Death Threats Force Jaminton Campaz to Stay Away from Colombia

The Colombian forward did not return home with the rest of the national team after receiving serious death threats directed at him and his family following Colombia's elimination against Switzerland.

Campaz did not travel back with Colombia

Colombia's Round of 16 elimination against Switzerland at the 2026 FIFA World Cup has had consequences that extend far beyond the result on the field.

Jaminton Campaz did not board the team's official flight from Vancouver to Bogotá after reportedly receiving death threats targeting both him and members of his family.

According to Colombian and Argentine media reports, the Rosario Central winger has remained in Argentina, where he currently plays his club football, while staying under security measures.

The decision was reportedly made because of the seriousness of the threats, some of which allegedly referenced his five-year-old daughter.

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The threats began after Colombia's elimination

The wave of online abuse started shortly after Colombia was knocked out in a penalty shootout against Switzerland.

Campaz missed a golden opportunity during extra time when his shot sailed over the crossbar. Although he later converted his penalty in the shootout, Colombia ultimately lost 4-3.

Despite scoring from the spot, the 26-year-old became the target of intense criticism from a section of supporters, with the abuse quickly escalating into threats against both him and his family.

Before disabling comments on his social media accounts, Campaz shared a message calling for an end to the hate.

"No passion justifies hatred or living in fear."

The Colombian Football Federation condemned the threats

The Colombian Football Federation (FCF) released an official statement condemning the abuse and calling on authorities to investigate those responsible.

"The FCF reiterates that the players who represent our national teams wear Colombia's jersey with discipline, commitment, professionalism and a deep love for the country," the federation said.

The governing body also urged the Attorney General's Office to identify those behind the threats and emphasized that no sporting result can justify intimidation, harassment or violence against players and their families.

The memory of Andrés Escobar has resurfaced

The situation has inevitably revived memories of one of the darkest chapters in Colombian football history.

In 1994, defender Andrés Escobar was murdered just days after scoring an own goal at the FIFA World Cup in the United States.

The circumstances surrounding Campaz's case are different, and there is no information suggesting he faces a similar situation. However, that tragic precedent explains why the threats have generated such deep concern throughout Colombian football.

Many players, supporters and public figures have called for the threats to be treated with the utmost seriousness rather than dismissed as online abuse.

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Protecting Campaz and his family remains the priority

As authorities continue investigating the case, the immediate focus remains on ensuring the safety of Campaz and his family.

The Colombian international has stayed away from the public spotlight, and there has been no official indication regarding when he may return to Colombia.

Several figures from the football world have also expressed their support for the winger, joining calls to reject the violence and intimidation that have overshadowed Colombia's World Cup exit.

What began as disappointment over a missed chance during a football match has developed into a much more serious situation, with Campaz's safety now taking precedence over everything else.