THE NATION
On Thursday, the father of Liverpool striker Luis Diaz was freed by abductors. He was kidnapped on October 28 in his home country Colombia, leading to concerns in the football world.
Here are other footballers who relatives have been abducted:
This article compiles a list of footballers whose relatives have been kidnapped and publicly known.
1. Luis Diaz
Father of Luis Manuel Diaz has also now been released after 11 days in captivity as he was handed over to United Nations and Catholic church officials by members of the National Liberation Army (ELN).
2. Mikel Obi
Mikel Obi’s father was not kidnapped once but twice which led to a public concern in Nigeria and across the World. Pa Michael Obi was was kidnapped first in 2011, and and just before Mikel led out Nigeria for their third game against Argentina at the Russia 2018 World Cup.
3. Carlos Tevez
Former Argentine superstar Carlos Tevez had to deal with the abduction of his father in 2014. He was freed after eight hours. Reports has it that Tevez’s father was returned unharmed after he reportedly made a $400,000 payment to the abductors in exchange for his life, although that claim is yet to be confirmed or denied.
The incident happened while Tevez was a Juventus player but his father lived in Argentina where he was kidnapped.
4. Jorge Campos
Former Mexican national team goalkeeper Jorge Campos’ father was kidnapped in 1999 by mystery men carrying AK-47 rifles.
Alvaro Campos Gonzalez was eventually released after six days. ”Our father is here with us, safe and sound,” his son, Jorge Campos said confirming the safe return of his kidnapped father.
Jorge Campos retired as one of the best goalkeepers who knew how to score as he retired with an impressive tally of 34 career goals.
5. Joseph Yobo
Another former Super Eagles captain Joseph Yobe found himself in this unfortunate list as his elder brother was kidnapped and held in captivity for 12 days in 2008 after which he was returned.
Reports has it that Norum Yobo was snatched at gunpoint with three other men on July 5, 2008, as they made their way home from a nightclub in Port Harcourt in Rivers State, Nigeria.
Joseph Yobo is regarded as one of the greatest Nigerian players of all time and the defender also played for Standard Liege, Marseille, Everton, Fenerbahce and Norwich in his distinguished career which also saw him captain the Super Eagles.
6. Juan Roman Riquelme
Former Barcelona player, Juan Roman Riquelme revealed the kidnap of his brothers as part of his motivation to leave Argentine football club Boca Juniors.
Shortly before his departure, his brother, Cristian, was kidnapped and Riquelme negotiated for his brother’s release and eventually paid the ransom.
The mercurial midfielder would remain in Spain for five years playing for Barcelona and Villarreal before returning to Boca Juniors in 2007.
7. Samuel Kalu
Another Super Eagles player Samuel Kalu is the only active player on this list and the victim was his mother, Ozuruonye Juliet Kalu who was abducted on February 27, 2019.
At the time, the 22-year-old had only recently left Belgian side Gent to join Bordeaux in France when his mother was kidnapped while driving home in the south-eastern city of Abia.
She was released after six days as the Nigerian winger reportedly paid the demanded ransom which has not been made public.
The 26-year-old plays for Swiss club Lausanne Sport where he is on loan from English club, Watford.
