Jáminton Campaz reportedly missed Colombia’s return flight following alleged death threats following World Cup withdrawal

Jáminton Campaz reportedly misses Colombia’s return flight following alleged death threats following World Cup withdrawal / Image: X Jáminton Campaz has reportedly not returned to Colombia with the national team after being kicked out of the FIFA World Cup, as fresh reports claim the forward has stayed as a precaution following death threats following the defeat to Switzerland. The development comes just a day after the Colombian Football Federation (FCF) publicly condemned the abuse directed at Campazo and his family and called on the authorities to investigate those responsible.Colombia’s World Cup campaign came to a heartbreaking end on Tuesday after losing to Switzerland on penalties in the round of 16. Campaz, who plays his club football for Argentina’s Rosario Central, had one of the cruellest moments of the game when he missed a golden opportunity to win the game in the closing stages of extra time.

Colombia’s Jaminton Campaz (21) misses a shot on goal as Switzerland goalkeeper Gregor Kobel (1) saves during their World Cup Round of 16 match in Vancouver, British Columbia, Tuesday, July 7, 2026. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull)

With less than six minutes remaining, the 26-year-old fired over the bar with the score still 0-0. Although he recovered to convert a penalty during the ensuing shootout, Colombia eventually lost 4–3 and exited the tournament.According to Argentinian outlet InfobaeCampaz did not board the Colombian unit’s return flight from Vancouver to Bogota on Thursday because of concerns for his safety after a wave of online abuse and death threats.Several senior players, including James Rodríguez, Davinson Sánchez and Juan Fernando Quintero, were among those who returned home with the rest of the squad. However, Campaz was reportedly missing from the flight. It remains unclear whether he remained in the United States or traveled independently to Argentina, where he is under contract with Rosario Central.

Colombia’s Jaminton Campaz reacts after losing to Switzerland during a penalty shootout during the World Cup Round of 16 match between Switzerland and Colombia in Vancouver, British Columbia, Tuesday, July 7, 2026. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

The announced decision follows days of sustained harassment on social media following Colombia’s elimination. Campaz subsequently limited comments on his accounts before posting an emotional message asking supporters not to let disappointment turn into hate.“Football also consists of difficult moments,” he wrote on a photo in which he covers his face in frustration.“My Columbia, please let us never lose sight of respect. We may think differently or feel frustration and sadness, but no passion justifies hatred or living in fear.”Reflecting on the tournament, Campaz added that representing his country fulfilled a lifelong dream.“Since I was a child, I dreamed of defending the colors of Colombia, hearing the national anthem, representing millions of people and scoring a goal in the World Cup. Today I can only thank God for allowing me to fulfill this dream. These are memories that I will carry with me forever.”“I want to sincerely thank everyone who stood by us during this World Cup – those who believed in us, supported us until the last moment and never lost faith. I also thank my family, who were my strength every step of the way and were by my side in the happiest and most difficult moments.”He also admitted the nation’s disappointment after the Round of 16 exit.“I can only say to the whole country that I share the pain of this elimination. We too dreamed of advancing and I know the sadness we feel today as Colombians.”“I deeply regret not being able to bring you the joy we all hoped for, but I want you to know that this jersey has never lacked dedication, commitment or love. I gave everything I had on the pitch and I would do it a thousand times over for my country.”Colombia’s soccer federation responded Friday by issuing a strong statement condemning the threats against Campazo and those close to him, while calling on the country’s attorney general’s office to identify those responsible and prosecute them as quickly as possible.“No athlete, nor any member of their immediate circle, should be subjected to intimidation for representing their country in the sporting arena,” the federation said.“Football must be a space for unity, respect and hope, never a place for hatred, intimidation or violence.”The episode inevitably drew comparisons to one of the darkest moments in Colombian football history. During the 1994 FIFA World Cup in the United States, defender Andrés Escobar scored an own goal in Colombia’s defeat of the hosts, contributing to the team’s elimination. Just days after returning home, Escobar was murdered outside a nightclub in Medellín, a tragedy that remains one of football’s most painful chapters.While there is no indication that Campaz faces a similar situation, news that he has reportedly decided not to return to Colombia immediately underscores the seriousness of the threats that followed the national team’s exit from the World Cup. The federation’s intervention and its request for a criminal investigation is now focused on identifying those responsible for the abuse rather than turning sporting disappointment into real intimidation.