The former striker for Panama, Luis “Matador” Tejada, who won over 100 caps for his nation, has died at the age of 41, the Panamanian Football Federation (FEPAFUT) announced.
Tejada was taking part in a veteran’s game before collapsing and was rushed to a clinic to receive medical attention.
Tragically, he was pronounced dead at the facility, according to ESPN.
Tejada died of a heart attack, according to reports.
FEPAFUT honored Tejada in a post on X:
“Synonymous of development and football in our country. We express our sincere condolences. We will never forget you, matador.”
¡LEYENDA ⚽️!
— FEPAFUT (@fepafut) January 28, 2024
El número 1️⃣8️⃣ en la selección #PanamáMayor 🇵🇦 siempre fue y siempre será sinónimo de nuestro eterno goleador Luis “Matador” Tejada.
Vuela alto 🕊️ leyenda 🥲, siempre estarás en nuestros corazones ♥️.
😢🙏🏽 pic.twitter.com/CJ02bFetOm
Tejada’s 43 goals is the top-scoring mark in the program’s history, playing a total of 108 games for Panama’s national team.
We lost a great local footballer today. He died from heart attack, but his legacy from being a top goalscorer and sending my country to their first World Cup will always be remembered
— Pana Lemon (@PanaLemonPTY) January 29, 2024
Q.E.P.D. "Matador" 😢 pic.twitter.com/pWiZuzB3ZL
Former Panama striker Blas Pérez wrote on X alongside a photo of the duo embracing:
“I don’t believe it, my partner left.”
No lo creo, se me fue mi pareja 😭 pic.twitter.com/cXtaM0zNqF
— Blas Pérez 🔚 (@superraton7) January 28, 2024
As CNN noted, Tejada scored two goals in the fourth round of CONCACAF qualifying for the 2018 World Cup, with Panama going on to finish third in the fifth round and qualifying for the tournament automatically. Panama finished a point and two places ahead of the US men’s team, which failed to qualify for the World Cup for the first time in 32 years.
The news comes just days after Cuban judo wrestler Maricet Espinosa Gonzalez died after suffering a cardiac arrest, the Cuban Sports University announced this week.
The University said in a statement they were in “great pain” and are currently “in mourning” over Gonzalez’s death.
“On behalf of our teachers, workers, and students, we extend our deepest condolences to their families, friends, and colleagues,” said the university, according to the outlet.
Gonzalez underwent breast enhancement surgery, during which she suffered complications and had a heart attack.
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