Freddy Rincón’s foray into the panel tables began in 2015 when ESPN invited him to be part of his team to accompany Corinthians in Group 2 of the Bridgestone Libertadores Cup, the same group that Once Caldas de Manizales was in. . In the first leg, the Brazilians beat the coffee growers 4-0. In the second leg, the ‘white white’ drew a tie at one goal.
Between 1997 and 2000, Rincón began its history with the helmHe returned in 2004 as a player and as a coach he was in charge of the minor divisions in 2009.
In 2018, ESPN Colombia hired him for the World Cup in Russia. According to the Pegsa-Colombia production director, Luis Fernando Domínguez, having him was an enriching experience because it was characterized by his criticism and he left them with many lessons.
“He was temperamental on the air, just as he was in football. It is one of those talents that he did not mince words when he should, based on his dressing room experience and that gave him authority to question and put himself in a position to contradict other panelists. He was punctual, no matter the time of the ‘show’, the discipline he acquired as an athlete was noticeable. He got upset, but he turned it into something funny because when the music played we went to court and he played it many times. Watching a game with him was funny because he experienced it as a fan, very emotional, he emulated what he saw as wanting to be there at the games. It was very nice to share those moments with him,” Domínguez assured SEMANA.
From the screen of the continent, Freddy went to Win Sports, the Colombian sports channel. Julio Tatis, one of the heads of that media outlet, tells SEMANA how pleasant it has been to share a set with Freddy and to have him as one of the talents in sports programs such as best of date.
“He is an excellent person, colleague, friend. ‘El negro’, as we affectionately call him, with his smile he won the world. One can be stressed, but just by seeing that huge ‘mole’ laughing with that tranquility that characterizes him, he calms down. It came to Win to put a smile on every heart of us. What pride that he has chosen us as his home. Each concept of the ‘Colossus’ is unique”, he said wistfully.
Vanessa Palacio, one of the most recognized journalists in the country, told this journalistic house that she enjoys working with him too much, her click with Freddy Rincón was immediate. “We bothered each other a lot, once my cell phone broke live and he told me that he would give me one. Then I came with a new one and said that he supposedly gave it to me. We both smiled when we saw each other right away. Working with him was a note. In addition, with his concepts he never wrinkled, we always said that ‘we were going to jump into the pool’, that is, to commit ourselves to the controversial. He is my idol, one of the first that made me fall in love with football. I’m too sad, but I have faith”, Vanessa revealed to SEMANA.
Caracol Radio also opened its doors to Freddy Rincón. His way of seeing football and his outspoken way of expressing his opinion captivated the directors of the radio network who chose him to be part of The VBar.
“Freddy Rincón, a modern player for his time. From two areas, sensational with the shirt of our country, in Santa Fe, America, Real Madrid, Naples and in Brazil. As a person and panelist always upfront and clear. I think his way of speaking even closed doors for him to direct. From Caracol we wish for his recovery. Clear with the truth, sincere and great friend”, told SEMANA Diego Rueda, director of the afternoon sports program.
For his part, Juan Felipe Cadavid, who knew his stage as commentators from television, described him as a front panelist and leader as when he played professional soccer. “He defended his positions vehemently, even if they caused discomfort to many fans and even players. Away from the cameras, great guy, always with anecdotes, calm, slow, imposing. A legend that I had the fortune to know closely”said the director of the Carousel.
