Jaminton Campaz stays away from Colombia after World Cup exit amid death threats

July 13, 2026 • 0 • min read

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Jaminton Campaz stays away from Colombia after World Cup exit amid death threats

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Jaminton Campaz reportedly skipped Colombia's return flight over safety concerns.
Death threats followed Colombia's penalty shootout defeat to Switzerland.
Colombia's federation has demanded an investigation into the online abuse.

Colombia midfielder Jaminton Campaz has reportedly chosen not to return home with his international team-mates after the country's World Cup elimination, amid serious concerns for his personal safety following a wave of death threats.

The 26-year-old became the target of online abuse after Colombia suffered a heartbreaking penalty shootout defeat to Switzerland in the last 16.

With the match locked at 0-0 after extra time, Campaz missed a golden opportunity to send his side through, blazing a late chance over the crossbar before converting his penalty in the shootout.

Switzerland eventually progressed with a 4-3 victory on penalties, ending Colombia's World Cup campaign.

Campaz reportedly avoids return to Colombia

According to Argentine outlet Infobae, Campaz did not board the team's return flight to Colombia because of fears for his safety.

His current whereabouts have not been confirmed. Reports suggest he either remained in the United States, where the tournament was being played, or travelled separately to Argentina, where he plays for Rosario Central.

The decision came after days of intense harassment on social media, with the midfielder receiving numerous death threats in the aftermath of Colombia's elimination.

Emotional Instagram message calls for respect

Campaz later broke his silence in an emotional message posted on Instagram, urging supporters to reject hatred despite the disappointment of the World Cup exit.

My Colombia, please let us never lose sight of respect.

We may hold different views or feel frustration and sadness, but no passion justifies hatred or living in fear.

The midfielder reflected on fulfilling his childhood dream of representing Colombia on football's biggest stage and thanked supporters who stood by the team throughout the tournament.

He also acknowledged the nation's disappointment whilst insisting he had given everything for the shirt.

I deeply regret not being able to bring you the joy we all hoped for.

But I want you to know that there was never a lack of dedication, commitment, or love for this jersey. I gave everything I had on the pitch, and I would do it a thousand times over for my country.

Colombian Football Federation condemns threats

The Colombian Football Federation (FCF) responded by strongly condemning the abuse directed at Campaz and calling for authorities to investigate those responsible.

In an official statement, the federation stressed that no player or member of their family should face intimidation for representing the country.

Football must be a space for unity, respect and hope - never a setting for hatred, intimidation or violence.

The FCF also urged Colombia's Attorney General's Office to identify those responsible and pursue legal action as quickly as possible.

Painful echoes of Andrés Escobar tragedy

The situation has inevitably drawn comparisons with one of football's darkest chapters.

Thirty-two years ago, Colombian defender Andrés Escobar was murdered outside a nightclub in Medellín just days after scoring an own goal against the United States during the 1994 World Cup, a result that contributed to Colombia's elimination.

Whilst there is no indication that Campaz faces a similar fate, the decision to delay his return home highlights the seriousness of the threats and the continuing concern surrounding player safety.

For now, Campaz's immediate future remains uncertain as Colombian authorities and football officials work to ensure his security following one of the most distressing episodes of the tournament.