An 18-year-old Venezuelan footballer who played for his country at the Under-17 World Cup has died after two earthquakes struck the South American nation, as the death toll surpassed 900 in two days.
Yimvert Berroteran, an under-20 international who featured for Universidad Central (UCV), was killed when the quakes brought buildings down. Reports in the country say it took 24 hours before rescue workers recovered his body from the rubble.
“18-year-old Venezuela footballer Yimvert Berroteran dies in earthquake as death toll passes 900; opposition likens devastation to war zone”
“Venezuela is like a war zone without bombs,” said Freddy Guevara, an opposition politician who co-founded the Popular Will Party of former leader Juan Guaidó and has been in exile since 2021.
Berroteran became a Venezuelan champion for the first time in December and also won the country’s top cup competition. That same month he represented Venezuela at the Under-17 World Cup in Qatar, where they reached the round of 32. He made his debut for the under-20s earlier this month after earning 17 caps for the under-17s.
The young forward had played at the Under-17 South American Championship, where he scored a goal and assisted the other in a 2-0 win over Bolivia in their opening match. Venezuela reached the semi-finals before losing to hosts Colombia, but Berroteran scored again and provided an assist in a 3-0 victory over Chile to secure third place.
The Venezuelan Football Federation (FVF) released a statement on Friday. “The Venezuelan Football Federation deeply regrets the passing of Yimvert Berroterán,” it said. “Today, Venezuelan football bids farewell with immense sorrow to a young man who proudly, committedly, and lovingly represented the colours of our country. His departure grieves the entire Vinotinto family and leaves an indelible mark on all who shared time with him on and off the field.”
The FVF added: “We extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends, teammates, coaching staff, and loved ones during this time of profound sadness. Yimvert, your light will continue to shine in every Vinotinto heartbeat. May he rest in peace.”
Salomón Rondón, the former Everton, Newcastle United and West Bromwich Albion striker who played for Venezuela, replied to the federation’s Instagram post: “He cannot be a holy God!!!” with three broken heart emojis. West Ham United winger Keiber Lamadrid also commented, reacting with a flushed face emoji and a broken heart emoji.
Guevara’s description of a country devastated by nature and political turmoil underscores the scale of the catastrophe, which has now claimed the life of one of its rising football stars.