Former Real Madrid and Colombia captain Freddy Rincon has died after suffering severe head injuries in a car crash.
Rincon was driving a car that collided with a bus early on Monday in Cali, Colombia.
The 55-year-old former midfielder Rincon scored 17 goals for Colombia and played at the 1990, 1994 and 1998 World Cups.
He shares with Carlos Valderrama the record for the most appearances at the tournament for his country, having played in 10 World Cup games.
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Rincon was part of the side that ended the nation’s 28-year wait to play at the World Cup when they qualified for the 1990 finals, and scored a memorable goal in a 1-1 draw against eventual winners West Germany.
He also played club football for Napoli, Palmeiras and Santos, as well as leading Corinthians to victory in 2000 at the first FIFA Club World Championship – now the Club World Cup.
He played for Madrid from 1995 to 1997 making 27 appearances.
“Despite all the efforts of our teams, Freddy Eusebio Rincon Valencia has passed away,” said Laureano Quintero, the medical director of the Imbanaco Clinic in Cali where Rincon was being treated.
Reacting to the death of Rincon the Colombian Football Federation (FCF) wrote:”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.”
2 Comments
Painful loss
Great player. That memorable goal he scored against West Germany in 90 world cup was a cracker. May his gentle soul rest in peace.