Ecuadorian footballer Mario Pineida has been shot and killed in the port city of Guayaquil, his club has confirmed.
Pineida, 33, was a former Ecuador international who featured for the national team at the 2018 and 2022 FIFA World Cups. He also had a spell with Brazilian club Fluminense in 2022.
In a statement shared on X, Barcelona SC expressed deep sorrow over his death, confirming that Pineida died following an armed attack in Guayaquil. The country’s Interior Ministry also confirmed the incident and announced that a special police unit has been assigned to investigate the case.
Local media outlet Primicias reported that Pineida was attacked by two gunmen on motorcycles, who opened fire on him, his mother, and another woman.
Guayaquil has seen a surge in gang-related violence linked to drug trafficking. Several footballers have been targeted in recent months, highlighting growing security concerns in Ecuador’s most violent city.
