Mario Pineida, Barcelona SC player, murdered: Mourning in Ecuadorian soccer

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 in a context of growing violence crisis in Ecuador, linked to the activities of organized crime. Known as “El Pitbull”, Pineida, 33 years old, becomes a new victim of the violence affecting Ecuadorian sport. This murder marks a turning point, as it is the loss of an active player from the first division. Pineida’s career includes his time at Independiente del Valle, El Nacional and Barcelona Sporting Club, a team in which he had multiple stages and to which he belonged at the time of his death. At the international level, he defended the colors of Fluminense of Brazil. With the ‘torero’ team, Pineida won two Ecuadorian league titles and participated in two semi-finals of the Copa Libertadores.

“It saddens us as a Barcelona family,” stated the institution, which recalled the player’s sporting legacy: “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

Antonio Álvarez, club president, expressed his disbelief at the crime.

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 de Guayaquil

The Ecuadorian Football Federation (FEF) deeply regretted the death of the player, who also represented the national team, and strongly condemned the violence affecting the country and sport. Miguel Ángel Loor, president of Liga Pro, also expressed his condolences to the family, friends, and the Barcelona institution. Various national and international clubs joined the displays of solidarity. Emelec, Liga Deportiva Universitaria de Quito, Independiente del Valle, and Fluminense from Brazil expressed their sorrow and sent messages of support to the footballer’s loved ones. The murder of Mario Pineida has generated deep shock in Ecuadorian football, reopening the debate on the growing insecurity affecting the country and which has come to impact figures in professional sports.