Freddy Rincón: A football icon who captured Colombia's imagination

By Ben Church, CNN

Updated 1517 GMT (2317 HKT) April 14, 2022

Freddy Rincón helped to lead the golden generation of Colombian football.

(CNN)It's rare that a footballer touches a nation's heart in the way that Freddy Rincón did in Colombia.

That is why the 55-year-old's death was met with an outpouring of emotion in his home country. «This is a huge loss for his family and friends, and at the same time is a regrettable loss for our sport, where we'll miss him and remember him with great care, appreciation, respect and admiration,» the Colombian Football Federation said in a statement. «We send strength, support and our condolences to his family, hoping that they can support this sad and painful loss.»An influential figure among Colombia's golden generation of players in the 1990s, the versatile midfielder signaled a new era for the country's football team.Read MoreHe played, and eventually captained, his country in 84 games, helping them to three World Cups, in 1990, 1994 and 1998. Many will remember him for his goal against West Germany at the 1990 World Cup in Milan's San Siro stadium — one of the most memorable goals in his nation's history.After a flowing passing move, it was left to Rincón to strike the ball between the keeper's legs with just seconds left to play.With it, Rincón had secured a 1-1 draw against the eventual World Cup winners and progress to the Round of 16 after Colombia's 28-year absence from the tournament.The joy on his face during the wild celebrations likely matched that of millions of Colombians who would have been inspired by that team.Rincón playing for Colombia in a World Cup qualifier against Bolivia.While becoming a figurehead for his national team, Rincón also enjoyed a successful club