Soccer, the world’s most adored sport, is more than just a game for many. It’s a way of life, a passion that unites millions across the globe. But for Colombian soccer star Andrés Escobar Saldarriaga, it became a path to a tragic end.
Known as “The Gentleman” for his respectful demeanor on the field and “The Immortal Number Two” at his club, Escobar was a beacon of hope and talent in the world of soccer. But his life took a tragic turn after the 1994 World Cup, where a single mistake on the field led to his brutal murder.
Born on March 13, 1967, in Medellín, Escobar was raised in a middle-class household. His father, Darío, was a banker who founded an organization to help young people escape a life of poverty and crime through organized soccer. Escobar took to the sport early on, playing throughout his school and college years before turning professional.
His career was marked by significant achievements. He made 78 appearances across four years at Atlético Nacional, a professional team based in Medellín, before accepting a move to Young Boys in Switzerland. However, he returned to Atlético less than a year later, playing a crucial part in helping his squad win the 1989 Copa Libertadores, an annual international competition between the best teams in South America. This victory made them the first Colombian team to ever win the competition.
Escobar’s international career was equally impressive. He made his debut for the Colombian national team in 1988 at 21 years old in a 3-0 win against Canada. He also scored the only goal of his career in a 1-1 draw against England in his first appearance in a national-level international competition during the 1988 Rous Cup.
In 1990, Colombia won its World Cup qualifying group with Escobar at the heart of the defense. It then won a play-in match it was forced to participate in because of its low points total and secured a spot in the 1990 World Cup. At the World Cup, Colombia was thrust into an unfavorable group with eventual champion West Germany, alongside Yugoslavia and the U.A.E. Colombia only finished third in the group with three points (a win was worth two points at the time) with a +1 goal differential, but still qualified for the Round of 16.
However, the 1994 World Cup proved to be a turning point in Escobar’s life. During a match against the USA, he accidentally scored an own goal, leading to Colombia’s elimination from the tournament. This mistake would have dire consequences.
Five days after Colombia’s World Cup exit, Escobar was shot six times in a parking lot after a night out in Medellín. The killer allegedly shouted “¡Gol!” (“Goal!”) after each shot, a chilling reference to Escobar’s own goal. The murderer, Humberto Castro Muñoz, a bodyguard for a local drug cartel, was arrested the next day.
Escobar’s death sent shockwaves through the soccer world and beyond. More than 120,000 people attended his funeral in Colombia, and a statue was erected in his honor in his hometown of Medellín in 2002.
Despite the tragedy, Escobar’s legacy lives on. He is remembered as a symbol of integrity and dedication in a time when Colombia was plagued by crime and poverty. His story serves as a stark reminder of the dark side of the beautiful game and the high price that can be paid for a single mistake.
