Unión Magdalena

About

Unión Magdalena is a Colombian football club based in Santa Marta, the capital of the Magdalena department. Founded originally as Deportivo Samarios in 1951, it was re-established as Unión Magdalena in 1953. The team is historically significant as the first from the Caribbean coast to win the Colombian league, achieving this feat in 1968. Unión Magdalena is nicknamed "El Ciclón Bananero" (The Banana Cyclone) and "Los Samarios" (The Samarios). Their home stadium is Estadio Sierra Nevada, which they have used since 2018. The club has a rich history, having won the Categoría Primera A once and the Categoría Primera B twice. Unión Magdalena is known for producing iconic players like Carlos "El Pibe" Valderrama, who began his career there. The team's traditional shirt features red and blue stripes, inspired by San Lorenzo de Almagro. Unión Magdalena has participated in CONMEBOL competitions, including the Copa Libertadores. Under the leadership of notable managers like Jorge Luis Pinto, the team continues to strive for success in Colombian football.