Nicolás Fonseca, the Uruguayan midfielder for Club León, experienced a terrifying incident on the morning of February 27, 2025, when he was kidnapped on his way to training. The episode took place around 8 AM on the León-Lagos de Moreno highway, where armed assailants intercepted his vehicle.
According to reports, as Fonseca drove his BMW toward the Club León training facilities, he was forcibly stopped by the criminals. They abducted him, keeping him captive for nearly two hours before abandoning him in a deserted area far from the city.
The shocking news of the kidnapping alarmed Club León officials, prompting the team to halt their scheduled practice session as they mobilized to locate Fonseca after he failed to arrive for training. The club confirmed they were aware of the situation through unofficial channels, but there was no immediate official statement from either the club or Fonseca himself.
After his release, Fonseca returned to training at La Esmeralda, the club’s training ground, where he was reportedly uninjured but understandably shaken by the experience. Sources close to the player noted, "Thank God he is alive," echoing the relief felt by teammates and fans alike.
This harrowing incident is part of a troubling trend, as the state of Guanajuato, where León is located, has seen a significant increase in crime, including violent acts like robbery and kidnapping.
Nicolás Fonseca is 26 years old and has made considerable strides in his professional career, transitioning to Club León after impressive tenures at River Plate and Montevideo Wanderers. He joined León for the Clausura 2025 season, signing as part of their strategy to strengthen the midfield. Even in his brief time with the club, he quickly became integral, showcasing his talent as they currently lead the Liga MX.
Having started his footballing days at the youth levels of AC Milan, Fonseca's professional career began with Novara FC, where he debuted at age 19. His career path has taken him across various teams and leagues, culminating with his recent involvement with the Uruguayan national team.
Despite the risk posed by this alarming event, it appears Fonseca is determined to continue playing, and club officials expressed their hopes for his swift return to form. Following the disruption, practices resumed normally, allowing the team to focus on upcoming matches.
Fonseca's kidnapping has drawn attention from supporters and fellow players alike, underlining the importance of safety for athletes, particularly those competing in nations with rising crime rates. His experience serves as yet another reminder of the precarious realities faced by individuals, even within the confines of their day-to-day routines.
Moving forward, the club will likely take additional steps to safeguard their players as the circumstances surrounding the incident are investigated.