The Colombian soccer player tragically killed after the World Cup was Andrés Escobar.
Andrés Escobar, a central defender for the Colombian national team, met a tragic end just days after Colombia's exit from the 1994 FIFA World Cup. His murder, occurring on July 2, 1994, in Medellín, Colombia, is widely believed to be a direct consequence of an unfortunate incident during the tournament.
The Unforeseen Own Goal
During Colombia's second group stage match against the United States on June 22, 1994, Andrés Escobar scored an own goal in the 35th minute. This critical error inadvertently put the U.S. ahead, leading to Colombia's 2-1 defeat. The loss proved devastating for the highly favored Colombian team, resulting in their early elimination from the World Cup.
Aftermath and Motive
Colombia's unexpected early exit from the tournament had significant repercussions, particularly for powerful individuals involved in illegal gambling. It is widely believed that the own goal caused substantial financial losses for various drug lords and other influential figures who had placed large bets on Colombia's success. This immense pressure and the perceived cost of the defeat are considered the primary motives behind Escobar's assassination. His death sent shockwaves through the global football community, highlighting the dangerous intersection of sports and organized crime.
