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The mind behind the rise: How sports psychology Is shaping Colombia’s U-20 dream
AIPS ASIA News:
TALCA, October 14, 2025 – In modern football, talent alone rarely wins tournaments. The difference often lies in the mind — in resilience, composure, and belief. For Colombia’s U-20 national team, that mental strength has a name: Rafael Zabaraín, the team’s sports psychologist. Within the squad, he’s affectionately known by a nickname that says it all — “El Mopri.”
Head coach César Torres calls Zabaraín’s role invaluable. “He’s not only a great human being but a highly competitive person who listens to everyone and helps channel the message that comes from the coaching staff,” Torres said.
The combination of psychology, coaching, and emotion has given the Colombian side a clear mental edge. For young players under the weight of representing their country, Zabaraín’s presence has been more than professional — it has been a guiding, paternal influence.
“A FATHER” Midfielder Julián Bazán, one of the team’s emotional anchors, described El Mopri as “a father to everyone.”
“He handles all the psychological preparation and becomes a father figure to us,” Bazán said. “He advises us, guides us when things don’t go well, and keeps us grounded when they do. We love him and appreciate what he does for us.”
Before Colombia’s latest match, Bazán recalls Zabaraín’s words as simple but powerful: “Enjoy it. Be grateful for this opportunity. You’re all capable, and victory will come if you believe.”
Defender José Cavadía echoed that sentiment, emphasizing how Zabaraín helped him overcome nerves in key moments.
“Before my first game, I was really nervous,” Cavadía said. “He taught me breathing techniques to stay calm. His talks are always interesting and helpful — he’s been essential to how we approach each match.”
MULTIPLE NATIONAL TEAMS But Zabaraín’s influence goes far beyond this U-20 squad. Over the years, El Mopri has worked with multiple national teams across Colombia’s system — from the women’s senior side that played in the 2025 Copa América Femenina, to the U-17 women’s team that qualified for Morocco 2026, the U-17 men’s team that reached Qatar, and the U-20s that advanced to Colombia 2024. These are only the latest examples of the many teams that have benefited from his work.
His consistent presence across age groups shows how the Colombian Football Federation has made mental preparation a fundamental part of every process. Once considered an extra resource, it has now become a core pillar of development, building confident, emotionally strong athletes ready for the biggest stages.
In a sport where every nation looks for tactical innovation or physical dominance, Colombia has found a different advantage: a psychological one. Thanks to El Mopri, belief is not just part of their game plan — it lies at the heart of who they are.
Courtesy AIPS Media
The mind behind the rise: How sports psychology Is shaping Colombia’s U-20 dream
AIPS ASIA News:
TALCA, October 14, 2025 – In modern football, talent alone rarely wins tournaments. The difference often lies in the mind — in resilience, composure, and belief. For Colombia’s U-20 national team, that mental strength has a name: Rafael Zabaraín, the team’s sports psychologist. Within the squad, he’s affectionately known by a nickname that says it all — “El Mopri.”
Head coach César Torres calls Zabaraín’s role invaluable. “He’s not only a great human being but a highly competitive person who listens to everyone and helps channel the message that comes from the coaching staff,” Torres said.
The combination of psychology, coaching, and emotion has given the Colombian side a clear mental edge. For young players under the weight of representing their country, Zabaraín’s presence has been more than professional — it has been a guiding, paternal influence.
“A FATHER” Midfielder Julián Bazán, one of the team’s emotional anchors, described El Mopri as “a father to everyone.”
“He handles all the psychological preparation and becomes a father figure to us,” Bazán said. “He advises us, guides us when things don’t go well, and keeps us grounded when they do. We love him and appreciate what he does for us.”
Before Colombia’s latest match, Bazán recalls Zabaraín’s words as simple but powerful: “Enjoy it. Be grateful for this opportunity. You’re all capable, and victory will come if you believe.”
Defender José Cavadía echoed that sentiment, emphasizing how Zabaraín helped him overcome nerves in key moments.
“Before my first game, I was really nervous,” Cavadía said. “He taught me breathing techniques to stay calm. His talks are always interesting and helpful — he’s been essential to how we approach each match.”
MULTIPLE NATIONAL TEAMS But Zabaraín’s influence goes far beyond this U-20 squad. Over the years, El Mopri has worked with multiple national teams across Colombia’s system — from the women’s senior side that played in the 2025 Copa América Femenina, to the U-17 women’s team that qualified for Morocco 2026, the U-17 men’s team that reached Qatar, and the U-20s that advanced to Colombia 2024. These are only the latest examples of the many teams that have benefited from his work.
His consistent presence across age groups shows how the Colombian Football Federation has made mental preparation a fundamental part of every process. Once considered an extra resource, it has now become a core pillar of development, building confident, emotionally strong athletes ready for the biggest stages.
In a sport where every nation looks for tactical innovation or physical dominance, Colombia has found a different advantage: a psychological one. Thanks to El Mopri, belief is not just part of their game plan — it lies at the heart of who they are.
Courtesy AIPS Media

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