It is rare that a footballer touches the heart of a nation like Freddy Rincon did in Colombia.
This is the reason why the 55-year-old's death caused a flood of emotions in his home country.
The Colombian Football Federation said, "It is a great loss to his family and friends, as well as a regrettable loss to our sport, where we will miss him and remember him with great attention, admiration, respect and admiration." will do." in a statement.
"We send strength, support and condolences to his family, hoping 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.
He played and eventually captained his country in 84 games, helping in three World Cups in 1990, 1994 and 1998.
Many will remember him for his goal against West Germany in the 1990 World Cup at Milan's San Siro Stadium – one of the most memorable goals in his country's history.
After a flowing passing move, the ball was left on Rincon to hit between the keeper's legs, with only seconds left to play.
With this, Rincón achieved a 1–1 draw against the eventual World Cup winners and progressed to the Round of 16 after Colombia's 28-year absence from the tournament.
The joy on his face during the wild celebrations was matched by the millions of Colombians who would have been inspired by that team.
Rincón also enjoyed a successful club career, while becoming a staple for his national team.
Born in Buenaventura, western Colombia in 1966, Rincón went on to play for Santa Fe and America de Cali, with whom he won three trophies.
He then moved to Brazil, notably Palmeiras, in 1994 before having spells with some of Europe's top teams.
He played with Napoli in Italy and then later became the first Colombian to play for Real Madrid.
In truth, Rincón did not have a happy time in Spain and returned to Brazil in 1996, initially on loan at Palmeiras and then permanently with Corinthians in 1997.
He played the remainder of his career in Brazil, winning the first FIFA Club World Championship with Corinthians in 2000, before retiring as a player in 2004.
Retirement turned him into coaching and he had spells with several lower league clubs in Brazil.
A series of clubs from his former place paid tribute to the man who brought so much joy to so many during his playing career.
Palmeiras called him an "idol", while Real Madrid said the club was "deeply saddened" by the news.
In later life, Rincón became an assistant to former Brazilian coach Vanderli Luxembourgo at Atlético Mineiro in 2010 and Jorge Luis Pinto at Millonarios de Colombia in 2019.
After his death, many will remember Rincón as the player who captured Colombia's imagination during a special period in the country's sporting history.