Colombia football community mourns deaths of former World Cup defender Hernando Tovar and ex‑player Bismar Córdoba

Former Colombian international defender Hernando “Mono” Tovar died at age 88. Tovar was the last surviving member of Colombia’s 1962 World Cup squad, played 204 matches for Independiente Santa Fe between 1954 and 1966, and helped the club win the Colombian league in 1958 and 1960. DIMAYOR president Carlos Mario Zuluaga Pérez and the 36 affiliated clubs issued statements of deep sorrow.

Ex‑forward Bismar Córdoba also passed away, aged 33, after a battle with cancer at the Clínica Panamericana. Córdoba, a native of Turbo, represented clubs including Deportes Tolima, Envigado FC, Once Caldas, Jaguares de Córdoba and Leones, scoring 17 goals and providing two assists during his career. His former teams and fans posted condolences, highlighting his talent and determination.