Death of Colombian Football Player Miguel Calero Shakes Mexico · Global Voices
J. Tadeo

Update (December 4, 2012): Through a press release on Facebook [es], the Pachuca Football Club (Mexico) reported that Miguel Calero died on Tuesday, December 4.
It has been a difficult time for the Colombian former football player Miguel Ángel Calero and his family. Calero was being treated by medical specialists since November 25, 2012 after suffering from a stroke.
41-year-old Miguel Calero (goalkeeper) spent most of his career playing for the Pachuca Football Club (Mexico), where he was able to establish himself as a permanent fixture framework and with whom he won several titles, both national and international, including the CONCACAF Championship Cup three times.
On December 3, 2012, the Pachuca Football Club announced through a press release [es] on Facebook that the Colombian goalkeeper had suffered brain death.
Pachuca, Hgo., 3 de Diciembre de 2012.
COMUNICADO DE PRENSA
Por medio del presente y después de haberle realizado los estudios y análisis correspondientes hace unos momentos, informamos que el Director Técnico de Arqueros, del Grupo Pachuca, Miguel Ángel Calero Rodríguez, presenta muerte cerebral.
Miguel Calero a partir de este momento continuará en Terapia Intensiva bajo medidas de soporte vital.
Atentamente
Dirección de Comunicación
GRUPO PACHUCA
Pachucha, Hgo., December 3, 2012.
PRESS RELEASE
Hereby and after studies and analyses were carried out moments ago, we report that the Technical Director of Goalies, of Grupo Pachuca, Miguel Ángel Calero Rodríguez, has been declared brain dead.
From this moment on, Miguel Calero will remain in the Intensive Care Unit under life support.
Yours Sincerely,
Communications Director
GRUPO PACHUCA
Former football player Luis García (@GarciaPosti) [es] commented about the news released by the club:
Miguel Calero. Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.0)
@GarciaPosti: Terrible noticia lo de Miguel Calero. Deportista de elite, ejemplar ser humano. Bendiciones a su familia y seres cercanos.
@GarciaPosti: Terrible news concerning Miguel Calero. Elite athlete, exemplary human being. Blessings to his family and loved ones.
Enrique Garay (@quiquegaray) [es], sports journalist, said the following about Calero:
@quiquegaray: He tenido privilegio de tratar a Calero un par de veces…Tremenda personalidad, fanático NFL, tipo claro y directo… Lleno de amigos…
@quiquegaray: I have had the privilege of meeting Calero a few times…Tremendous personality, NFL fanatic, a clear and direct guy…with many friends…
Various displays of solidarity have been expressed on Twitter, primarily using the hashtag #FuerzaCalero [es] (Be Strong Calero!). Mexican goalie Guillermo Ochoa (@yosoy8a) [es] expressed his support to Calero's family:
@yosoy8a: Mucha fuerza a la familia y seres queridos de Miguel Calero, mis oraciones y pensamientos están con uds. #FuerzaCalero#FuerzaCóndor
@yosoy8a: Much strength to Miguel Calero's family and loved ones, my prayers and thoughts are with you. #FuerzaCalero #FuerzaCóndor
Even those who did not like “Cóndor”, the nickname for Calero's style of playing, have joined in positive commentaries, such as Eliel Hernández (@Eliel_HDZ) [es] who said:
@Eliel_HDZ: nunca me gusto su estilo pero #FuerzaCalero campeon de la sudamerica y multiple campeon en Mexico necesitamos mas profesionales como el [sic]
@Eliel_HDZ: I never liked his style but #FuerzaCalero champion of South America and multiple champion of Mexico, we need more professionals like him
A follower of the Club Deportivo Guadalajara (Sports Club Guadalajara) expressed a similar sentiment. Under the username @chivito_mat [es] he tweeted the following:
@chivito_mat: #FuerzaCalero Los Colores y rivalidades aquí salen sobrando. Un minuto de aplausos para un Guerrero de las canchas: Miguel Calero.
@chivito_mat: #FuerzaCalero The Colors and rivalries are unnecessary here. A minute to applaud a Warrior of the field: Miguel Calero.
A few hours after hearing the news about the brain death of Calero, blogger Sopitas [es] commented:
El 22 de octubre de 2011, en un juego contra Pumas y a los 40 años, Miguel Ángel Calero anunció que retiraría de las canchas, pero siguió ligado a la institución hidalguense, siendo entrenador de porteros.
Uno de los mejores arqueros y extranjeros que han llegado al fútbol mexicano en los últimos 20 años.
¡Fuerza Calero!
On October 22, 2011, during a game against Pumas and at 40 years old, Miguel Ángel Calero announced that he would retire from the field, but he continued to be linked to the Hidalgo institution as a coach for goalkeepers.
One of the best goalies and foreigners who have come to Mexican football in the last 20 years.
Be strong Calero!
We will be waiting to see how this difficult and sad situation pans out for Calero's family and thousands of followers of the iconic goalkeeper throughout Latin America.