Freddy Rincón: a soccer icon who captured the imagination of Colombia

Colombians mourn the death of Freddy Rincón 0:53 (CNN) — It is rare for a soccer player to touch the heart of a nation as Freddy Rincón did in Colombia. That is why the death of the 55-year-old man was received with great shock in his country. “This is a great loss for his family and friends, and at the same time it is an unfortunate loss for our sport, and we will miss him and remember him with much love, appreciation, respect and admiration,” the Colombian Football Federation said in a statement. release. “We send strength, support and our condolences to his family, hoping they can bear this sad and painful loss.” The moving words of the sons of Freddy Rincón 2:28An influential figure among Colombia’s golden generation of players in the 1990s, the versatile midfielder ushered in a new era for the country’s soccer team. He played for and eventually captained his country in 84 matches, helping them to three World Cups, in 1990, 1994 and 1998. Many will remember him for his goal against West Germany in the 1990 World Cup at the San Siro stadium in Milan, one of the most memorable goals in the history of his nation. After a fluid pass, it was Rincón’s turn to finish the ball between the goalkeeper’s legs with seconds to go. Rincón playing for Colombia in a World Cup qualifier against Bolivia. With him, Rincón had secured a 1–1 draw against the eventual World Cup champions and advancement to the Round of 16 after Colombia’s 28-year absence from the tournament. The joy on his face during the wild celebrations probably matched that of millions of Colombians who would have been inspired by that team. While becoming a key figure in the national team, Rincón also enjoyed a successful club career. Born in 1966 in Buenaventura, western Colombia, Rincón came to play in Santa Fe and América de Cali, with whom he won three trophies. He then moved to Brazil, specifically Palmeiras, in 1994, before going through some of the best teams in Europe. He played in Italy with Napoli and later became the first Colombian to play for Real Madrid. In truth, Rincón did not have a happy moment in Spain and returned to Brazil in 1996, initially on loan at Palmeiras and then definitively with Corinthians in 1997. He played the rest of his career in Brazil, winning the first FIFA Club World Cup with Corinthians in 2000, before retiring as a player in 2004. Retirement led him to dedicate himself to coaching and he went through several lower league clubs in Brazil. Rincón confronts Graeme Le Saux of England during a World Cup match. A variety of his previous clubs paid tribute to the man who brought so much joy to so many during his playing career. Palmeiras called him an “idol”, while Real Madrid said the club was “deeply saddened” by the news. Rincón later became an assistant to former Brazil coach Vanderlei Luxemburg at Atlético Mineiro in 2010 and to Jorge Luis Pinto at Millonarios de Colombia in 2019. Colombia mourns the departure of Freddy Rincón 3:22After his death, many will remember Rincón as the player who captured the imagination of Colombia during a special period in the country’s sporting history.