Young Colombian footballer Santiago Castrillon (18), a member of the youth team of Millonarios FC, died in Bogotá a day after collapsing during a match in the National Championship for under-20 players, the club announced.
According to reports, the tragic incident happened on Saturday, March 21, during a match against Independiente Santa Fe, when the player collapsed on the field. The medical team immediately provided assistance, after which he was urgently transferred to the hospital.
Castrillon was admitted to the intensive care unit, where he was under specialized cardiovascular monitoring, but despite the doctors’ efforts, he did not recover and passed away on Sunday evening.
“Today football stops. A blue heart is broken. Santiago didn’t just play football, he lived it, felt it, and shared it with a smile that is now forever engraved in all of us,” the club said in a farewell message, saying goodbye to its “number 10” and highlighting his talent, as well as his joy and passion for the game, Spanish newspaper Marca reported.
The news of his death, which media reports say was most likely the result of a cardiovascular collapse, triggered many reactions among the Colombian football public.
Experienced striker Radamel Falcao, who returned to the club in January, expressed his sorrow over the loss.
“We are losing a teammate full of dreams, extraordinary talent, and a bright future,” Falcao said.
The Colombian Football Federation announced that Castrillon, originally from Bucaramanga, had recently been called up to the national under-19 team, highlighting his dedication and attitude toward the game.
“Santiago will be remembered for his passion for football, his dedication at every opportunity, and the joy with which he played,” the federation said in a statement.
