Freddy Rincon

Former Colombia captain Freddy Rincon has died after he sustained severe head injuries in a car crash that occurred in the city of Cali earlier this week.

Get a head start on the morning's top stories. “Despite all the efforts of our teams, Freddy Eusebio Rincon Valencia has passed away,” Laureano Quintero, the medical director of the Imbanaco Clinic in Cali where Rincon was being treated, told reporters. BOGOTA — Former Colombia soccer captain Freddy Rincon has died after he sustained severe head injuries in a car crash that occurred in the city of Cali earlier this week, doctors said late on Wednesday. He was 55.

Former Colombia soccer captain Freddy Rincón has died after being involved in a car crash in Cali, the hospital treating him said in a statement.

Rincón returned to Brazil in 1996, where he won three local titles and a Club World Cup with Corinthians. In 1994, Rincón joined Brazilian club Palmeiras, before then moving to Europe. He played for Italian club Napoli and then joined Spanish giant Real Madrid, becoming the first Colombian footballer to play for the La Liga club. The Colombian Football Federation paid tribute, saying in a statement: "This is a huge loss for his family and friends, and at the same time is a regrettable loss for our sport, where we'll miss him and remember him with great care, appreciation, respect and admiration."

BOGOTA: Colombian former international midfield star Freddy Rincon died on Wednesday aged 55 of injuries he sustained in a traffic accident, doctors said.

"It is with great sadness that we say goodbye to a great idol. He was a star of the Colombia side that played at the World Cup in Italy in 1990 and also featured at two more World Cups. Rincon suffered a severe head injury following a collision on Monday between the vehicle he was travelling in and a bus in the southwest city of Cali.

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The former captain was part of the side that ended the Colombia’s 28-year wait to play at the World Cup when they played in the 1990 finals. Rincon shares the record for the most appearances at the World Cup for his country - both he and Carlos Valderrama have played in 10. He began his career with Santa Fe in 1986, making 144 league appearances for the side in the three years he was with them.

Colombia legend Freddy Rincon has died at the age of 55 after a car accident.The ex-Real Madridand Napoli midfielder had surgery on severe head.

“Sometimes you feel like a wee part of your life has gone missing. “Despite all the efforts of our teams, Freddy Eusebio Rincon Valencia has passed away,” said Laureano Quintero, head doctor at the Imbanaco Clinic. Colombia legend Freddy Rincon has died at the age of 55 after a car accident.

The ex-Real Madrid midfielder was hospitalised on Monday following a car accident and died on Wednesday.

"We send strength, support and our condolences to his family, hoping they can bear this sad and painful loss." "This constitutes a great loss for his family and friends, and it is also an unfortunate departure for our sport, where we will miss him and remember him with great affection, appreciation, respect and admiration. "The Colombian Football Federation deeply regrets the death of Freddy Eusebio Rincon Valencia, and sends a message of support and encouragement to his family, friends and relatives at this difficult time," a statement on the CFF website read.

“The Colombian Football Federation deeply regrets the death of Freddy Eusebio Rincon Valencia, and sends a message of support and encouragement to his family, ...

Two years later, Rincon returned to Palmeiras on loan and then joined Corinthians, helping them to the World Club Cup title in 2000. “The Colombian Football Federation deeply regrets the death of Freddy Eusebio Rincon Valencia, and sends a message of support and encouragement to his family, friends and relatives at this difficult time,” a statement on the CFF website read. “We send strength, support and our condolences to his family, hoping they can bear this sad and painful loss.”