Sports Reactions to Maduro’s Capture: Impact on Venezuelan Sport

Sports Reactions After Maduro’s Capture in Caracas

The recent military operation in Caracas, which resulted in the capture of Nicolás Maduro by the United States, has triggered a series of reactions in the international sports world. Athletes from various disciplines and nationalities have expressed their opinions, generating a direct impact on the Venezuelan sports calendar. The country’s main professional competitions were immediately suspended. The Venezuelan Professional Baseball League (LVBP) announced the provisional suspension of its schedule, with the aim of safeguarding the safety of players, staff, and fans. Similarly, the Apertura tournament of Venezuelan soccer, scheduled to begin on January 30, could be affected, according to reports from directors of the participating clubs. The traditional Vuelta al Táchira, an iconic event in Venezuelan cycling, is also in uncertainty, despite being scheduled for January 9th.

Messages of Support and Celebration

The Mexican Formula One driver, Sergio “Checo” Pérez, sent a message of support to the Venezuelan people via Instagram. In his post, he expressed affection and prayers for the country.

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Colombian soccer player Juan Guillermo Cuadrado, currently with Pisa in Italy, invited his followers to pray for Venezuela and celebrated the capture of Maduro, sharing an image of the national flag. The Venezuelan-Spanish climber Erik Noya celebrated the event with a video on social media, expressing his joy and criticism towards Chavista supporters.

Pronouncements That Generate Debate

Former Venezuelan soccer player Gabriel Cichero shared an image from his time in the national team, under the title “Freedom 2026”, dedicating words of encouragement to the Venezuelan people. The canoeist Cristian Toro, Olympic medalist, also joined the reactions with a video, expressing his satisfaction and encouraging citizens to participate in the political debate. Toro highlighted the importance of citizen expression.

There’s still a long way to go, it doesn’t end here, but it’s important that people express themselves and don’t remain silent

Cristian Toro

Controversial Publications

The cyclist Stefany Hernández, Olympic bronze medalist, posted a message on Instagram after the attacks in Caracas, assuring she was safe and asking for peace for Venezuela. Subsequently, she shared images of the sunrise with the message “God with us”. Golfer Jhonattan Vegas, known for his criticisms of the Venezuelan political situation, celebrated the capture of Maduro on social media, expressing his hope for a change for Venezuela.