Linda Caicedo is the new kid on the block in women’s football. Considered  the best U-20 player in the world, the Colombia forward made the move to Europe this week.

After turning 18 on Wednesday, Caicedo is now allowed to play outside Colombia - and has been snapped up by Spanish giants Real Madrid.

Her agent told AS last month that she had offers from around the world. Barcelona, Chelsea and American clubs were all among those interested.

Caicedo caught the eye from the off. She made her debut for Colombian club América de Cali at just 14 - and scored a stunning goal that went viral.

She was soon a league winner and  the domestic division’s top scorer, as well as earning a Colombia debut. In 2020, she joined Deportivo Cali.  

At Deportivo, Caicedo continued  to make fast progress. Despite a quarter-final exit, she was the leading scorer in the 2021 Copa Libertadores.

Having made her Colombia bow in 2019, she then confirmed her star potential in a breakout year on the international stage in 2022. 

Despite Caicedo's young age,  Colombia head coach Nelson Abadía included her in his squad for last summer’s Copa América Feminina.

Most 17-year-olds would be making up the numbers, but she was Colombia’s star. She led La Tricolor to the final and was named player of the tournament.

She also played at two World Cups in summer 2022. At the U-20 tournament in Costa Rica, she scored twice as Colombia reached the quarters.

At the U-17 World Cup, Caicedo excelled as Colombia finished as runners-up in India. She won both the Bronze Boot and the Silver Ball.

The teenager's displays for  club and country led her to be  named the IFFHS Women’s Best  Youth (U-20) Player in 2022.

Now, her next step is to join a fast-growing project at Madrid, where she’ll play alongside star performers like Athenea, Nahikari and Esther.