crime
Former national soccer player shot dead in Ecuador
Mario Pineida once played for Germany’s World Cup opponents Ecuador. Now the 33-year-old was the victim of a fatal attack in Guayaquil.
Former Ecuadorian soccer international Mario Pineida was killed on the street in Guayaquil. His club Barcelona SC announced this in a statement “with deep regret.” “This sad news deeply saddens us,” it continued.
The 33-year-old was shot by two men on a motorcycle on a commercial street on Wednesday. A woman who was traveling with Pineida was also killed, the newspaper “El Universo” wrote. Law enforcement authorities have begun an investigation into the incident.
Participation in the Copa América 2015
Pineida played nine international matches for Ecuador from 2014 to 2021, which will face Germany in the group stage of next summer’s World Cup. He also took part in the Copa Américas 2015 and 2021. The full-back played for several top clubs in Ecuador and also worked for Fluminense FC in Brazil.
Once relatively safe, Ecuador is facing a serious security crisis. According to the Observatory for Organized Crime, the number of murders rose by 47 percent in the first half of 2025 compared to the same period last year to the highest level in the country’s recent history. Several gangs fight for control of the lucrative drug business.
dpa
