Football stadiums witnessed a double tragedy on Sunday involving Mexico and Egypt, as violence claimed the lives of dozens of players and fans in shocking events that shook the game’s audience worldwide.
In Mexico, at least 11 people were killed and 12 others injured following an armed attack targeting a football stadium in the city of Salamanca, Guanajuato state, in the center of the country, according to local authorities.
An official statement confirmed: “The deaths of 11 people have been confirmed, 10 at the scene of the incident and one while receiving treatment in the hospital. Another 12 were injured and are currently undergoing treatment.”
Authorities indicated that the motives for the attack and the identity of the perpetrators are not yet clear, and investigations have begun to uncover the circumstances. This attack came hours after 4 bags containing human remains were found in the city, reflecting the tense security situation in Guanajuato state, which is a major industrial and tourist center but also the most violent in Mexico due to ongoing criminal gang conflicts.
In a separate and painful incident, the Egyptian Football Association announced the death of young player Loay Ragab Sayed, a player for the Manshet El-Bakary youth center, at the age of 22, after sustaining a fatal injury during his team’s match against Sheikh Zayed Club in the Fourth Division league.
Loay, aged 22, suffered a stomach puncture from a violent intervention by the opposing team’s goalkeeper. He was transferred to the hospital and underwent emergency surgery but passed away there. An official statement expressed profound grief and sorrow, affirming that his spirit would remain immortal in the history of Egyptian football.
It is worth noting that Loay Ragab had been a recent topic in the sports community days earlier, after scoring the fastest goal in the Giza regional league during a previous match, finding the net after just 20 seconds, which made his death a great shock to his family, colleagues, and football fans in Egypt.
Mexico
Mexico is a country with a rich pre-Columbian history, including advanced civilizations like the Maya and Aztec, which was later colonized by Spain in the 16th century. It gained independence in 1821 and is now known for its vibrant cultural heritage, encompassing traditions, cuisine, and numerous UNESCO World Heritage sites.
Egypt
Egypt, home to one of the world’s oldest civilizations, is famed for its ancient monuments along the Nile River, including the Pyramids of Giza and the Great Sphinx, which were built as tombs for pharaohs over 4,500 years ago. Its long history encompasses the Pharaonic, Ptolemaic, Roman, and Islamic periods, with Cairo later becoming a major center of the Arab and Islamic world.
Salamanca
Salamanca is a historic city in western Spain, renowned for its prestigious University of Salamanca, founded in 1218 and one of the oldest in Europe. Its UNESCO-listed old city is famed for its stunning Plaza Mayor and distinctive sandstone architecture, which glows golden in the sunlight, earning it the nickname “La Ciudad Dorada” (The Golden City).
Guanajuato
Guanajuato is a historic city in central Mexico, founded in 1548 and renowned for its wealth from silver mining during the colonial era. Its well-preserved architecture, including the iconic Alhóndiga de Granaditas and a network of underground tunnels, led to its designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988. The city is also famously the birthplace of the Mexican War of Independence, which began with the “Grito de Dolores” in the nearby town of Dolores Hidalgo.
Manshet El-Bakary youth center
The Manshet El-Bakary youth center is a community facility located in Egypt, named in honor of Bakary, a significant local figure. It serves as a hub for sports, educational programs, and cultural activities for young people in the area.
Sheikh Zayed Club
The Sheikh Zayed Club is a prominent social and sports institution in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, named in honor of the nation’s founding father, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. Established to foster community, athleticism, and cultural activities, it reflects the modern development and social vision initiated during his leadership.
Giza
The Giza pyramid complex in Egypt is an ancient necropolis on the Giza Plateau, most famous for the Great Pyramid of Khufu, built around 2580–2560 BCE. It also includes the pyramids of Khafre and Menkaure, along with the Great Sphinx, and served as a monumental royal burial site during the Fourth Dynasty of the Old Kingdom.
