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Summary:

Ecuadorian footballer Mario Pineida, a 33-year-old defender for Barcelona de Guayaquil, was shot and killed in Guayaquil, Ecuador, on December 17, 2025. Another person was also killed, and a third wounded. The death comes amid escalating violence in Ecuador, expected to be the most violent year on record. Pineida previously played for Independiente del Valle and had a brief stint in Brazil with Fluminense. Ecuadorian authorities and Barcelona de Guayaquil have confirmed his death. The incident is the latest in a string of violent incidents affecting footballers in Ecuador.

News Article:

Ecuadorian Footballer Mario Pineida Killed Amid Rising Violence

Quito, Ecuador – December 18, 2025 – Mario Pineida, a 33-year-old defender for Barcelona de Guayaquil, was shot and killed in Guayaquil on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, Ecuadorian police have confirmed. Another individual was also killed in the incident, and a third was wounded.

The death of Pineida, who also played for Independiente del Valle and Brazil’s Fluminense, has sent shockwaves through the football community. Barcelona de Guayaquil expressed their sadness in a statement. Fluminense also released a statement via social media sending their condolences.

The shooting occurred in the Samanes region, north of Guayaquil, amid a backdrop of escalating violence across Ecuador. Authorities expect 2025 to be the country’s most violent year on record, with over 9,000 homicides predicted. President Daniel Noboa has pledged to combat criminal organizations operating within the country, linked to international drug cartels.

This incident is not isolated. In November, a 16-year-old Independiente del Valle player died from a stray bullet in Guayaquil. Furthermore, two months prior, Maicol Valencia and Leandro Yépez, both players of Exapromo Costa, and Jonathan González, of 22 de Junio died from gunshot wounds.

The ongoing violence raises serious concerns about safety and security in Ecuador, particularly within the sports community. Investigations into Pineida’s death are ongoing.

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