Colombian forward Jáminton Campaz has gone into hiding after receiving death threats following a missed shot in the World Cup round of 16 match against Switzerland. The 26-year-old player refused to fly home with his teammates and has become unreachable after the threats began pouring in.
Campaz missed a crucial shot over the crossbar in extra time, and the subsequent penalty shootout saw Switzerland defeat Colombia 4-3, ending their World Cup run. Following the match, Campaz posted on Instagram, urging for respect and peace. He expressed his gratitude to his teammates, family, and the fans who supported them throughout the tournament.
"My Colombia, please let us never lose sight of respect," Campaz wrote in Spanish. "We may hold different views or feel frustration and sadness, but no passion justifies hatred or living in fear."
He was scheduled to travel from Vancouver to Bogotá with teammates Davinson Sánchez, James Rodríguez, and Juan Fernando Quintero, but did not board the flight. His current whereabouts are unknown, with speculation he may be in the United States or Argentina, where he plays for Primera División Club Rosario Central.
Campaz acknowledged the shared pain of the elimination and expressed regret for not bringing joy to the nation. "I deeply regret not being able to bring you the joy we all hoped for, but I want you to know that there was never a lack of dedication, commitment, or love for this jersey," he stated.
This incident brings to mind the 1994 World Cup, where Colombian defender Andrés Escobar was fatally shot in Medellín days after scoring an own goal that contributed to his team's elimination. The Colombian Soccer Federation has condemned the threats against Campaz and has requested an investigation by the Attorney General's office. The federation emphasized that football should be a space for unity and respect, not hatred or violence.