Shock in Panama: the historic scorer of the national football team died in the middle of a match

The historic scorer of the Panama national team and winner of the 2018 Russia World Cup Luis “Matador” Tejada He died this Sunday at the age of 41, due to a possible heart attack while playing a game in the veterans’ football championship. “It was a cardiac arrest. He changed his mind and left the game. Off the field he fainted and was taken by ambulance to the Santa Librada polyclinic (on the outskirts of Panama City), where he was declared dead.”a source close to the former professional footballer confirmed to the international agency EFE while he was being transferred to hospital.

“Matador”, as the Panamanian player was known, remained active in the world of football despite having retired professionally since 2019, like several former players. He was currently participating in a championship for veterans over the age of 40.

Tejada, who retired from the Central American national team in May 2019, played 108 matches for the national team in which he scored 43 goalswho keep him close Blas Perezas top scorer of the ‘Roja’.

He also added individual awards to the national team as top scorer in the Gold Cup (three goals) and most valuable player in the tournament in which Panama finished second.

He was remembered for Chile against Mexico on 30 March 2005 in a 2006 World Cup qualifier in Germany, but his most recent contribution to the national team was assisting Román Torres on 10 October 2017 to score the goal Objective of qualification for Russia 2018.

Peru, your other home

At international level, the player shone in Peruvian football when he played for Juan Aurich, Universitario de Perú, Sports Boys and Pirata FC.

Precisely with Aurich he was champion of the First Division in Peru in 2011 and in the same year he was top scorer (17 goals) and in 2016 he made the team all stars of the decentralized championship.

Tejada also played for Mexican clubs Toluca and Tiburones Rojos. In Colombia he played for Envigado, América de Cali, Once Caldas, Millonarios, Al Ain of the United Arab Emirates and in Panama he finished his career with Plaza Amador, Herrera FC and Club Deportivo Universitario.

Reactions from the world of football

The Panamanian Football Federation, in its report X, issued a note of condolence this Sunday for the death of the player.

“Historic scorer of the Panama national team, a fundamental piece in the qualification for our first FIFA World Cup 2018 and synonymous with the development and evolution of football in our country”highlights the statement.

“We express our most sincere condolences to his family and to the entire family of football and Panamanian sport in general”adds the note from the Panamanian federation.

The Association of Professional Footballers of Panama (Afutpa) on its Instagram account highlights that “rarely does an athlete leave as much as Luis “Matador” Tejada. The Association of Professional Footballers of Panama reflects on the incalculable legacy he left in a generation that inspired, towards a path of sport and success, managing to guide young people towards healthy and prosperous paths”.

His strike partner in the Panamanian national team, Blas Pérez, also reacted on his X account: “I don’t believe it, my partner left me”.

Clubs from the Panamanian Soccer League (LPF) also reacted on their networks following the player’s death.

“Luis Carlos Tejada Hansell has died at the age of 41. Legend of Panamanian football and one of the most important players in the history of Central American football, a fundamental piece in the Canaleros’ historic qualification for Russia 2018. My most sincere condolences to his family, to his friends and to all my people in Panama”said journalist Alexis Martín, known as “Mister Chip”, on his social networks.