Luis ‘Matador’ Tejada, a former Panama soccer player known for helping his country qualify for the first World Cup in 2018, passed away at 41 while playing in a local league. Tejada, Panama’s top goal scorer with 43 goals, collapsed during the game. The Panamanian Football Federation expressed deep condolences, praising Tejada’s impact on the country’s football development.

Tejada’s teammate, Blas Pérez, shared sadness on social media, saying he couldn’t believe his partner had left. Tejada played a key role in Panama’s 2018 World Cup qualification, scoring two important goals. Panama finished third in the qualifying round, earning a spot in the tournament.

Despite facing challenges in the World Cup, where Panama lost to Tunisia, England, and Belgium, Tejada’s legacy remains significant in Panama’s soccer history. His contributions and goals made a lasting impact, and his sudden death is a loss to the football community in Panama.