Panama’s historic scorer and former Toluca player died of cardiac arrest at the age of 41.
The former forward of the Panama national teamLuis Tejada, died this Sunday, January 28, after suffering a heart accident while playing in a recreational league in the Santa Librada neighborhood in Panama City.
Luis Tejada, with 43 goals, is the top scorer in the history of the Panama National Team, honors he shares with Blas Pérez, with whom he formed an attacking duo for almost two decades between sub-20, sub-23 and senior categories. The ‘Matador’, as the forward was also known, played 108 matches with his national team, including two matches in the 2018 World Cup in Russia, the Copa América Centenario in 2016 and four editions of the Gold Cup, where he played 19 matches and scored 10 goals, including three in the 2005 edition when Panama finished second and Luis Tejada was top scorer and Best Player of the Tournament.
Luis Tejada died at the age of 41 from cardiac arrest. EFE/Eduardo Cavero
The soccer player, born in the San Joaquín neighborhood on March 28, 1982, debuted in professional soccer in 2001 with Tauro FC in Panama and his last club was Potros del Este a few months ago. A 22-year career in which he played in the leagues of Panama, Colombia, the United Arab Emirates, the United States, Peru and Mexico.
His best moments at the club level came after his arrival at Juan Aurich in Peru where his goals led the Chiclayo team to the championship in 2011. His great time in Peru allowed him to sign for Deportivo Tolucawhere he played two tournaments and later went to the Veracruz Red Sharks.
Many will remember the famous bicycle kick goal that Luis Tejada scored against the Mexico national team on March 30, 2005 in a 1-1 draw played at the Rommel Fernández Stadium in Panama City.