Ecuadorian footballer Jonathan David González Valencia, popularly known as “Speedy” Gonzalez, was tragically murdered on September 19, 2025.
The 30-year-old former international midfielder was found dead with gunshot wounds inside his house in Esmeraldas, a coastal province in Ecuador bordering Colombia, a region known for rising gang violence.
The attack also resulted in the death of an unidentified second person who was rushed to the hospital but did not survive.
Jonathan Gonzalez was not the only footballer targeted recently; his death marks the third athlete killing in Ecuador this September, following the murders of Maicol Valencia and Leandro Yepez earlier in the month.
These violent acts reflect a growing trend of gang-related violence in the country, where homicide rates drastically increased over recent years due to tensions linked to nearby cocaine-producing countries Colombia and Peru.
During his career, Gonzalez played for notable clubs such as Independiente del Valle in Ecuador, Club Olimpia in Paraguay, and León in Mexico. He was part of Ecuador’s national squad in tournaments like the 2015 Copa America.
The Ecuador Football Federation and various journalists mourned his death, highlighting his humble nature and professional contributions. The motive for the shooting remains unclear, with no suspects apprehended as of yet.
This incident underscores the peril that continues to affect footballers and society at large in Ecuador amid escalating regional violence.
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