Álvaro Angulo: From Atlético Nacional Star to Facing Death Threats at Pumas UNAM
Table of Contents
Colombian footballer Álvaro Angulo, a celebrated figure for Atlético Nacional and formerly with Independiente de Avellanada, is now facing disturbing threats while playing for Pumas UNAM in Mexico. The revelation, made by Pumas’ head coach Efraín Juárez, highlights a serious issue of player safety and raises questions about the source of the animosity towards the 28-year-old.
Death threats Following Leagues Cup Elimination
The threats surfaced after Pumas UNAM’s 3-1 defeat to Inter Miami in the Leagues Cup, a result that eliminated the mexican side from the tournament. Efraín Juárez publicly disclosed that Angulo had been receiving death threats via email and phone.
“He received death threats, his mail and his phone (…) I want to say it publicly as it is indeed something that is not normal.We are in an internal investigation of the club,” Juárez stated to the press. He emphasized the difficulty of processing such threats, acknowledging Angulo’s continued professionalism despite the ordeal.
Juárez indicated the investigation currently points towards the threats originating from Argentina, specifically related to Angulo’s time with Independiente de Avellanada. “I don’t know where [the messages] come from, but everything usually indicates that it comes from there,” he added.
A decorated Career Cut Short by Conflict at Independiente
Álvaro Angulo began his professional career with Deportivo Pasto in 2024, but quickly rose to prominence with Atlético Nacional, where he secured five league titles. His move to Independiente de Avellanada was intended to be a new chapter, but quickly soured.
Angulo himself recently discussed the issues that led to his departure from the Argentine club in an interview with ESPN. He revealed discrepancies in the agreed-upon terms of his transfer, specifically regarding a premium payment for the sale of his playing rights.”if they had wanted to stay with me, from the beginning they had been clear,” Angulo explained. “When I arrived in Independiente I do it free from Nacional and in the firm they had to pay me a premium because I sold 85% of my pass, not 50% as it was said in the Argentine press.”
further complicating matters, Angulo stated that Independiente failed to meet its financial obligations, missing payments for March and June. “When I enter the discussion with Independiente, I told them that please were up to me because I saw that they were buying several players. They had not paid me the quotas of March and June … I told them that they are few serious and that the best thing I could do was leave autonomous,” he said.
Pumas UNAM Offers a Fresh Start, Now Marred by Threats
Despite the difficulties in Argentina, Angulo found a new opportunity with Pumas UNAM under the guidance of Efraín Juárez, who previously managed him at Atlético Nacional.Juárez successfully brought Angulo to the Mexican club,recognizing his talent and potential.
Recent reports highlighted Angulo’s impact on the team, noting his goal-scoring ability and overall contribution. However, this positive momentum has been overshadowed by the current threat situation.
The club is currently conducting an internal investigation to determine the source and severity of the threats, and to ensure Angulo’s safety and well-being. the incident underscores the growing concern for player safety in professional football and the need for robust security measures to protect athletes from harassment and violence.
