Colombia great Freddy Rincón dies after car crash in Cali
Former Real Madrid player Freddy Rincón, who won 84 caps for Colombia, has died after a serious car crash, it has been announced.
Colombian football legend Freddy Rincón has died of his injuries after suffering a serious car crash, it has been confirmed.
Rincón in hospital since Monday after crash
Rincón, 55, was taken to hospital with severe head trauma after his vehicle collided with a bus in the Colombian city of Cali early on Monday.
“The Imbanaco Clinic, with the authorisation of and in the presence of his family members, informs the public that despite every effort made by our medical team, the patient Freddy Eusebio Rincón Valencia died today, 13 April 2022,” a hospital statement said.
Rincón played for Colombia at three World Cups
Twice a Colombian league winner with América de Cali, Rincón played for LaLiga giants Real Madrid between 1995 and 1997, following a spell in Serie A with Napoli.
The midfielder also won league titles in Brazil with Palmeiras and Corinthians, before lifting the FIFA Club World Cup with the latter club in 2000.
He won 84 caps for Colombia between 1990 and 2001, appearing at three World Cups and three Copas América.
Colombian FA laments “terrible loss for our sport”
In a statement, the Colombian Football Federation described Rincón’s death as a “terrible loss for our sport”, adding: “We’ll miss him and remember him with love, appreciation, respect and admiration.”
Corinthians tweeted: “It is with huge sadness that we say goodbye to a great idol.”
Madrid said in a statement: “Real Madrid C.F., its president and its board of directors deeply mourn the death of Freddy Rincón [...]. Real Madrid wishes to send its condolences and its support to all his family members, team-mates and coaches, clubs and loved ones.”
“Football is in mourning,” América de Cali tweeted.