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Former Ecuador International Shot Dead

Ecuadorian footballer Mario Pineida, aged 33, has tragically died after being shot in Guayaquil, Ecuador’s largest city. Pineida, a defender who earned nine caps for the national team between 2014 and 2021, was attacked on Wednesday by two assailants on motorbikes.

The shooting occurred outside a shop in northern Guayaquil and also involved his mother and another woman. The Ecuadorian Interior Ministry confirmed that a special police unit has been deployed to investigate the incident.

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Career Highlights of Mario Pineida

Pineida began his professional career at Independiente DV before joining Barcelona SC in Guayaquil in 2016, where he spent nine years establishing himself as a key defender. During his career, he also had loan spells at Fluminense in Brazil and El Nacional.

As a national team player, Pineida represented Ecuador nine times, contributing to the squad between 2014 and 2021. His death is being mourned by clubs and fans across Ecuador and South America.

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Guayaquil: A City Plagued by Violence

Guayaquil has seen a sharp rise in gang-related violence and drug trafficking, with 1,900 murders recorded between January and September 2025—the highest in Ecuador’s history. Pineida’s death is the latest in a string of attacks on footballers, with three second-tier players killed in September and another player wounded in October.

Authorities have expressed concern over the escalating violence and have promised to investigate the murder thoroughly.

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Tributes and Condolences

Following Pineida’s death, clubs and sports organizations paid tribute on social media:

• Independiente DV and Fluminense shared messages of remembrance.
• Barcelona SC said: “This unfortunate news makes all of us who are part of this institution deeply dismayed.”
• The Ecuadorian Football Federation (FEF) condemned the violence and extended condolences to Pineida’s family.

Fans and teammates alike have expressed shock and sorrow, highlighting the profound impact Pineida had on Ecuadorian football during his career.

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Legacy of Mario Pineida

Mario Pineida is remembered not only for his skill on the field but also for his dedication and professionalism. His death underscores the wider security challenges facing Guayaquil and the growing concern over violence against sports figures in Ecuador.

“His passing is a tragedy for football and for all Ecuadorians,” the Ecuadorian Football Federation stated, honoring his contributions to both club and country.