Colombian soccer player Jaminton Campaz has reportedly not returned to his home country following the team's elimination from the World Cup due to safety concerns amid a barrage of death threats.
Colombia was knocked out of the tournament in a penalty shootout against Switzerland in the Round of 16. Campaz missed a late chance in extra time to secure a win, though he successfully converted his penalty kick. The team ultimately lost the shootout 4-3.
Following the defeat, Campaz, 26, received widespread abuse and threats on social media. According to Argentine outlet Infobae, he opted not to board the team flight back to Colombia, citing fears for his life. While other players like James Rodriguez, Davinson Sanchez, and Juan Fernando Quintero returned to Bogota, Campaz's whereabouts remain uncertain, with speculation he may have remained in the United States or traveled separately to Argentina, where he plays for club Rosario Central.
Campaz took to Instagram to appeal for respect and calm, reflecting on his World Cup experience. He expressed his lifelong dream of representing Colombia and thanked his supporters and family. He also shared the team's collective disappointment, stating that dedication and love for the national jersey were never lacking.
This situation draws a somber parallel to the 1994 World Cup, where Colombian defender Andres Escobar was murdered shortly after scoring an own goal that contributed to the team's elimination. The incident, which occurred outside a nightclub in Medellin, remains a painful memory in Colombian sports history.
In response to the threats against Campaz, the Colombian Football Federation (FCF) has condemned the abuse and called for an investigation by the Colombian Attorney General's Office. The federation urged authorities to identify, prosecute, and punish those responsible swiftly. The FCF emphasized that athletes should not face intimidation for representing their country and that football should be a domain of unity and respect, not hatred or violence.