Atlético Nacional forward Marlos Moreno stated his ambition to return to the Colombia national team and contest the 2028 Copa América, as manager Néstor Lorenzo evaluates new options during a generational squad rebuild.
Marlos Moreno Sets Sights on 2028 Copa América Return
Marlos Moreno has publicly declared his desire to pull on the yellow shirt of La Tricolor once again after recovering his best form in domestic football. The 30-year-old attacker, who returned to Atlético Nacional in mid-2025, outlined his international goals during an interview with journalist César Augusto Londoño for As Colombia, as reported by Revista Semana. “I see myself playing in the 2028 Copa América,” Moreno said. “You have to be positive. We will be there with the help of God.”
Previous International Stint and Subsequent Career Path
The forward first entered the national team setup in 2016 under head coach José Pékerman, featuring notably during the qualifiers for the 2018 FIFA World Cup, including an appearance against Bolivia. However, his momentum at international level stalled following his transfer to City Group in 2016. A lack of regular playing time and fluctuating form at various clubs saw him drop off the radar for Colombia selectors over subsequent seasons.
🟢 #Atención | Comunicado de Nicolás Rodríguez, jugador de #AtléticoNacional, sobre el disfraz de participante en el conflicto armado que portó hoy en la dinámica del club🗣️ “No tiene que ver ningún tipo de apoyo o burla hacia la gente… Pido disculpas” pic.twitter.com/Nz1F5pb0mX
Rebuilding the Squad Under Néstor Lorenzo
Moreno’s push for a recall coincides with a major transition period for the national team following the end of the 2026 World Cup cycle. Veteran stalwarts such as James Rodríguez, Juan Fernando Quintero, and David Ospina have stepped aside from international duty, joining earlier departures like Juan Guillermo Cuadrado and Radamel Falcao. In response, Lorenzo has integrated emerging talents such as Juan Manuel Rengifo, Samuel Velásquez, and Matías Orozco alongside established names like Dávinson Sánchez, Gustavo Puerta, and Richard Ríos.
Upcoming Friendlies Against Chile in November
The next evaluation phase for Lorenzo and his coaching staff takes place in November, when Colombia plays a double-header of friendly matches against Chile. Those fixtures will provide the next concrete indication of which domestic standouts and fresh faces receive call-ups as the coaching staff shapes the squad for the upcoming qualification and tournament cycle leading toward 2030.
Los jugadores de Atlético Nacional llegaron disfrazados a la sede por Halloween, pero la vestimenta de Nicolás Rodríguez como guerrillero generó controversia.El propio Nicolás Rodríguez confirmó el personaje al subir una historia con la canción "Historia de un guerrillero y un… pic.twitter.com/bASCX00Y6n”
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