The football world mourns the untimely passing of Jorge Bolaño, a former Serie A player who died from a sudden cardiac arrest in Colombia at the age of 47. Bolaño, who had a successful career in Italian football, collapsed during a family celebration on Sunday.

Born on April 28, 1977, in Santa Marta, Colombia, Bolaño made his mark in Italian football, particularly with Parma, where he clinched both the Supercoppa Italiana and the Coppa Italia. His Serie A journey also included stints with Modena, Lecce, and Sampdoria between 1999 and 2009, amassing 102 appearances in Italy’s top flight and 53 in Serie B.

Parma Calcio expressed their condolences on social media, stating: “The entire Parma Calcio family extends its deepest sympathies to Jorge Bolaño’s loved ones. His passing at 47 leaves an irreplaceable void. Farewell, Jorge. Forever Gialloblu.”

Before his Italian adventure, Bolaño enjoyed success in his homeland with Junior de Barranquilla, securing the Colombian league title in 1993 and 1995. He shared the pitch with Colombian football legends Carlos Valderrama and Iván René Valenciano during this period.

Bolaño’s talents also earned him 36 caps for the Colombian national team, including participation in the 1998 World Cup, where he found the back of the net once. His contributions to both club and country have left an indelible mark on the game, making his sudden departure all the more poignant for fans and former teammates alike.