Ecuadorian soccer is in mourning. Raul Guerronformer player of the Ecuador national team and member of the team that participated in the 2002 FIFA World Cup Korea-Japandied this Monday at the age of 49, as confirmed by the Ecuadorian Football Federation (FEF)clubs where he played and various sports institutions in the country.
The news generated a wave of farewell messages for one of the footballers who was part of a generation that marked a before and after for Ecuadorian football by achieving the first World Cup qualification for the national team.
The Ecuadorian Football Federation fires Raúl Guerrón
The FEF It was one of the first institutions to publicly express its condolences after the death of the former left back.
“The Ecuadorian Football Federation regrets with deep regret the fair appropriate death of Raul GuerronWorld Cup player with our team in the 2002 Korea-Japan FIFA World Cup and glory of Ecuadorian football that stood out in several clubs in our country,” the FEF expressed on its social networks.
The former defender left an important mark on both the national team and the teams he defended throughout his professional career.
Legends never go away!
You will always live in the hearts of the Ecuadorian fans who will remember you as part of that incredible generation of unforgettable players who qualified us for our first FIFA World Cup. pic.twitter.com/DnW7G8BRFz
— FEF ?? (@FEFecuador) June 1, 2026
Part of the generation that took Ecuador to its first World Cup
Raul Guerron He joined the team led by the Colombian Hernán Darío “Bolillo” Gómeza team that qualified for the 2002 World Cup, an achievement that transformed the course of Ecuadorian soccer at an international level.
During Ecuador’s participation in Korea-Japan 2002, Guerrón was active in the three group stage matches.
He started the 1-0 victory over Croatia, considered Ecuador’s first World Cup victory, and also participated in the games against Italy and Mexico.
His defensive contribution was one of the most valued characteristics within that generation that paved the way for future World Cup participations for La Tri.
An outstanding career in Ecuadorian soccer
In addition to his time on the national team, Raul Guerron He developed a solid career in the Ecuadorian championship.
He defended the colors of Deportivo Quito, Barcelona Sporting Club and Catholic Universityteams in which he stood out for his defensive intensity, physical strength and powerful ball striking.
Throughout his career he scored 18 goals in the Ecuadorian first division, an outstanding figure for a player with a defensive profile.
Although he failed to score for the national team, he was always recognized for his tactical discipline and ability to perform defensive duties effectively.
Ecuadorian sports join the duel
After hearing the news, various sports institutions expressed their regret for the loss of the former soccer player.
He Ecuadorian Olympic Committee (COE) published a message of condolences, while the Vice Ministry of Sports He sent his expressions of support to the Guerrón family.
The government agency also dedicated a few words to his brothers, Joffre and Hugo Guerrón, who also had a relationship with professional soccer.
?? The Ecuadorian Olympic Committee deeply regrets the fair death of Raúl Guerrón, historic World Cup winner of the Tri?? in Korea-Japan 2002. pic.twitter.com/nxbhgbxvB8
— Comite_Olimpico_Ecu (@ECUADORolimpico) June 1, 2026
The clubs where he played mourn his death
The teams that were part of the race Raul Guerron They also reacted to the announcement of his death.
His first professional club, Deportivo Quitowrote:
“With a broken heart, for the fair appropriate death of a former glory of the institution and the national team. All our love and support to his family and friends and in his honor we will remain silent throughout this day.”
For its part, Barcelona Sporting Club He also expressed his condolences:
“Meanwhile, Barcelona regretted “with deep regret the death of our club’s former footballer. Those of us who are part of the institution express our deepest condolences to his family and friends, and we sympathize with his pain at this difficult time.”
Colleagues and public figures remember his legacy
The death of Raul Guerron It also provoked reactions among former teammates and personalities in the country.
The national assembly member Annabella Azín de Noboa He highlighted the legacy he left within Ecuadorian soccer.
“Today Ecuadorian football says goodbye to one of its greats. Raul Guerron “He proudly wore the colors of our team and left an indelible mark on the country’s sporting history.”
Meanwhile, the former goalkeeper and teammate José Francisco Cevallos He shared a farewell message full of emotion.
“It left us Raul Guerron. Our partner and friend from the World Cup Team. We are going to miss you Raúl for your ideas and gift of person. Peace in his grave. “Fly high Raúl.”
Ecuador says goodbye to a leader of the 2002 World Cup generation
With the departure of Raul GuerronEcuadorian soccer loses one of the most remembered members of the squad that led the team to play its first World Cup.
His name will remain linked to a generation that helped position Ecuador in the elite of South American soccer and that paved the way for La Tri to become a regular participant in the World Cups.
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