Freddy Rincon, former Colombian football star and notably captain of the national team, died on Wednesday at the age of 55, after a road accident which occurred two days earlier. He was in critical condition after a violent collision between a bus and the van in which he was traveling.
With the Colombia team, Rincon had participated in three consecutive final stages of the World Cup, in 1990, 1994 and 1998. His goal at the very end of the match against Germany had allowed the Colombian selection to qualify for the eighth 1990 World Cup final.
Scorer in the 5-0 inflicted on Argentina
He also scored against Argentina in Colombia’s sensational 5-0 victory in Buenos Aires in 1993, in the 1994 World Cup qualifiers. This result earned the South American selection one of the favorites of the World Cup, which took place in the United States. But Colombia did not ultimately pass the first round.
In club, Freddy Rincon had notably played at America Cali (Colombia). He then made a short stint in Europe (one season in Naples and another in Real Madrid) between 1994 and 1996. Most of his career took place in Brazil. Rincon had notably played at Palmeiras, Corinthians and Santos. He had been Brazilian champion three times and won the first Club World Cup in 2000 with Corinthians.