Colombia Star Campaz Receives Death Threats After World Cup Exit, Reviving Escobar Tragedy Fears

Colombia forward Jaminton Campaz has reportedly received death threats following the country’s elimination from the 2026 FIFA World Cup, raising concerns over a possible repeat of one of the darkest moments in Colombian football history.

The 26-year-old attacker is said to have gone into hiding after facing threats linked to a missed scoring opportunity during Colombia’s round of 16 clash against Switzerland.

Campaz had a clear chance in the final minutes of extra time on July 7 but sent his effort over the crossbar as the match ended goalless after 120 minutes.

Switzerland eventually advanced after winning the penalty shootout 4-3, bringing Colombia’s World Cup campaign to an end.

According to reports, including the New York Post, Campaz did not return to Bogota with teammates James Rodriguez, Davinson Sanchez and Juan Fernando Quintero after the tournament exit. His current location remains unclear, although speculation suggests he may have travelled to Argentina, where he plays club football for Rosario Central.

Amid growing concerns over his safety, Campaz addressed supporters in an emotional message posted on Instagram, calling for calm and urging fans not to allow disappointment to turn into hatred.

“My Colombia, please let us never lose sight of respect. We may think differently or feel frustration and sadness, but no passion justifies hatred or living in fear,” he wrote.

The forward said representing Colombia at the World Cup was one of the biggest dreams of his life, despite the painful circumstances surrounding the team’s elimination.

“Since I was a child, I dreamed of defending Colombia’s colours, hearing the anthem, representing millions of people and scoring a goal at a World Cup. Today, I can only thank God for allowing me to fulfil that dream,” he said.

Campaz also apologised for failing to deliver the result supporters hoped for, insisting that he gave his best while wearing the national team jersey.

“I deeply regret not being able to bring you the joy we all hoped for, but I want you to know there was never a lack of dedication, commitment or love for this jersey. I gave everything I had on the pitch, and I would do it a thousand times over for my country,” he added.

The threats have brought back painful memories of former Colombia defender Andres Escobar, who was murdered in Medellin shortly after the 1994 FIFA World Cup after scoring an own goal against the United States.

Escobar’s death became one of the most tragic episodes in football history and remains a symbol of the dangers surrounding extreme reactions to sporting failures.

The Colombian Football Federation (FCF) has condemned the threats against Campaz and called on the country’s Attorney General’s Office to investigate those responsible.

In a statement, the federation said no player or member of a national team delegation should face intimidation for representing the country.

“No sportsman, nor any member of their camp, should be subjected to intimidation for representing their country in a sporting context,” the federation said.

The FCF expressed solidarity with Campaz, his family and the entire national team, while urging authorities to swiftly identify, prosecute and punish those behind the threats.

The federation added that Colombia’s players represent the country with professionalism, commitment and pride, stressing that sporting disappointment should never become a justification for violence or abuse.