Colombia midfielder Gustavo Puerta revealed how a bullet he received at age 10 nearly ended his football career. Now, with the national team leading the 2026 World Cup with 7 points (2W-1D-0L), the player shared his story in an interview with Un Break.
What happened to Gustavo Puerta?
The midfielder recounted that the incident occurred while he was riding his bike back after running an errand for his father. He saw that a young man was being chased and, in the midst of the situation, a bullet hit him. The bullet did not exit his body and remained there for four years, until it was removed in 2018.
How did this affect his career?
Puerta explained that the bullet lodged near the aorta, delaying its removal due to the risk of bleeding. Despite the pain, his biggest concern was returning to play football. Currently, with Colombia unbeaten in their last five matches (3W-2D-0L), his story is a testament to resilience.
What did Puerta say about the incident?
The player remembered seeing the hole in his shorts and feeling as if the flesh inside was burning. Yet, his first thought was whether he could continue playing. After the removal in 2018, Puerta has been one of Colombia's revelations in the 2026 World Cup.
What's next for Colombia?
With a 2-point lead over Portugal, Colombia aims to consolidate its lead in Group E. Their last result was a 0-0 draw against Switzerland on July 7. The team, with 4 goals scored and 1 conceded, remains unbeaten in the tournament.
