Jeremy Ormaza, 20-year-old Ecuadorian footballer, killed in armed attack

Ecuadorian football is in mourning following the murder of 20-year-old footballer Jeremy Ormaza. The attack occurred in the early hours of Sunday, September 27, 2026, in Salinas, within the Santa Elena province.

According to reports, Ormaza, known affectionately as ‘Loco’, was shot multiple times by several armed men as he was leaving a nightclub. The National Police have launched an investigation to identify those responsible, though a specific motive has not yet been confirmed.

Ormaza was a rising talent in the sport, having participated in youth training processes for the Ecuadorian national team, including the Sub-15 and Sub-17 categories. His club career included stints with Santa Elena Sporting Club, Cobras FC, Huancavilca, and Milagro FC. At the time of his death, he was playing for Cobras FC in the national second division.

Various football organizations and clubs have expressed condolences, highlighting the tragic loss of a promising athlete. His death adds to a growing trend of violence affecting the Ecuadorian sporting community.