The top teams in the history of the league
The Colombian Categoria Primera A has been home to some of the most successful and dominant football teams in South America. These teams have won multiple league titles, set records, and created a legacy that is still remembered today. The top five teams in the history of the league are:
1. Atlético Nacional
2. América de Cali
3. Independiente Medellín
4. Millonarios
5. Deportivo Cali
Let's take a closer look at each of these teams and their contributions to the league.
Atlético Nacional: The most successful team in Colombian football history
Atlético Nacional is the most successful team in Colombian football history, having won 16 league titles. The team was founded in 1947 and has been a dominant force in the league ever since. The team's greatest period of success was during the 1980s when they won six league titles in eight years.
Atlético Nacional has also had success in international competitions, winning the Copa Libertadores twice in 1989 and 2016. The team's style of play is characterized by attacking football, quick passing, and a strong defense. Some of the team's most famous players include Rene Higuita, Faustino Asprilla, and Juan Pablo Angel.
Atlético Nacional's dominance in the league has made them one of the most popular and successful teams in South America. The team's fans, known as "Los Verdolagas," are some of the most passionate and loyal in the league.
✅¿JAMES A NACIONAL? ULTIMA HORA ATLETICO NACIONAL Y JAMES RODRIGUEZ / CANDELO A MILLOS /
América de Cali: The second most successful team in the league
América de Cali is the second most successful team in the Colombian Categoria Primera A, having won 15 league titles. The team was founded in 1927 and has a rich history in Colombian football. The team's greatest period of success was during the 1980s when they won four league titles in six years.
América de Cali is known for its attacking style of play and the ability to produce some of the best young talents in the league. The team has produced some of the most famous Colombian footballers, including Carlos Valderrama, Freddy Rincon, and Ivan Renato Cordoba.
Despite their success, América de Cali has also faced some challenges, including relegation to the second division in 2012. However, the team returned to the top flight in 2016 and has since been a contender for the league title.
Independiente Medellín: The first team to win the league outside of Bogotá
Independiente Medellín is the first team to win the Colombian Categoria Primera A outside of Bogotá, the capital city of Colombia. The team was founded in 1913 and has a rich history in Colombian football. The team's greatest period of success was during the 1950s when they won three league titles in four years.
Independiente Medellín is known for its attacking style of play and the ability to produce some of the best young talents in the league. The team has produced some of the most famous Colombian footballers, including James Rodriguez, Juan Fernando Quintero, and Luis Fernando Muriel.
Despite their success, Independiente Medellín has also faced some challenges, including relegation to the second division in 2011. However, the team returned to the top flight in 2012 and has since been a contender for the league title.
Millonarios: The oldest team in the league and its rich history
Millonarios is the oldest team in the Colombian Categoria Primera A, having been founded in 1946. The team has a rich history in Colombian football, having won 15 league titles. The team's greatest period of success was during the 1950s when they won four league titles in a row.
Millonarios is known for its attacking style of play and the ability to produce some of the best young talents in the league. The team has produced some of the most famous Colombian footballers, including Adolfo Valencia, Willington Ortiz, and Arnoldo Iguaran.
Despite their success, Millonarios has also faced some challenges, including financial difficulties and relegation to the second division in 2010. However, the team returned to the top flight in 2011 and has since been a contender for the league title.
Deportivo Cali: The team with the most appearances in the league finals
Deportivo Cali is one of the most successful teams in the Colombian Categoria Primera A, having won nine league titles. The team was founded in 1912 and has a rich history in Colombian football. The team's greatest period of success was during the 1960s when they won four league titles in six years.
Deportivo Cali is known for its attacking style of play and the ability to produce some of the best young talents in the league. The team has produced some of the most famous Colombian footballers, including Ivan Ramiro Cordoba, Faryd Mondragon, and Jorge Bermudez.
Deportivo Cali has also been the team with the most appearances in the league finals, having reached the final 18 times. Despite their success, Deportivo Cali has also faced some challenges, including financial difficulties and relegation to the second division in 2017. However, the team returned to the top flight in 2018 and has since been a contender for the league title.