Catalina Usme

María Catalina Usme Pineda is a Colombian professional footballer who plays as a forward and attacking midfielder for América de Cali and the Colombia women's national team. Known for her sharp left foot and clinical finishing, she is one of the most experienced and respected figures in Colombian women's football.

As of 2026, Usme remains an active player, still leading the attack for her club and country. Her consistent goal-scoring and leadership have made her a cornerstone of every team she represents. Fans admire her work rate, her ability to rise in big matches, and the calm authority she brings to the pitch. [edit]

Catalina Usme grew up in Antioquia, a region with a deep football culture. She started playing football at a young age, often joining boys in the neighborhood because there were few girls' teams. Her talent was obvious early on, and she quickly became known locally for her powerful shots and ability to read the game.

As a teenager, she joined Formas Íntimas, a club based in Medellín, where she began to develop professionally. The club competed in the Copa Libertadores, giving Usme her first taste of international club football. Her performances there caught the attention of national team selectors, and she earned her first call-up to the Colombia senior squad while still in her teens. The experience of training with older, more seasoned players pushed her to refine her technique and tactical understanding.

Before her breakthrough on the world stage, Usme balanced football with education, though details of her schooling are scarce. She credits her family's support for allowing her to pursue the sport seriously at a time when women's football in Colombia received little institutional backing. [edit]

Usme's breakthrough came when she was selected for Colombia's squad for the 2012 London Olympics. She played in all three group matches, helping Colombia earn their first Olympic appearance in women's football. Four years later, she was again part of the squad for the Rio 2016 Olympics, where Colombia reached the quarterfinals, a historic achievement for the team.

At club level, Usme has been a key figure in América de Cali's resurgence. She joined the club and helped them win the Colombian league, scoring crucial goals in the title run. Her performances in the Copa Libertadores with América de Cali have also been notable, as she has consistently been among the top scorers in the competition.

In 2024, Usme moved to Galatasaray in Turkey, a significant step in her career. She played there for a season before returning to América de Cali in 2025. Throughout her career, she has been praised for her professionalism and has served as a mentor to younger players in the national team setup. [edit]

Usme is widely regarded as a leader both on and off the pitch. Her calm demeanor and consistent performances have earned her the respect of teammates, opponents, and fans. She is frequently cited as an inspiration for young Colombian girls who dream of playing professional football.

On social media, Usme maintains a professional yet approachable presence. She shares training clips, match highlights, and behind-the-scenes moments with her 429,000 Instagram followers. Her endorsement deal with Adidas underscores her status as a prominent figure in the sport.

Media coverage often highlights her dedication and work ethic, portraying her as the backbone of the national team's attack. She is known for her humble attitude, rarely seeking the spotlight but always letting her performance speak for itself. [edit]

Catalina Usme's fanbase is as dedicated as it is organic, forming around her club teams and the Colombian national team rather than a formal, named community. There is no documented fandom name for her supporters, who are known simply by their devotion and their use of the diminutive "Cata." Her digital presence, with over 424,000 Instagram followers and an active Facebook page, serves as the primary hub for fan interaction, where she shares training footage, match highlights, and personal moments. The most visible expressions of fandom occur during major tournaments, particularly the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup, when her performances galvanized the nation. However, there are no documented fan-led campaigns, rituals, or inside jokes specific to Usme; her supporters express their admiration primarily through match attendance and social media engagement.

As of August 2026, iFANN's Global Fame Engine has evaluated Catalina Usme but she does not currently hold a placement in the published rankings, including the Global Top 1,000 or any Top-100 scope list. This reflects her status as a prominent figure in women's football rather than a globally ranked celebrity by iFANN's metrics.[edit]

Usme is left-footed, a trait that gives her an edge in free kicks and long-range shots, and she has a reputation for scoring spectacular goals, including several from outside the box. She has worn the number 10 jersey for both club and country, reflecting her creative role. Off the pitch, Usme is a fan of Colombian singer Shakira and often listens to music before matches to stay calm. She enjoys cooking and has shared recipes on social media, and she is an avid reader with a preference for athlete biographies.

A defining legend of her career is her performance at the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup, where she scored the decisive goal in a 1-0 victory over Jamaica in the Round of 16, leading Colombia to its first-ever quarterfinal appearance. The strike, a long-range effort, is still retold by fans as the moment Colombia announced itself on the world stage. Earlier, at the 2015 World Cup, she was part of the squad that upset France 2-0, a result that remains a touchstone in Colombian football lore. Her status as Colombia's all-time leading scorer and her participation in two Olympic Games (London 2012 and Rio 2016) further cement her legendary standing.[edit]

Usme keeps her personal life private, but it is known that she comes from a supportive family in Antioquia. She has spoken in interviews about her parents' encouragement when she was starting out, despite the lack of opportunities for girls in football at the time. She has a close relationship with her siblings, though their names are not public.

As of 2026, Usme is not married and has no children. She lives in Cali, where América de Cali is based, and often returns to Antioquia to visit family during breaks. [edit]

Usme is closely associated with América de Cali, where she has become a club icon. She is also linked with the Colombian national team, having been a mainstay for over a decade. Her former club Formas Íntimas and Galatasaray are also part of her professional journey. [edit]

Usme has kept her romantic life out of the public eye. There are no confirmed relationships reported in the media. She appears to be focused on her career and has not shared details about any partner.

As of 2026, Usme is reportedly single, with no public information about a current partner. [edit]

As of 2026, iFANN currently estimates Catalina Usme's net worth at $1 million. Her primary income stems from her professional football contracts, playing for América de Cali and previously Galatasaray, where she earns a competitive salary, though exact figures are not public. Endorsements, most notably with Adidas, add significantly to her annual earnings; she has partnered with the sportswear giant for several years, appearing in promotional campaigns and wearing their boots. Her net worth has grown steadily, reflecting her longevity in the sport and her marketability as a leading Colombian female footballer. While not among the highest-paid athletes globally, her financial standing is solid, and she has invested in properties in Colombia.[edit]