Colombia forward Jaminton Campaz has reportedly gone into hiding after receiving death threats in the aftermath of his country’s elimination from the 2026 FIFA World Cup, rekindling painful memories of one of the darkest episodes in Colombian football history.
The threats emerged days after Colombia’s dramatic round-of-16 defeat to Switzerland on July 7. Campaz missed a crucial opportunity in the closing stages of extra time, sending a clear chance over the crossbar as the match ended goalless after 120 minutes. Switzerland eventually advanced with a 4-3 victory in the ensuing penalty shootout.
According to reports by the New York Post, the 26-year-old did not return to Bogotá alongside teammates James Rodríguez, Davinson Sánchez and Juan Fernando Quintero. While his exact location remains unclear, local media speculation suggests he may have travelled to Argentina, where he plays club football for Rosario Central.
As concerns over his safety intensified, Campaz addressed the situation in an emotional statement shared on Instagram, appealing for calm and urging supporters not to allow disappointment to descend into violence.
“My Colombia, please let us never lose sight of respect,” he wrote. “We may think differently or feel frustration and sadness, but no passion justifies hatred or living in fear.”
The forward described representing his country at the World Cup as the fulfilment of a lifelong ambition, despite the heartbreak of the team’s early exit from the tournament.
“Since I was a child, I dreamed of defending Colombia’s colours, hearing the anthem and representing millions of people,” Campaz said. He added that although he was devastated not to deliver the success fans had hoped for, his commitment and love for the national team had never wavered.
The incident has inevitably drawn comparisons with the murder of defender Andrés Escobar, who was shot dead in Medellín shortly after scoring an own goal during Colombia’s ill-fated campaign at the 1994 World Cup in the United States. Escobar’s death remains one of the most tragic events in football history and continues to cast a long shadow over the country’s relationship with the sport.
In response to the latest threats, the Colombian Football Federation condemned the intimidation directed at Campaz and called on authorities to launch an urgent investigation.
The federation stressed that no athlete should face threats for representing their country and expressed its full support for Campaz, his family and the entire national team delegation. It also urged the Attorney General’s Office to identify and prosecute those responsible.
Reaffirming its backing for the players, the federation said members of Colombia’s national teams wear the country’s colours with professionalism, discipline and pride, always striving to achieve the best possible result on the pitch.
