Ecuadorian soccer is in mourning. Raúl Guerrón, former player of the Ecuador National Team and member of the squad that participated in the 2002 FIFA World Cup Korea-Japan, died 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 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 sensitive death of Raúl Guerrón, a World Cup winner with our team in the 2002 Korea-Japan FIFA World Cup and a glory of Ecuadorian football who 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.

Part of the generation that took Ecuador to its first World Cup

Raúl Guerrón was a member of the team led by Colombian Hernán Darío “Bolillo” Gómez, a 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 with the national team, Raúl Guerrón developed a solid career in the Ecuadorian championship.

He defended the colors of Deportivo Quito, Barcelona Sporting Club and Universidad Católica, teams 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.

The Ecuadorian Olympic Committee (COE) published a message of condolences, while the Vice Ministry of Sports sent its 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 clubs where he played mourn his death

The teams that were part of Raúl Guerrón's career also reacted to the announcement of his death.

His first professional club, Deportivo Quito, wrote:

"With a broken heart, due to the sensitive 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 also expressed its 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 Raúl Guerrón also provoked reactions among former teammates and personalities in the country.

National assemblywoman Annabella Azín de Noboa highlighted the legacy she left within Ecuadorian soccer.

"Today, Ecuadorian football says goodbye to one of its greats. Raúl Guerrón proudly wore the colors of our team and left an indelible mark on the country's sporting history."

Meanwhile, former goalkeeper and teammate José Francisco Cevallos shared a farewell message full of emotion.

"Raúl Guerrón is gone from us. Our teammate and friend from the World Cup team. We are going to miss you Raúl for your witticisms 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 Raúl Guerrón, Ecuadorian soccer loses one of the most remembered members of the team that led the team to play its first World Cup.

His name will remain linked to a generation that helped position Ecuador among the elite of South American soccer and that paved the way for La Tri to become a regular participant in the World Cups.