Former Real Madrid star Freddy Rincon in critical condition after car crashes into bus in Colombia

Former Real Madrid player and captain of the Colombia national team Freddy Rincon is in a critical condition after a serious car accident.

It has been confirmed that the ex-footballer sustained severe head injuries in the city of Cali on Monday while travelling in a vehicle.

Rincon was said to be driving the car as it collided with a bus, injuring the four other people inside as well as the bus driver.

“Freddy Eusebio Rincon arrived in hospital this morning with a traumatic brain injury,” the Imbanaco Clinic treating him said in a statement. “His condition is very critical.”

Rincon, 55, was a commanding midfielder who played for Colombian sides Santa Fe and America.

He also had spells with Italian club Napoli and Spain’s Real Madrid.

He captained Brazilian side Corinthians to the first club world championship title in 2000 and he was also part of the golden generation of Colombian players who took the national side to three consecutive World Cups in 1990, 1994 and 1998, alongside players such as Carlos Valderrama and Faustino Asprilla.

He scored 17 goals during his international career and was on the scoresheet against Argentina in a memorable 5-0 World Cup qualifier victory in Buenos Aires in 1993.

Additional reporting by Reuters.

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