Colombia star Campaz receives death threats after World Cup miss; revives Escobar memories

Colombian forward Jaminton Campaz has reportedly gone into hiding after receiving death threats following his team’s elimination from the 2026 FIFA World Cup. This has sparked fears of a repeat of one of the darkest chapters in the country’s football history: the 1994 murder of defender Andres Escobar.

Campaz missed a crucial open chance in the final six minutes of extra time against Switzerland on July 7. The game ended goalless after 120 minutes, and Switzerland eventually won a penalty shootout 4-3, ending Colombia’s World Cup campaign.

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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.

The 26-year-old did not travel back to Bogotá with his teammates. His current whereabouts are unknown, though speculation suggests he may have traveled to Argentina, where he plays for Rosario Central.

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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.

Amid growing concern for his safety, Campaz posted an emotional message on Instagram, urging fans to reject hatred and violence. "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 in Spanish.

He added that representing Colombia at the World Cup fulfilled a lifelong dream, despite the team's painful exit. "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. "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."

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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.

The threats have revived memories of the killing of Andrés Escobar, who was shot dead in Medellin days after scoring an own goal during Colombia’s 1994 FIFA World Cup campaign. The Colombian Football Federation has condemned the threats against Campaz and called on the country’s Attorney General’s Office to investigate those responsible. "No sportsman, nor any member of their camp, should be subjected to intimidation for representing their country in a sporting context," the federation stated.

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