Freddy Rincón, the first Colombian to play for Real Madrid

In the 1990 World Cup in Italy, Germany played against Colombia in the group stage. The Germans were winning 1-0 against a team playing in its second Cup. Then, in the last minute, "Pibe" Valderrama put in a deep pass after a one-two with Freddy Rincón in one of the most remembered goals in the history of World Cups. "Rincón did not kick the ball. He caressed it," says Uruguayan writer Eduardo Galeano in his book of soccer chronicles "El fútbol a Sol y Sombra" (Soccer in sunshine and shadow). Because of his goal, Colombia qualified for the first time in its history to the quarter-finals of a World Cup.

The "Colossus of Buenaventura," as he was known for his impressive physique, played for Real Madrid between 1995 and 1996. Colombian soccer mourns the death of a former soccer player who made history in his sporting career by being the first from his country to play for Madrid and play in the Champions League.

Inolvidable coloso…. Descansa en paz Fredy Rincón pic.twitter.com/Nm2OF7jnnd

— Cesar Moreno (@CesarMorenoH) April 14, 2022

Madrid mourned his loss in an official statement. "Real Madrid C. F., its president, and its Board of Directors deeply regret the death of Freddy Rincón, a Real Madrid player between 1995 and 1996. Real Madrid would like to express its condolences and its love and affection to all his family members, his teammates and coaches, his clubs and all his loved ones."

Descansa en paz, Freddy Rincón.#RealMadrid pic.twitter.com/AYwsEPLDYu

— Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadrid) April 14, 2022

Before the peak of his club career with Real, the attacking midfielder was formed in the youth ranks of his hometown team, Atletico Buenaventura. From there, he moved to Santa Fe, then to America de Cali, and later to Palmeiras in Brazil, where he would have his first international experience and would become known to the world of soccer definitively with his signing with Napoli in 1994.

In addition to playing for Real Madrid, he also played for Brazil's Corinthians, Santos, and Cruzeiro. With the Timao jersey, Rincón won the Brasileirao titles in 1998 and 1999, as well as the first edition of the FIFA Club World Cup at the Maracaná stadium.

Muchas conversaciones tuvimos con Freddy Rincón, este es un grato recuerdo de una Charla con el “Coloso de Buenaventura” en La última palabra de Fox.

📹FoxSports Colombia pic.twitter.com/fr1V5RqMtl

— Hernán Peláez Restrepo (@eldoctorpelaez) April 14, 2022

He was a historic player with the Colombian national team and belonged to one of the most fruitful generations of the national team along with Asprilla, Valencia, Carlos Valderrama, and René Higuita. He qualified for three consecutive World Cups (1990, 1994, and 1998), played 84 games, and scored 17 goals. He will be remembered as one of the best players in the history of the national team. Rincón leaves an indelible mark in his country's soccer, where the first tributes are already being paid to him as his professional career deserves.