Tragedy has struck the world of soccer as Ecuadorian midfielder Marco Angulo has passed away at the young age of 22. The rising star, who played for MLS club FC Cincinnati and the Ecuador national team, succumbed to injuries sustained in a devastating car crash last month.
According to sources close to the situation, Angulo was a passenger in a vehicle that collided with a metal barrier on the Rumiñahui highway near Quito, Ecuador on October 7th. The driver and fellow passenger Roberto Cabezas, a former youth teammate of Angulo’s, were killed instantly in the horrific accident.
A Promising Career Cut Short
Marco Angulo was considered one of the brightest young talents in Ecuadorian soccer. The defensive midfielder made his senior international debut for Ecuador in a friendly against Iraq in November 2022 and earned a second cap against Australia in March 2023.
At the club level, Angulo was on loan at Ecuadorian champions LDU Quito from MLS side FC Cincinnati at the time of his tragic passing. He was viewed as a key figure in Ecuador’s next generation of soccer stars and had a promising career ahead of him.
Battling for His Life
Following the accident, Angulo was rushed to the hospital with severe head injuries and a lung contusion. Doctors made the difficult decision to place the young midfielder into a medically-induced coma as they fought to save his life.
Sadly, after nearly a month of intensive care, Angulo succumbed to his injuries on Monday night. The news has sent shockwaves through the soccer community in Ecuador and beyond, as fans and fellow players struggle to come to terms with the devastating loss.
A Family Left Behind
Perhaps most heartbreaking of all, Marco Angulo leaves behind a young wife and a son who will now grow up without their beloved husband and father. The soccer star had his whole life ahead of him, both on and off the pitch, and his untimely death is a tragic reminder of how fragile life can be.
“Marco was not only an outstanding player, but a great teammate. He leaves a deep pain in our hearts,” the Ecuadorian FA said in a statement.
An Outpouring of Grief and Support
As news of Angulo’s passing spread, tributes began to pour in from across the soccer world. Teammates, opponents, and fans alike took to social media to express their shock, grief, and condolences to the Angulo family.
“We are deeply saddened by the loss of Marco – a husband and father, a brother and son, a friend and teammate. He was a joyful, kind young man who lit up every room he entered,” FC Cincinnati said in a heartfelt statement.
The Ecuadorian soccer federation also paid tribute to their fallen star, praising his talent, dedication, and character both on and off the field. Angulo’s loss will be felt deeply by all those who knew him and followed his burgeoning career.
A Tragic Reminder
Marco Angulo’s death is a sobering reminder of the fragility of life and the ever-present dangers we all face, even young, seemingly invincible athletes in the prime of their lives. It is a tragedy that will forever mark the history of Ecuadorian soccer and the wider football community.
As we mourn the loss of this bright young star, we are reminded to cherish every moment with our loved ones and never take a single day for granted. Marco Angulo may be gone, but his memory will live on through the lives he touched and the indelible mark he left on the beautiful game.
“Our entire club grieves this tragedy, and we are thinking of and praying for his family. He was a cherished member of the FC Cincinnati family, and he will be missed,” the MLS club said, encapsulating the sentiments of soccer fans around the world as they come to terms with this heartbreaking loss.
Rest in peace, Marco Angulo. Gone too soon, but never forgotten.
