Venezuelan under-20 international Yimvert Berroteran, 18, dies in earthquake

The Venezuelan Football Federation (FVF) has confirmed the death of 18-year-old under-20 international Yimvert Berroteran after two earthquakes struck Venezuela.

Berroteran, who represented his country at the Under-17 World Cup last year, was mourned in an official statement from the FVF that described his loss as leaving “an indelible mark on all who shared time with him on and off the field.”

“The Venezuelan Football Federation deeply regrets the passing of Yimvert Berroterán,” the federation said in a statement. “Today, Venezuelan football bids farewell with immense sorrow to a young man who proudly, committedly, and lovingly represented the colors of our country. His departure grieves the entire Vinotinto family.”

The federation extended condolences to Berroteran’s family, friends, teammates, and coaching staff, closing with the tribute: “Yimvert, your light will continue to shine in every Vinotinto heartbeat.”

A former Premier League striker who played for Everton, Newcastle United, and West Bromwich Albion also paid tribute, responding to the FVF’s Instagram post with a message of disbelief and three broken heart emojis.

The FVF captioned their post: “Your light will continue to be present in every heartbeat, Vinotinto.”