Campaz Receives Death Threats After World Cup Exit, Reviving Escobar Tragedy
Colombia international Jaminton Campaz has reportedly gone into hiding after receiving death threats following his country's elimination from the 2026 FIFA World Cup, raising painful memories of the 1994 murder of defender Andrés Escobar.
Campaz came under intense criticism after missing a clear scoring opportunity late in extra time during Colombia's Round of 16 clash with Switzerland on July 7. The match ended 0-0 before Switzerland advanced with a 4-3 victory in the penalty shootout.
Reports indicate the 26-year-old did not return to Colombia with the rest of the squad and is believed to have remained in Argentina, where he plays club football for Rosario Central, due to security concerns.
Breaking his silence in an emotional Instagram post, Campaz appealed for calm and respect.
He said that wearing Colombia's colours at the World Cup fulfilled a childhood dream and expressed regret that the team could not deliver the success fans had hoped for.
The forward insisted he gave everything on the pitch and stressed that no sporting disappointment should lead to hatred or fear.
The threats have drawn comparisons with the tragic death of Andrés Escobar, who was shot and killed in Medellín shortly after scoring an own goal during Colombia's 1994 World Cup campaign in the United States.
In response, the Colombian Football Federation condemned the threats in the strongest terms, expressing solidarity with Campaz, his family and the entire national team.
The federation urged Colombia's Attorney General's Office to swiftly identify and prosecute those responsible, stressing that no athlete should face intimidation for representing the country.
The federation also reiterated that every player wears the national shirt with commitment, professionalism and pride, adding that football must remain "a space for unity, respect and hope, never a stage for hatred, intimidation or violence."
Campaz came under intense criticism after missing a clear scoring opportunity late in extra time during Colombia's Round of 16 clash with Switzerland on July 7. The match ended 0-0 before Switzerland advanced with a 4-3 victory in the penalty shootout.
Reports indicate the 26-year-old did not return to Colombia with the rest of the squad and is believed to have remained in Argentina, where he plays club football for Rosario Central, due to security concerns.
Breaking his silence in an emotional Instagram post, Campaz appealed for calm and respect.
He said that wearing Colombia's colours at the World Cup fulfilled a childhood dream and expressed regret that the team could not deliver the success fans had hoped for.
The forward insisted he gave everything on the pitch and stressed that no sporting disappointment should lead to hatred or fear.
The threats have drawn comparisons with the tragic death of Andrés Escobar, who was shot and killed in Medellín shortly after scoring an own goal during Colombia's 1994 World Cup campaign in the United States.
In response, the Colombian Football Federation condemned the threats in the strongest terms, expressing solidarity with Campaz, his family and the entire national team.
The federation urged Colombia's Attorney General's Office to swiftly identify and prosecute those responsible, stressing that no athlete should face intimidation for representing the country.
The federation also reiterated that every player wears the national shirt with commitment, professionalism and pride, adding that football must remain "a space for unity, respect and hope, never a stage for hatred, intimidation or violence."
