By Ayobami Okerinde
Colombia forward Jaminton Campaz has reportedly gone into hiding after receiving death threats following his team’s elimination from the 2026 FIFA World Cup, prompting fears of a repeat of one of the darkest chapters in the country’s football history, the 1994 murder of defender Andres Escobar.
Campaz blazed an open chance over the crossbar in the final six minutes of extra time in the round of 16 game against Switzerland on July 7, with the game ending goalless after 120 minutes. Switzerland eventually progressed with a 4-3 victory in the penalty shootout, ending Colombia’s World Cup campaign.
According to the New York Post, the 26 year old did not travel back to Bogotá with teammates James Rodríguez, Davinson Sánchez and Juan Fernando Quintero, as his whereabouts remain unknown, although speculation suggests he may have travelled to Argentina, where he plays for Rosario Central.
Amid growing concern over his safety, the Colombian international broke his silence in an emotional message posted on Instagram on Friday, urging fans to reject hatred and violence.
