Colombia’s political football: President Santos’ National Unity Project and the 2014 Football World Cup

The Colombian football team's performance in the 2014 World Cup has allowed President Santos to use football in his national unity project. The selección is a rare unifying symbol in Colombia and politicians have previously sought to use football in the construction of a national political project. This article explores why, on this occasion, football has proved a more effective tool than when it was employed by Presidents Gaviria (in 1993–1994) and Pastrana (in 2001). As well as analysing how Santos has appropriated football figures and discourses, consideration will be given to how the selección has become a contested symbol involving other political actors.