Former football professional dies at just 41 years old
Luis Tejada achieved something historic with his home country in 2018. He ended his career last year. Now he died at just 41 years old.
Former Panamanian international Luis Tejada has died unexpectedly. He was only 41 years old.
As local media report, the former striker felt unwell on Sunday after a game in the “Veterans League”, a type of senior league. He had himself replaced, collapsed a short time later and was taken to hospital. However, the doctors could no longer save his life. A heart attack is said to have been the cause of Tejada’s sudden death.
Reacting to the Tejadas, Panama’s President Laurentino Cortizo said: “It is with regret that we bid farewell to Luis Carlos ‘Matador’ Tejada, the legendary goalscorer of the Panamanian national team. His legacy in Panamanian football will last forever.”
“We will never forget you, matador”
The Panamanian Football Association also expressed its condolences: “Historic goalscorer of the Panamanian national team, a decisive factor in qualifying for our first Fifa World Cup in 2018 and a synonym for the development and advancement of football in our country. Our condolences to his family and to the entire “Our sincerest condolences to the Panamanian football and sports family in general. We will never forget you, Matador!”
Tejada played 108 international matches for Panama and is his country’s record goalscorer with 43 goals. In 2018 he made history with the national team when they qualified for a World Cup for the first and only time so far. Panama was eliminated after the preliminary round with three defeats, Tejada was used twice. He then ended his career in the national team.
He was active at club level until the end of 2022 before turning his back on professional football. During his career spanning more than 20 years, Tejada was only under contract with clubs in South and Central America, with two brief exceptions.
