By then, the shield of Santa Fe was still stuck in time with the six stars. Hernán Darío Gómez was the coach who fought with that elusive title streak.

More disappointments were missing, indeed, but in the cardinal's rebirth calendar, January 10, 2009 could well be established as year zero for the new Santa Fe. That afternoon, a handshake between President Armando Farfán and Omar Sebastián Pérez marked the destiny.

At 29 years old, he arrived as the fifth reinforcement along with Julio Gutiérrez, Juan Carlos Quintero, Yovanni Arrechea, and Daniel Vélez.

Sideways glanced at because of his knee conditions, he defeated them all. The doubts, the star drought, Gremio, Colo Colo, Cerro Porteño, the consecutive defeats that threatened to break cycles.

200 games later, he won five titles, scored an olympic goal, played a Copa Libertadores semifinal.

The communion with the fans rewarded him with tattoos in his honor, his own flags in the stands, and exclusive respect for idols who decide to stay in Santa Fe.

Former teammates and players from other teams recognize him as a leader and one of the best players in Colombian football.

Leonel Álvarez (DIM's Coach)

"He is an extraordinary player. We had him first in Medellín when we were with Santiago Escobar. He was a finalist with us. We wanted to keep him, but we couldn't. I have the best opinion of him. And not only as a player, but as a filter and a football creator, as a human being. He deserves the best. That performance he has is because of the professionalism he shows."

Macnelly Torres (Nacional's Midfielder)

"What Omar (Pérez) has done in Santa Fe is huge. The continuity he has had is important. He has played many tournaments there. That makes you think that teams always need a number 10."

Luis Carlos Arias (DIM's Midfielder)

"It makes me happy. He is a great reference for Santa Fe. He brought joy back to the team and people started believing in the institution again. He is a great leader and a great teammate. I spent four years with him and I know the great effort he makes due to his knee problem. I can only congratulate him. He is a great professional. I also congratulate Santa Fe for having such a great leader."

Juan Fernando Caicedo (DIM's Forward)

"For me, it was an honor, a privilege, and a pride to have him as a teammate for a year. He is a great professional and an excellent person. I think he is among the best foreign players who have come to the country. I am happy that Omar reaches 200 games. His talent is unmatched."