Ecuadorian footballer Mario Pineida, aged 33, was tragically shot and killed on Wednesday in Guayaquil, Ecuador. The incident occurred in the Samanes area of the city, where Pineida was reportedly attacked by two individuals on motorcycles outside a shop. The attack also resulted in the death of another person and left a third individual injured.
Pineida was a defender for Barcelona Sporting Club and had previously played for Brazil’s Fluminense. He earned nine caps for the Ecuador national team between 2015 and 2021, participating in the Copa América tournaments in 2015 and 2021. His professional career began at Independiente del Valle, and he later joined Barcelona SC, where he won two league titles.
The Ecuadorian Interior Ministry has confirmed Pineida’s death and stated that a special police unit has been assigned to investigate the killing. The motive behind the attack remains unclear, but it comes amid a surge in violence in Ecuador, particularly in Guayaquil, which has been attributed to expanding operations by international drug cartels.
Barcelona SC expressed deep sorrow over Pineida’s death, describing him as a valued player. The Ecuadorian Football Federation and other clubs, including Fluminense and Independiente del Valle, have also extended their condolences.
Pineida’s death highlights the growing concerns over public safety in Ecuador, where the country is projected to surpass 9,000 homicides in 2025, making it its most violent year yet.
Leave feedback about this