A Venezuelan youth soccer international has died after two fatal earthquakes hit the country on Wednesday.Yimvert Berroterán, 18, was confirmed by the Venezuelan Football Federation (FVF) to have passed away on Friday, bidding the teenager a “heart-wrenching farewell.”The leader of the Venezuelan National Assembly, Jorge Rodriguez, has confirmed that 920 people have died and at least 3,300 more people were injured in the tremors, measuring 7.2 and 7.5 on the Richter scale.“Venezuelan football bids a heart-wrenching farewell to a young man who represented our country’s colours with pride, commitment and love,” the FVF said on social media.“His passing has plunged the entire Vinotinto family into mourning and leaves an indelible mark on all those who shared moments with him both on and off the pitch. We extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends, teammates, coaching staff and loved ones at this time of profound sadness.
“Yimvert, your light will continue to shine in every Vinotinto heartbeat. May his soul rest in peace.”Berroterán played for Venezuela’s Under-20 side, having progressed through the ranks since under-15 level. The forward had featured in the 2025 Under-17 World Cup for Venezuela, playing against England and topping their group.He had just broken into the senior side of Universidad Central de Venezuela, a top-tier club based in the capital Caracas, making six appearances across the latter end of 2025, when they won the Venezuela Cup, and the start of this season.Berroterán (middle) played at the Under-17 World Cup last year (Chris Ricco – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)“We deeply mourn the passing of our great champion Yimvert Berroterán,” a club statement read. “At this difficult time, we wish to express our most sincere condolences to his family and loved ones for such an irreparable loss. We are with you and we hope you find comfort in your shared memories and in the love of those around you.”“Yimvert, we’re not ready to talk about this,” a statement from Agencia Secasports, Berroterán’s agency, read. “Our wish was to see you grow, to move forward together, to talk about your great achievements and the Venezuelan pride that emerged from La Guaira whenever the world spoke of you.“But life is sometimes hard to explain, and your untimely passing fills us with immeasurable sadness. On behalf of our family, it pains us deeply to say goodbye to you, and we extend our heartfelt condolences to your family, friends and loved ones.“Yimvert, we weep at the thought that you are now in heaven, alongside so many other dreamers who, sadly, fell victim to this natural disaster that struck our country. Venezuelan football and the entire nation are in mourning. Rest in peace, champion! We will never forget you.”The FVF has been active in posting on their social media appeals to find missing people, and confirmation when they are found.
