Dayro Moreno Makes Comeback to Colombia National Team After Nine Years

Colombia’s national football team has made an unexpected decision regarding its roster for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. The Colombian Football Federation has announced that head coach Néstor Lorenzo has brought back veteran striker Dayro Moreno for the upcoming matches against Bolivia and Venezuela.

Moreno, who currently plays for Once Caldas, last appeared for Colombia during the 2016 Copa América Centenario in the United States. That tournament saw Colombia reach the semifinals before they were defeated by the eventual champions, Chile. Almost ten years later, he has received another chance to represent his country.

At 39, Moreno is still one of the most successful scorers in Colombian football history. He holds the record for the most goals in the domestic league and currently tops the Copa Sudamericana scoring list. His international career features 32 caps and three goals, numbers that Lorenzo believes can still bring value in the critical qualifiers.

This call-up is a response to injuries and performance issues among other players. Jhon Jader Durán is unavailable, and Rafael Santos Borré has not been in form at Internacional in Brazil. Moreno’s return also reflects a popular demand, as many supporters have been advocating for his selection due to his recent strong performances.

For Colombia, Dayro Moreno’s comeback brings both experience and a sense of nostalgia, as the striker aims to make an impact in what might be his final opportunity on the international stage.