Colombia: The specter of the Andrés Escobar tragedy hangs over Jaminton Campaz

Colombia's elimination in the round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup against Switzerland leaves more than just a bitter sporting aftertaste. It has also unleashed a wave of hatred against Jaminton Campaz, who has become the target of death threats after missing a decisive opportunity in extra time.

This situation inevitably brings back memories of the tragic fate of Andrés Escobar, who was murdered in 1994 just days after scoring an own goal at the World Cup in the United States.

Threats targeting the player and his family

At 26 years old, Jaminton Campaz has become one of the main scapegoats for supporters after the Tricolor was knocked out on penalties by Switzerland. According to Colombian outlet Infobae, the striker has received death threats that have also targeted his family.

The same source reports that the intimidation was serious enough to prevent the player from boarding the return flight to Bogotá with the rest of the squad. Campaz reportedly stayed behind in Vancouver, Canada, for security reasons. However, this information has not been officially confirmed by the Colombian Football Federation.

Support from the football world

In the face of this wave of hatred, several football personalities have expressed their solidarity with the Colombian international. Ángel Di María, for instance, sent a message of encouragement to Campaz on social media.

"Keep your head up, you gave everything for your country," wrote the Argentine World Cup winner.

The painful precedent of Andrés Escobar

The threats against Jaminton Campaz reopen a deeply rooted trauma in Colombian football history. In July 1994, Andrés Escobar was murdered in Medellín just days after scoring an own goal at the World Cup in the United States—a tragedy that shocked the footballing world.

While there is currently no indication that Campaz’s situation will end as tragically, these threats are a stark reminder that football passion can sometimes cross unacceptable lines. No sporting result, however painful, can ever justify threats or put a player and his loved ones in danger.

Nouya M'toama

Editorfr, en

Versatile journalist specializing in sports and political news, with extensive experience across radio, print and digital media platforms.