The Colombian Football Association FCF wrote that his death was a great loss not only for his family and friends, but also for the sport of the South American country. World governing body FIFA and the South American Confederation Conmebol also expressed their regret over Rincón’s death on Twitter.
Rincón scored against Germany at the 1990 World Cup
A goal by the midfielder became famous at the 1990 World Cup in Italy in a group match against eventual world champions Germany, when Rincón shot the ball between the legs of goalkeeper Bodo Illgner and into the goal.
Three-time World Cup participant Rincón, known in his homeland as “Colossus of Buenaventura“, was injured in an accident in the south of the city of Cali on Monday and taken to a clinic. Despite the best efforts of the doctors, the 55-year-old died on Wednesday, the clinic said. The car in which Rincón was sitting , had collided with a bus. The Conmebol paid tribute to him as “great player and idol of Colombian football“.
Part of the golden Colombian football generation
Rincón was part of the generation of outstanding players, alongside Carlos Valderrama and Faustino Asprilla, who qualified for three consecutive World Cups with Colombia – in 1990, 1994 and 1998. Rincón’s famous goal against Germany helped Colombia progress at the 1990 World Cup. In club soccer, Rincón has played for América de Cali, Palmeiras São Paulo and SC Corinthians, SSC Napoli and Real Madrid, among others.
Source: dpa