He holds the record for most appearances at the World Cup for Colombia
Former Colombian captain Freddy Rincon has died in a car crash.
The 55-year-old suffered severe head injuries whilst driving a car that collided with a bus early on Monday morning in Cali, Colombia.
The medical director of the Imbanaco Clinic in Cali where Rincon was being treated, told reporters: “Despite all the efforts of our teams, Freddy Eusebio Rincon Valencia has passed away.”
Rincon was part of the Colombia side that ended the country’s 28-year wait to qualify for a World Cup when they qualified for the 1990 edition of the tournament.
He went on to play for his country at both the 1994 and 1998 World Cups as well, and shares the record for the most appearances at the tournament for Colombia, featuring 10 times at the World Cup for his nation.
In an 11-year long international career, the midfielder played 84 times for his country, making him the ninth-most capped player in Colombia’s history, and scored 17 times.
FCF lamenta el fallecimiento de Freddy Rincón.
🔗 https://t.co/e4VuoQEstG pic.twitter.com/sy3lxG3VNf
— FCF (@FCF_Oficial) April 14, 2022
The Colombian Football Federation (FCF) said it was a “sad and painful loss.”
In a statement, the FCF said: “We will miss him and remember him with great affection, appreciation, respect and admiration.
“We send strength, support and our condolences to his family, hoping they can bear this sad and painful loss.”
Rincon also played for European giants Real Madrid and Napoli, and Brazilian teams Corinthians, Palmeiras and Santos.
In 2000, Rincon led Brazilian club Corinthians to the FIFA Club World Championship title.
The club said their former captain would be “eternally in our hearts.”
É com muita tristeza que nos despedimos de um grande Ãdolo.
Nosso capitão no primeiro titulo mundial, Freddy Rincón faleceu na madrugada desta quinta-feira.Eternamente em nossos corações 🖤 pic.twitter.com/tiSPNiYKDC
— Corinthians (@Corinthians) April 14, 2022
And FIFA sent it’s “sincere condolences” to the Colombian’s “loved ones, former teammates and fans from the clubs he played for, and of the Colombia national team.”
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