Ecuadorian football is in mourning following the death of defender Mario Pineida at just 33. The former international was fatally shot in Guayaquil.
Reports from local media revealed Pineida was attacked outside a shop in northern Guayaquil. Two assailants on motorbikes opened fire, striking him, his mother, and another woman.
Authorities confirmed Pineida died from his injuries shortly after the incident. Meanwhile, Ecuador’s interior ministry deployed a special police unit to lead investigations.
Guayaquil has increasingly been a hotspot for violent crime and organised gang activity. Between January and September alone, nearly 1,900 murders were recorded across the city. Football has not escaped the unrest gripping the country. Earlier this year, three second-division players were killed, while another footballer survived a shooting.
Ecuador football condemns rising violence
Pineida represented Ecuador on nine occasions between 2014 and 2021. During that period, he earned respect for his reliability and commitment in defence.
ALSO READ:
- Macclesfield striker Ethan McLeod dies aged 21 after tragic M1 crash
- BREAKING: Liverpool forward Diogo Jota and brother Andre die in car crash
- Nacional defender Izquierdo dies after collapsing on pitch during Copa Libertadores match
- Infantino “deeply saddened” by death of 27-year-old Uruguayan defender Juan Izquierdo
His professional journey began with Independiente del Valle. Later, he joined Barcelona SC in 2016 and has become a familiar figure in Guayaquil football ever since.The left-back also gained experience during loan spells at Fluminense and El Nacional.
Following the tragedy, tributes poured in from former clubs and teammates. Independiente del Valle and Fluminense shared emotional messages across social media platforms.
Barcelona SC described the news as deeply distressing for everyone connected to the club. Similarly, the Ecuadorian Football Federation condemned the violence and expressed condolences.
Tags: Mario Pineida, Guayaquil, Ecuador Football Federation, Ecuador, Barcelona SC, Independiente del Valle, Fluminense, El Nacional.
