The catastrophic earthquakes that struck Venezuela on June 24 have left a tragic mark on Venezuelan soccer. According to the Venezuelan Football Federation (FVF), at least four players have been confirmed dead, with an additional seven still missing as of Friday.
Among the most heart-wrenching cases is that of Yimvert Berroterán, an 18-year-old midfielder who was found lifeless among the rubble of his building in La Guaira nearly 40 hours after the earthquakes.
As reported by AS newspaper, the building suffered a complete collapse, and rescue teams took almost two days to reach Berroterán, who was found alongside his partner, Valentina Sandoval, also deceased.
Berroterán had represented Venezuela in the South American U-17 Championship and the U-17 World Cup in Doha. This month, he participated in the Toulon Tournament with the U-23 national team.
In his professional career, the young player had seen action with UCV FC in the local league and was called up for the Copa Libertadores group stage, although he had yet to make his debut.
The national team, known as the Vinotinto, paid tribute to him on social media with a message stating, "Your light will remain present in every Vinotinto heartbeat."
The FVF also confirmed the deaths of Víctor Palacios, a 14-year-old from Club Sport San Agustín, and Razan Sijaa, a player in the U-18 category for Caracas FC.
Additionally, Yordelis Pereira, a member of the Academia Puerto Cabello's women's team, was confirmed deceased by the federation.
Another tragedy occurred involving Héctor Bello of Zulia FC. He shared on social media that his partner Andrea died while shielding their one-year-old daughter during the collapse of their building. The child survived, but Bello's aunt was hospitalized due to the quake.
The missing players include José Manuel Pimentel Berríos (16, Deportivo La Guaira), Edwin Peraza (33, Portuguesa FC), Mainell Rondón (12), Kleudes García (38), and three others, as reported by the FVF.
The two earthquakes, measuring 7.5 and 7.2 in magnitude, had their epicenter in Carabobo state, with La Guaira suffering the brunt of the destruction, including over 250 collapsed buildings.
The official death toll stands at 920, with more than 3,360 injured. However, the United Nations estimates up to 50,000 people are missing nationwide.
The United States Geological Survey issued a Red Alert, estimating that the final death toll could range from 10,000 to 100,000, casting a further shadow over a nation already in the grips of a severe crisis.
Venezuelan Earthquakes: Impact on Soccer Community
How many Venezuelan soccer players have died due to the earthquakes?
At least four Venezuelan soccer players have been confirmed dead following the earthquakes.
What was the magnitude of the earthquakes in Venezuela?
The earthquakes measured 7.5 and 7.2 in magnitude.
Which Venezuelan city was most affected by the earthquakes?
La Guaira was the most devastated city, with over 250 buildings collapsing.