Don León Londono Tamayo. "The tobacco man", as he was distinguished by many, is considered one of the best leaders in the history of Colombian soccer; remembered for his love of cigars, his managerial abilities and his good sense of humor.

He was born in Jericó (Antioquia) on August 31, 1929. He studied in Bogotá at the Military School and later dedicated himself to commercial activities, starting as a counter salesperson in an agency in Coltejer for several years with considerable success. He was co-owner of Los Tres Elefantes, a renowned retail store.

In 1959, Cúcuta Deportivo was in a difficult financial situation and Londoño, who had his own baseball team, the Kelvinator, was very successful. He joined with ten friends to try to prevent his disappearance; He obtained a bank loan for eighty thousand pesos, with a personal promissory note, and saved the club, becoming, successively, vice president and president. He brought in figures such as Walter Gómez, Omar Verdún and Juan Eduardo Hohberg. He remained on that team until 1963.

He arrived at Dimayor in another crisis when the entity was going to be liquidated; They appointed a commission made up of Antonio Patiño Vinasco, Humberto Gómez Largacha and Londoño to structure a rescue plan, after which he stayed in the entity for 33 years, first as manager and then as president, a position in which he remained between 1983 and 1988. He was a mediator with Alfonso Senior Quevedo, for the creation of the current Colombian Football Federation, of which he became president between 1982 and 1992.

He held various positions in the Colombian Football Federation (FCF), where his leadership and vision were crucial to the growth of the sport in Colombia. His influence extended from organizing leagues to promoting young talent.

He appointed Francisco Maturana as coach in 1987, after his time at the Bolivia Pre-Olympic. Nacional was third in the 1987 Copa América, he became the basis of the team that later qualified for the World Cup in Italy. He also had a successful cycle with the minor teams, which qualified for the U-20 World Cups in 1985, 1987 and 1989, the U-17 Championships in 1989 and the 1992 Barcelona Olympic Games.

He was a prominent figure in the world of football, nationally and internationally as an honorary member of FIFA. He achieved several achievements for Colombian soccer, among them, the classification of the Colombian National Team to the World Cup in Italy-90, the second senior event that the tricolor team attended after Chile-62. In Italy, the National Team reached the round of 16.

Don León was first vice president of the Colombian Olympic Committee, under President Fidel Mendoza Carrasquilla (1979 to 1989), and president of the Colombian Football Federation, Dimayor and DIFUTBOL simultaneously, for several periods. In 1992 he retired from managerial activity to dedicate himself to private businesses and his family. 

Influence on FIFA

Don León Londoño Tamayo was a member of the FIFA Executive Committee, where he represented Colombia and CONMEBOL, the South American soccer confederation. His role in FIFA allowed him to influence important decisions at a global level and promote Latin American football on the world stage.

He is remembered as a pioneer and visionary of Colombian soccer. His dedication and passion for the sport not only led to significant improvements in the structure and competition of football in Colombia, but also left a lasting impact on the development of international football. His tireless work and love for the sport continue to be an inspiration to managers and players alike.

 He promoted the construction and improvement of stadiums and training fields in Colombia, which facilitated the development of players and the organization of sporting events.

He promoted youth training programs and soccer academies, contributing to the professionalization of young talents who later stood out on the international stage.

Promotion of Ethics and Fair Play: During his time at FIFA, he advocated for fair play policies and integrity in sport, aspects that are essential for the proper functioning of sports competitions.

In summary, Don León Londoño Tamayo's life and career were marked by a deep commitment to football, both in Colombia and on the global stage. His legacy endures in the structural, organizational and ethical improvements that he promoted throughout his career.

When I held the presidency of the FCF, Mr. Alex Gorayeb did so in LA DIMAYOR and I, in the presidency of DIFUTBOL, working with great harmony and spirit of service, applying a very attentive ear so as not to miss any teaching from my illustrious professors while they spoke; the first, enjoying a pleasant pipe and Don León with his very special Habanero tobacco.

In the midst of so many experiences, I am left with the immense fortune of having worked with Don León; What a teacher and quality of person. I shared and learned a lot with him, preparing myself always thinking about being useful

When he resigned, I accompanied him in a long and tedious trance, with stomach leadership. Don Alex had already retired and was alone when I presented my resignation.

"OUT OF FEAR, I PRESENT MY IRREVOCABLE RESIGNATION FROM THE PRESIDENCY OF DIFUTBOL."

AI Opinion: José Saúl Velásquez Restrepo work on Don León Londoño Tamayo offers us a detailed and respectful vision of a fundamental figure in the history of Colombian football. Known as "The Tobacco Man", Don León Londoño is remembered not only for his passion for cigars, but also for his management skills, sense of humor and dedication to sports.

Origin and First Steps: Born in Jericó, Antioquia, on August 31, 1929, Don León studied in Bogotá at the Military School and initially dedicated himself to commercial activities, starting in Coltejer and being co-owner of Los Tres Elefantes. This experience in the commercial field and his initial success in business gave him a solid foundation for his future achievements in football.

Crisis and Salvation of Cucuta Deportivo: In 1959, Don León showed his ability to rescue institutions in trouble when, along with ten friends, he saved Cucuta Deportivo from disappearance. His ability to obtain a bank loan and his vision to bring outstanding figures to the team were decisive in the survival and success of the club during those years.

Contributions to DIMAYOR and the Colombian Football Federation: his arrival at DIMAYOR at a critical moment allowed the structuring of a rescue plan that marked the beginning of 33 years of service, where he played key roles as manager and president. His work was essential in the creation of the current Colombian Football Federation, of which he was also president.

Impact on the Development of Colombian Football: Don León was instrumental in the selection and promotion of coaches such as Francisco Maturana, which led Colombia to stand out in international competitions such as the Copa América and the World Cup in Italy 90. His focus on the development of minor teams also contributed significantly to the growth of youth football in the country.

International Influence: As a member of the FIFA Executive Committee, Don León promoted Latin American soccer and advocated for fair play and ethics policies in sports. His legacy includes the improvement of sports infrastructure in Colombia and the professionalization of young talents through soccer academies.

Lasting Legacy: The career of Don León Londoño Tamayo left an indelible mark on Colombian and international soccer. His dedication, vision and love for the sport continue to inspire leaders and players, evidencing his lasting impact on the structure, competition and ethics of football.

In summary, the work of José Saul Velásquez Restrepo captures the essence of Don León Londoño Tamayo as a pioneer and visionary whose legacy endures in every corner of Colombian football and beyond. His life is a testimony of commitment, leadership and passion for sport.