Ecuadorian footballer Mario Pineida shot dead in Guayaquil
What's the story
Ecuadorian footballer Mario Pineida has been shot dead in Guayaquil. The 33-year-old defender was attacked by two people on motorbikes, according to local media reports. The incident took place on Wednesday as Pineida, his mother, and another woman were outside a shop in the northern part of the city. Here are further details.
Violence surge
Guayaquil grapples with rising violence
The attack on Pineida highlights the growing problem of gang violence and drug trafficking in Guayaquil. As per BBC Sport, the city has witnessed 1,900 murders between January and September this year, the highest in Ecuador. In September alone, three second-tier footballers were killed while another local player was injured in a shooting incident.
Career highlights
Pineida's football career and tributes
Pineida, who earned nine caps for Ecuador between 2014 and 2021, began his club career at Independiente DV. He later joined Barcelona SC in Guayaquil in 2016 and had a loan spell at Fluminense in 2022. Following his death, Independiente and Fluminese paid tribute to Pineida on social media while Barcelona SC expressed their deep dismay over the tragic news.
Federation's stance
Ecuadorian Football Federation condemns violence
In the wake of Pineida's death, the Ecuadorian Football Federation condemned the act of violence and expressed its condolences to his family. The Interior Ministry of Ecuador has dispatched a special police unit to investigate the incident further. This comes as part of President Daniel Noboa's commitment to combat criminal organizations linked with international drug cartels operating in Ecuador.
Twitter Post
Fluminese pay tribute!
O Fluminense Football Club recebeu com profundo pesar a notícia do falecimento de Mario Pineida, atleta que defendeu o clube em 2022.
— Fluminense F.C. (@FluminenseFC) December 17, 2025
Pineida chegou ao Tricolor no início da temporada em que nos sagramos juntos campeões cariocas. O Fluminense manifesta solidariedade aos… pic.twitter.com/c4H19edKHm
Twitter Post
Barcelona SC remember the player!
Llegó en 2016. Hizo historia para siempre. 💛
— BARCELONA S.C. (@BarcelonaSC) December 18, 2025
2 títulos. 2 semifinales de Libertadores.
Con garra, entrega y amor por la amarilla.
Mario, se ganó ser parte eterna de la historia del Ídolo.
Por todo y más , te recordaremos siempre Marito pic.twitter.com/stLzxUkP2s