Politics
Former Soccer Great Collapses And Dies At 41
Luis “Matador” Tejada, the all-time record goalscorer for Panama’s international soccer team, has died at the age of 41, according to the Panamanian Football Federation (FEPAFUT).
The Daily Caller reports Tejada was participating in a veterans game in Panama City when he suddenly collapsed on the field. He was transported to an area hospital by emergency services where he was pronounced dead.
The country’s football team paid tribute to their striker star who helped the Panama men’s team qualify for its first World Cup in 2018.
“Synonymous of development and football in our country. We express our sincere condolences. We will never forget you Matador,” FEPAFUT wrote on X.
¡LEYENDA ⚽️!
El número 1️⃣8️⃣ en la selección #PanamáMayor 🇵🇦 siempre fue y siempre será sinónimo de nuestro eterno goleador Luis “Matador” Tejada.
Vuela alto 🕊️ leyenda 🥲, siempre estarás en nuestros corazones ♥️.
😢🙏🏽 pic.twitter.com/CJ02bFetOm
— FEPAFUT (@fepafut) January 28, 2024
From 2001 to 2018, Tejada earned 108 caps with his international team and scored 43 goals on the international stage. He represented his country in 34 FIFA World Cup qualifying matches and scored a bicycle kick against Mexico in 2006 to draw level against the heavyweights, later winning a Goal of the Year Award from Fox Sports.
I still remember him scoring a beauty of a bicycle kick goal against Mexico in WC qualifying. RIP https://t.co/HNkkIEtc1q
— LeftieQuixote✧ (@The_Leftie) January 28, 2024
Condolences from fans worldwide poured out, with one thanking “Golden Tooth” for putting his country through to its first World Cup in 2018. Despite losing to England, Belgium, and Tunisia that year, Panamanians were grateful for finally receiving recognition of their team.
I still remember him scoring a beauty of a bicycle kick goal against Mexico in WC qualifying. RIP https://t.co/HNkkIEtc1q
— LeftieQuixote✧ (@The_Leftie) January 28, 2024
Others professed shock that Tejada died so young. Similarly tragic endings have occurred recently as with Cuban judo wrestler Maricet Espinosa Gonzalez, 34, who died of a heart attack on January 21st. The previous week, another 2016 Rio Olympian pole vaulter Shawn Barber died unexpectedly at 29 years old. Former NFL linebacker Ronald Powell died at 32 without explanation.
Luis Tejada, who played at Panama's first-ever World Cup, has died at age 41 after suffering a heart attack in a veterans league match today, according to multiple reports in Panama.
Condolences to his family and friends. https://t.co/LrFANBEKgo
— Jon Arnold (@ArnoldcommaJon) January 28, 2024
Sudden cardiac arrest is the leading cause of death among young athletes, according to the National Institute of Health (NIH). An attack occurs when an electrical malfunction causes the heart to beat irregularly — known as an arrhythmia — leading to stoppage and loss of blood flow. Medical experts often cite hereditary and underlying conditions as the source of the tragic occurrences, as was the case with the Bronny James, the son of NBA superstar Lebron James, when he collapsed on the court during a basketball game.
No cause of death for Tejada is yet known.
