He carried out a valuable campaign with the Colombian Red Cross to support those facing similar situations.
News Colombia.
Pedro Enrique Sarmiento Solís, a prominent Colombian soccer player and coach, died at the age of 68 after a fight against polycythemia, a type of blood cancer characterized by an increase in the production of red blood cells. This condition caused him multiple health problems, leading him to visit several medical centers, including the Pablo Tobón Uribe hospital in Medellín, where he received treatment for his serious condition.
Also read:
Sarmiento left an indelible mark on Colombian professional football. He debuted as a player in 1976 with Atlético Nacional, where he quickly became an icon. During his time at the club, he managed to win two titles in 1976 and 1981. In 1985, he also defended the colors of América de Cali. Furthermore, his talent led him to be part of the Colombian National Team, participating in the Qualifiers for the World Cups in Spain 1982 and Mexico 1986.
After hanging up his boots, Sarmiento did not move away from football. In 1994, he assumed the position of interim technical director of América de Cali, after the departure of Hugo Gallego. His coaching career continued in 2004 with Deportivo Independiente Medellín and in 2005 with Deportivo Cali, and among other clubs where he left a significant mark on each team.
PEDRO SARMIENTO SOLÍS has just died, at 68 years of age. Champion as a NACIONAL player in 1976 and 1981, with América in 1985 and 1985 and as coach with DIM 2004 and Deportivo Cali in 2005.
Our hearts are very sad and hugging his family.
He knew how to fight like a Spartan… pic.twitter.com/ovzjnIQLkN— Wbeimar says it (@wbeimarlodice) October 30, 2024
The death of Pedro Sarmiento has left Colombian football shocked
The news of his death has caused deep pain in the football world. La Dimayor, through its Sarmiento.
La 𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐦𝐛𝐢𝐚𝐧𝐨 – 𝐃𝐈𝐌𝐀𝐘𝐎𝐑 headed by its president, Fernando Jaramillo and the 36 affiliated clubs, mourn the death of former player and coach Pedro Sarmiento.
A hug from… pic.twitter.com/W7BbEvkKsQ
— DIMAYOR (@Dimayor) October 30, 2024
Since late 2023, Sarmiento’s health began to deteriorate. In May of this year, his condition worsened, thus beginning a struggle that he faced surrounded by the love of his family. During this difficult process, he emphasized the importance of donating blood, a campaign he supported together with the Colombian Red Cross, highlighting the need to help those facing similar situations.
#LastImage “A great human being leaves us his legacy.” This is how the @Dimayor when announcing the death of Pedro Sarmiento, historic Colombian soccer player. ⚽🕊️ #PedroSarmiento #MourningInFootball #RIP #Colombia
Details 👉 https://t.co/x2pZQ10EJspic.twitter.com/knStPX2HRu— HSB News (@HSBnoticias) October 30, 2024
On social media, friends, colleagues and family have shared moving messages of condolence, remembering the influence that Sarmiento had on sport. His legacy will endure, and he will be remembered as one of the greats of Colombian soccer, after more than 40 years of dedication and passion for the sport that he loved deeply.
We deeply regret the sensitive death of Pedro Sarmiento, who became champion on two occasions wearing our shirt. We wish his family and friends a lot of strength in this difficult time. pic.twitter.com/FhOGikrCQe
— América de Cali (@AmericadeCali) October 30, 2024
