Last night, the Colombia national football team played a friendly match against Australia national football team without the services of veteran right-back Daniel Muñoz, who had unexpectedly withdrawn from the squad’s concentration ahead of the match. The official line from the Federación Colombiana de Fútbol (FCF) said he left for “family reasons,” Diario AS reported.
The real reason why Colombia’s Daniel Muñoz did not play against Australia: the death of a loved one
However, media outlets in Colombia later revealed a deeper and more personal reason behind his departure. According to Semana, Muñoz requested to be excused from the team camp after the sudden death of one of his closest childhood friends, identified as Sebastian Rios.
Futbolred says say that Muñoz was seen participating in the funeral ceremony in the municipality of Bello (Antioquia), visibly emotional and carrying the casket of his friend Rios.
The tragic death reportedly resulted from pancreatitis, according to local sources.
Lorenzo had to adapt the team to playing without Muñoz
As a result of his withdrawal, Colombia’s coach Nestor Lorenzo and the staff had to reshuffle their defensive lineup shortly before the friendly.
While Muñoz was not starting the prior match against New Zealand national football team — a 2-1 win for Colombia — his absence last night still left a gap in the right-back position that was filled by Santiago Arias, with an excellent performance.
FCF quickly approved Muñoz’s request to depart the camp and reassured that his well-being and personal circumstances were respected.
Although the official announcement remained circumspect, the human side of this decision resonates: A national-team player prioritizing a long-standing personal bond and mourning a developing tragedy.
For Colombia, the timing is delicate. This friendly marked the final match of 2025 and forms part of the preparation towards the FIFA World Cup 2026 cycle. Losing a trusted defensive option — even temporarily — added an extra layer of challenge for the squad’s continuity and cohesion.
While the public statement cited “family reasons”, the real catalyst for Daniel Muñoz’s withdrawal was the death of his close friend Sebastian Rios, a loss that the player honoured by leaving camp and returning to his hometown. The nation’s football community — including fans and teammates — now offers him both space and support as he navigates this difficult moment.