Former Panamanian striker Luis “Matador” Tejada, who won more than 100 caps for Panama, died on Sunday at the age of 41, the Panama Football Federation (FEPAFUT) said.
Tejada, who was playing soccer in the Panama City suburbs, had attended a Veterans Affairs game before collapsing and was later taken to a clinic for treatment. According to local media, the man was pronounced dead at the facility. ESPN.
Tejada reportedly died of a heart attack. (Related: Assistant Dejan Milojevic dies after suffering 'sudden and serious' emergency, Warriors-Jazz game postponed)
Fepaft praised Tejada, who led Panama to their first World Cup appearance in 2018.
“Synonymous with development and football in our country. My heartfelt condolences. We will never forget you bullfighter,” Fepaft said in a comment. ×post.
He played in a total of 108 games for the Panama national team and his 43 goals are the highest scoring record in program history.
We lost a great local soccer player today.Although he died of a heart attack, he will forever be remembered for his accomplishments as the top scorer and sending his country to its first World Cup.
QEPD “Matador” 😢 pic.twitter.com/pWiZuzB3ZL
— Panalemon (@PanaLemonPTY) January 29, 2024
In other sports-related deaths, Cuban judo wrestler and former Olympian Marisette Espinosa Gonzalez recently passed away at the age of 34.
The Cuban University of Physical Education announced her death on Facebook, saying it was “in mourning” and “feeling great pain.” She passed away last week.
“On behalf of our teachers, staff and students, we extend our deepest condolences to their families, friends and colleagues,” the university said in a statement.
