Wisconsin Deportivo Cali Fan's Viral Rant Sparks Manager's Resignation

Santiago Tolozaposso's passionate post-match interview in English became a Colombian football meme overnight.

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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When Deportivo Cali lost 2-0 to Once Caldas, Santiago Tolozaposso, a Cali native living in Madison, Wisconsin, unloaded in a fiery, unfiltered post-match rant against the club's manager in English that quickly went viral on Colombian social media. The timing of his rant, just before the manager's resignation, cemented his status as an unlikely meme star in the Colombian football world.

Why it matters

Tolozaposso's viral moment highlights the deep, emotional connection fans have with their hometown teams, even when living thousands of miles away. His raw, unfiltered reaction reflects the passion and intensity of South American football culture, which is often very different from the more polished, corporate image of European football.

The details

Tolozaposso had flown from Wisconsin specifically to attend the Deportivo Cali match, even calling in sick to work. After the disappointing loss, he unleashed his frustrations in an interview with a local media outlet, blaming the manager for the team's poor performance. His rant, delivered in English, quickly spread on social media, resonating with Cali fans both in Colombia and in the diaspora.

  • Tolozaposso flew from Wisconsin to Cali specifically for the match.
  • The original match date was shifted, and Tolozaposso changed his flight and paid extra to attend.
  • Tolozaposso called in sick to work, telling his boss he had a 'soccer injury'.
  • Shortly after Tolozaposso's viral rant, manager Alberto Gameiro resigned and was replaced by Rafael Dudamel.

The players

Santiago Tolozaposso

A Cali native living in Madison, Wisconsin who has been a lifelong Deportivo Cali fan, attending over 40 matches in his life before moving abroad.

Alberto Gameiro

The former manager of Deportivo Cali who resigned shortly after Tolozaposso's viral rant.

Rafael Dudamel

The new manager of Deportivo Cali, replacing Alberto Gameiro.

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What they’re saying

“Your hometown team isn't something you choose. You follow your dad's team, your family's team. That's just how it works.”

— Santiago Tolozaposso

“I know if Cali loses again, I'm probably still going to be the meme.”

— Santiago Tolozaposso

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

Tolozaposso's viral moment captures the raw, emotional connection that fans, even those living abroad, have with their local teams. South American football culture is often very different from the more polished, corporate image of European football, and this incident highlights the passion and intensity that defines it.