Ecuadorian footballer Mario Pineida has been shot dead in the port city of Guayaquil, his club and national authorities have confirmed. The 33 year old defender played for Barcelona de Guayaquil and had previously represented the Ecuador national team.
Police said Pineida was killed in an apparent targeted attack as violence continues to surge in Ecuador. Another person also died in the incident, while a third victim was injured. The shooting took place in the Samanes area in northern Guayaquil, about 265 kilometres southwest of the capital, Quito.
Ecuador’s Interior Ministry confirmed Pineida’s death but did not provide further details about the circumstances of the attack or possible suspects. Barcelona de Guayaquil released a statement expressing deep sorrow at his passing and said the club’s fans were devastated by the news.
Pineida began his professional career with Independiente del Valle, where he played from 2010 to 2015. He joined Barcelona de Guayaquil in 2016 and won two Ecuadorian league titles with the club. The defender also had a brief loan spell with Brazilian side Fluminense in 2022.
At international level, Pineida earned several caps for Ecuador and was part of the squad at major tournaments, including the Copa America. His last appearance for the national team came at the 2021 Copa America, where he featured as a substitute against Brazil.
His killing comes as Ecuador faces record levels of gang related violence and drug trafficking. Security analysts say 2025 is on track to be the country’s most violent year on record, with thousands of homicides reported as criminal groups battle for control of key territories.
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