In a shocking turn of events, Ecuadorian police confirmed that 33-year-old defender Mario Pineida was shot dead in an apparent attack that has further inflamed the country’s already violent climate.
Police said the incident occurred on Wednesday and involved an unknown assailant who also killed a second person and wounded a third. The Interior Ministry confirmed Pineida’s death but did not disclose additional details.
Barcelona de Guayaquil released a statement expressing sorrow, noting that the club’s fans were deeply saddened by the loss of their former defender.
Pineida earned eight caps for the Ecuador national team, although he was not part of the squad that qualified for the 2026 World Cup. His final appearance came in 2021 at the Copa América, where he entered as a late substitute in a group-stage match against Brazil.
He began his professional career with Independiente del Valle, playing from 2010 to 2015. In 2016 he joined Barcelona de Guayaquil, helping the club secure two league titles. A brief stint at Brazil’s Fluminense in 2022 rounded out his club résumé.
The shooting took place in the Samanes region, located in the northern part of Guayaquil. The area lies 265 kilometres (165 miles) southwest of the capital, Quito.
Ecuador is projected to record its most violent year on record, with more than 9,000 homicides expected. The Ecuadorian Observatory of Organized Crime noted that last year’s figure stood at 7,063 violent deaths, while 2023 saw a then-record 8,248.
President Daniel Noboa has pledged to combat criminal organisations that have expanded their operations across Ecuador in connection with international drug cartels.
The country has already seen a spate of football-related shootings. In November, a 16-year-old player from Independiente del Valle died from a stray bullet in Guayaquil. Two months earlier, Maicol Valencia and Leandro Yépez of Exapromo Costa, and Jonathan González of 22 de Junio, were killed by gunshot wounds.
These incidents underscore the escalating danger faced by athletes and civilians alike in regions plagued by gang violence and organised crime.
Key Takeaways
- Mario Pineida, 33, former defender for Barcelona de Guayaquil and Ecuador national team, was shot dead.
- A second person was killed and a third wounded in the same attack.
- Ecuador is anticipating over 9,000 homicides this year, the highest on record.
- President Noboa vows to tackle criminal organisations linked to international drug cartels.
The tragic death of Mario Pineida highlights the urgent need for comprehensive security measures across Ecuador, especially in areas where football clubs and local communities remain vulnerable to violent crime.
