Former Panama striker Luis ‘Matador’ Tejada, who helped the national team qualify for its first ever World Cup in 2018, has died at the age of 41, the Panamanian Football Federation (FEPAFUT) announced on Sunday. Local media reported that Tejada, whose 43 international goals makes him Panama’s all-time leading goal scorer, collapsed while playing in a local recreational league. CNN Sport has reached out to the Panamanian national police for comment. Panama finished a point and two places ahead of the US men’s team, which failed to qualify for the World Cup for the first time in 32 years. Panama troubled Tunisia in the team’s opening group match in Russia, but the north African side came from a goal behind to win 2-1.

Source: CNN January 29, 2024 15:23 UTC