Luis Tejada: Tragedy as World Cup Star Dies Moments After Being Substituted

Luis Tejada: Tragedy as World Cup Star Dies Moments After Being Substituted

Fred Kennedy
updated at February 13, 2024 at 11:54 AM
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  • Luis Tejada was in action for a veterans' team over the weekend
  • He was unable to see out the entire match after he felt unwell
  • The Panama striker collapsed shortly after he was substituted

The football world has been plunged into mourning following the tragic passing of Luis Tejada.

Tejasa, a World Cup star who made appearances at the 2018 edition of the tournament, passed away at the age of 41.

Luis Tejada poses for a portrait during the official FIFA World Cup 2018 portrait session at the Saransk Olympic Training Center. Photo by Maja Hitij.
Luis Tejada poses for a portrait during the official FIFA World Cup 2018 portrait session at the Saransk Olympic Training Center. Photo by Maja Hitij.
Source: Getty Images

According to ESPN, the Panama striker passed away of a heart attack just moments after he was subbed off during a match.

It is understood that Tejada was in action over the weekend for a veterans' team when he felt unwell and asked to be substituted.

Upon his substitution, the celebrated striker collapsed before he was rushed away in an ambulance.

However, medics were unable to save him, with the Panama Football Federation confirming his death via a statement.

"Historic goalscorer for the Panamanian national team, a decisive factor in qualifying for our first World Cup in 2018 and a synonym for the development and advancement of football in our country," the association said in a statement.
"We extend our sincerest condolences to his family and the entire Panamanian football and sports family in general," the statement added.

Who is Luis Tejada?

According to CNN, the 41-year-old is renowned for his role in helping Panama qualify for their first World Cup in 2018.

Tejada, who scored 43 goals for the national team, holds the record for the most goals scored by any player in the country.

The forward's 43 goals include two that he scored in the fourth round of CONCACAF to help his country qualify for the World Cup.

Ghana star dies while playing

Earlier, Sports Brief reported on the death of Ghanaian star Raphael Dwamena, who passed on during a league game in Albania.

Dwamena collapsed and died in the game between FK Egnati and FK Partizani.

Ghana legend Asamoah Gyan, who played alongside Dwamena as strike partners for the Black Stars during the 28-year-old's debut, took to social media to lead tributes for Dwawema.

"Rest well brother. Hmmm life," he posted.
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Fred Kennedy
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