Former Real Madrid player dies in traffic accident

Former Real Madrid player Freddy Rincon in a Colombian shirt AFP

Former Real Madrid player and Colombia captain Freddy Rincon got into a car accident while driving. Rincon’s car collided with a bus in Cali, leaving him with severe head injuries.

Soon after, Rincon was rushed to the hospital and the only thing that could save his life was surgery. Despite the dedicated care and treatment of doctors, the former Colombian player could not pass on Wednesday night (April 13).

Laureano Quintero, medical director of Imbanaco Climic, where Freddy Rincon was treated, told reporters: “Despite all the efforts of our medical team, Freddy Eusebio Rincon Valencia has passed away.”

Rincon’s car in the accident AFP

League Soccer Colombia also sent its condolences to Rincon’s family, saying: “We will remember him with great affection and admiration and respect for him. The Colombian Football Federation deeply mourns the passing of Freddy Eusebio Rincón Valencia and sends its condolences to his family, friends and loved ones at this difficult time.”

Freddy Rincon started his career with his hometown football team Santa Fe and then America de Cali. The first time he moved abroad to play was in 1993 when he played for Parma (Italy), and then briefly played for Napoli as a loan.

Rincon’s name became more known when he moved to play for Real Madrid for two years from 1995 to 1997. He returned to South America to play for Brazilian clubs including Palmeiras, Corinthians, Santos and Cruzeiro. In 2000, Rincon was the captain of Corinthians in the squad that won the Club Cup world for the first time in history. In 2004, he announced his retirement and switched to coaching.

Rincon in Real Madrid shirt TWITTER

Freddy Rincon has 84 caps for Colombia, scored 17 goals between 1990 and 2001 and participated in 3 World Cups 1990, 1994 and 1998. He was also a key factor in helping Colombia reach the tournament. World Cup 1990, thereby ending the 28-year absence from the largest football field on the planet. He, along with the legendary Carlos Valderrama, owns the most matches in the World Cups with 10 appearances.

Before the crash earlier this week, the former Real Madrid player was involved in another traffic accident in 2013 when the car he was driving overturned on the wet pavement between Cali and Andalusia. He also underwent surgery due to a broken bone and a head injury in the accident.