Football world in grief as earthquake claims players, families and young prospects
Venezuela is in mourning after twin earthquakes struck the country last week, leaving hundreds dead and devastating the football community. The US Geological Survey described it as a rare “doublet,” with two major quakes hitting just 39 seconds apart. More than 900 people are reported to have lost their lives.
Among the hardest-hit are families of players and several promising young footballers whose lives were cut short.
“She gave her life for our daughter” – Héctor Bello
Marítimo de La Guaira defender Héctor Bello lost his wife in the collapse. In a heartbreaking tribute on social media, he said she heroically shielded their 1-year-old daughter, Alana, with her own body beneath the rubble.
“I will tell her the story of how you saved her, my love, how you gave your life for our daughter, how you were a brave woman who never left her side, not even as you took your last breath,” Bello wrote. “You left us to fight this battle alone. How am I supposed to explain to our daughter that you gave your life to save hers, and that I wasn’t there to do anything?”
Argentine teammate loses wife and two children
Bello’s teammate, Argentine forward Lucas Trejo, also endured an unimaginable loss. After more than 70 hours of search and rescue efforts, his wife and their two children were found lifeless in the rubble. Marítimo de La Guaira said in a statement: “Your family at Marítimo La Guaira is with you”.
Young talents gone too soon
The Venezuelan Football Federation confirmed the deaths of several youth players.
Yimvert Berroterán, 18, a midfielder for UCV FC and Venezuela’s U-17 World Cup squad in Doha, was trapped under debris for over 24 hours before rescuers recovered his body. He was hailed as “one of Venezuela’s brightest young prospects”.
Víctor Palacios, 14, a youth player with a dream of reaching international level, also died in the quake.Razan Sijaa, an Under-18 prospect with Caracas FC, lost his life while with family members.
Ricardo Veloz, described as one of Venezuela’s brightest young talents, was also among the victims.
The FVF said it “says a heartbreaking goodbye to a young man who represented our country’s colours with pride, commitment and love”.
A nation grieving
Beyond football, tourists and foreign nationals are among the dead, including eight Chinese nationals and at least nine Spanish nationals. The search has now passed the critical 72-hour window for survivors.
Tributes have poured in across the sport. These are just some of the many heartbreaking stories to emerge from the tragedy.
Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with the families of all the victims, and with everyone in Venezuela during this incredibly difficult time. We are with you.
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