Quito, Ecuador – December 18, 2025. Ecuadorian soccer is in mourning following the tragic assassination of Mario Pineida, a player for Barcelona de Guayaquil, who was the victim of an armed attack this Wednesday in a busy area of Guayaquil. This unfortunate event occurs amidst the growing crisis of violence affecting Ecuador, related to organized crime. The death of Pineida, known as “El Pitbull”, aged 33, adds to a series of attacks against footballers in the country. However, this case sets a precedent as it involves the murder of an active player in the Ecuadorian first division. Pineida began his professional career at Independiente del Valle, and later played for clubs such as El Nacional and Barcelona Sporting Club, the team he currently belonged to. At the international level, he defended the colors of Fluminense of Brazil. With the ‘torero’ team, he won two Ecuadorian league titles and played two semi-finals of the Copa Libertadores.
It saddens us as a Barcelona fan family.
Barcelona de Guayaquil
Through an official statement, Barcelona de Guayaquil expressed its deep sorrow for the loss, recalling the player’s sporting legacy:
The club president, Antonio Álvarez, expressed his disbelief at the crime:He arrived in 2016. He made history forever. With grit, dedication and love for the yellow, Mario earned his place in the history of the Idol. We will always remember you, Marito.
Barcelona de Guayaquil
The Ecuadorian Football Federation (FEF) lamented “with deep sorrow” the death of the player, who also represented the national team, and condemned the violence affecting the country and sport. In the same vein, Miguel Ángel Loor, president of Liga Pro, expressed his condolences to family, friends and the entire ‘yellow’ institution. Various clubs from the country and abroad joined in the displays of solidarity. Emelec, Barcelona’s eternal rival, Liga Deportiva Universitaria de Quito, Independiente del Valle and Fluminense from Brazil expressed their sorrow and sent messages of support to the footballer’s family. The murder of Mario Pineida has generated deep shock in Ecuadorian football.I still can’t believe it. What a hard blow. You left an indelible mark on Barcelona S.C. May you rest in peace.
Antonio Álvarez, President of Barcelona S.C.
