Colombia star Campaz receives death threats after World Cup miss; revives Escobar memories

By Ayobami Okerinde

Colombia forward Jaminton Campaz has reportedly gone into hiding after receiving death threats following his team’s elimination from the 2026 FIFA World Cup, prompting fears of a repeat of one of the darkest chapters in the country’s football history, the 1994 murder of defender Andres Escobar.

Campaz blazed an open chance over the crossbar in the final six minutes of extra time in the round of 16 game against Switzerland on July 7, with the game ending goalless after 120 minutes. Switzerland eventually progressed with a 4-3 victory in the penalty shootout, ending Colombia’s World Cup campaign.

According to the New York Post, the 26 year old did not travel back to Bogotá with teammates James Rodríguez, Davinson Sánchez and Juan Fernando Quintero, as his whereabouts remain unknown, although speculation suggests he may have travelled to Argentina, where he plays for Rosario Central.

Amid growing concern over his safety, the Colombian international broke his silence in an emotional message posted on Instagram on Friday, urging fans to reject hatred and violence.

“My Colombia, please let us never lose sight of respect. We may think differently or feel frustration and sadness, but no passion justifies hatred or living in fear,” he wrote in Spanish translated to English.

Campaz said representing Colombia at the World Cup had fulfilled a lifelong dream despite the team’s painful exit.

“Since I was a child, I dreamed of defending Colombia’s colours, hearing the anthem, representing millions of people and scoring a goal at a World Cup. Today, I can only thank God for allowing me to fulfil that dream,” he said.

“I deeply regret not being able to bring you the joy we all hoped for, but I want you to know there was never a lack of dedication, commitment or love for this jersey. I gave everything I had on the pitch, and I would do it a thousand times over for my country.”

The threats have revived memories of the killing of Andrés Escobar, who was shot dead in Medellin days after scoring an own goal during Colombia’s 1994 FIFA World Cup campaign in the United States.

According to the Athletic, the Colombian Football Federation has since condemned the threats against Campaz and called on the country’s Attorney General’s Office to investigate those responsible.

It reads, “No sportsman, nor any member of their camp, should be subjected to intimidation for representing their country in a sporting context.

“The executive committee of the Colombian Football Federation expresses its full solidarity with and support for Jaminton Campaz, his family, all the players in the Colombia national team and the delegation as a whole. It also calls on the Attorney General’s Office to carry out, as swiftly as possible, the necessary investigations to identify, prosecute and punish those responsible for these acts.

“The FCF reiterates that the players who make up our national teams accept the honour of wearing the Colombian shirt with discipline, commitment, professionalism and a deep love for their country.

“Every time they take to the pitch, they do so with the conviction that they will give their utmost and with the sole aim of representing the nation with dignity and achieving the best possible result.”

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