11th Oct 2024 | 2-min read

Bird's-eye view of the football pitches of Unidad Deportiva de Belén

The football pitches of Unidad Deportiva de Belén

It's Latin America, it's Colombia, and with two big clubs, football is, of course, a big deal in Medellín. (By the way, pick your team: Atlético Nacional (aka Nacional) or Independiente Deportivo Medellín (aka DIM))!

How can I play football in Medellín?

Medellín has an abundance of football pitches, which you will see in sports complexes or local neighbourhoods all over the city. The best way to get started with playing football in Medellín is to join the WhatsApp group shared below and simply go from there. It’s a group of Colombians and foreigners.

Join the Fútbol En Tu Ciudad WhatsApp group to find a game

How does the group work?

Casual/pickup games are shared all across the city, so expect to see games in the classic expat and digital nomad locations of Poblado, Envigado and Laureles, for example. Games are typically 7-a-side or more and are often free. After all, renting football pitches at municipal unidades deportivas (sports complexes) is free. If there is a cost to play somewhere, you might only be looking at 10,000 COP for an hour.

The group is a little different from other football groups you may be familiar with, as people often only post when they’re looking for a player or two to fill spots (cupos) of a game they’re already playing in. You don’t see too many posts where someone proposes a game, location and date and creates a “sign-up sheet” for people to add their names.

Are there any expat football leagues in Medellín?

There are no expat football leagues that I’m aware of. Yes, there are local leagues, but you’ll need to speak with a local to learn about them, as I don’t have any information to provide.

Astroturf football pitch in Envigado, Medellín

One of the more spectacular football pitches in Medellín!

Do you play football in Medellin?
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