Instagram: bicho08_
Colombian footballer Jáminton Campaz has gone into hiding after receiving death threats following his country’s elimination from the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with the Colombian Football Federation condemning the intimidation and calling for an urgent investigation.
Campaz missed a clear chance in extra time during Colombia’s round of 16 match against Switzerland, which finished 0-0 before Switzerland advanced on penalties.
The 26-year-old, who plays for Argentine club Rosario Central, did not board the team’s scheduled flight back to Bogotá and his current location has not been disclosed.
Campaz pleads for calm after World Cup elimination
Campaz posted a lengthy message on Instagram addressing both the tournament and the backlash.
“Since I was a boy, I dreamed of defending the colors of Colombia, hearing the anthem, representing millions of people, and scoring a goal in a World Cup.”
Instagram: bicho08_
He thanked his family and fans for their support throughout the tournament before addressing the elimination directly.
“I deeply regret not being able to give you the joy we all hoped for, but I want you to know that dedication, commitment, and love for this jersey were never lacking. I gave everything I had on the pitch, and I would do it a thousand times over for my country.”
The situation has drawn comparisons to the 1994 murder of Colombian defender Andres Escobar, who was shot dead in Medellin days after scoring an own goal that contributed to Colombia’s exit from that year’s World Cup.
According to Al Jazeera, the Colombian Football Federation condemned the threats in a statement, saying “no athlete, nor any member of their inner circle, should be subjected to intimidation for representing their country.”
The 2026 FIFA World Cup has produced plenty of unexpected storylines beyond the pitch. Cape Verde’s Vozinha became the most-followed goalkeeper on Instagram after his heroics against Spain, a reminder of the wide range of emotions this tournament has brought fans around the world.
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