In a chilling incident that has sent shockwaves through Ecuador, soccer player Jackson Rodríguez’s wife and 5-year-old child were kidnapped from their home in Guayaquil early Wednesday morning. The harrowing event unfolded around 3 a.m. on April 23, 2025, when armed intruders broke into the family’s residence, reportedly searching for the Emelec defender.
According to police chief Édison Rodríguez, the 26-year-old player took refuge under a bed as the intruders forced their way into the house. In his testimony, Rodríguez recounted hearing the masked men questioning his wife about his whereabouts. After confirming he was not home, the assailants proceeded to ransack the property, stealing valuables such as appliances, jewelry, and cash, before abducting his wife and child.
Rodríguez managed to glimpse the kidnappers fleeing in a gray-colored double-cab pickup truck, a detail he shared with investigators. The incident has drawn significant attention as it occurred just ten days after the Ecuadorian government declared a state of emergency in nine areas, including Guayas province, where Guayaquil is located. This emergency measure was enacted to combat escalating violence attributed to organized crime.
Violence in Ecuador has seen a dramatic rise in recent years, with the country experiencing a staggering increase in homicide rates. Data from the government indicates that between January and March 2025, there were 2,345 violent deaths reported, with 742 occurring in Guayaquil alone. This port city, known as a major hub for drug trafficking, has been particularly affected by gang violence. In February, a violent clash between rival gangs resulted in 14 deaths, while a subsequent gang attack in March left 22 people dead.
The kidnapping of Jackson Rodríguez’s family is not an isolated incident. The soccer community in Ecuador has faced similar threats, with players increasingly becoming targets. In December 2024, fellow soccer player Pedro Perlaza was kidnapped in Esmeraldas but was rescued a few days later. The trend of violence against athletes has raised alarms among fans and officials alike.
Rodríguez, who has played nine matches for Emelec this season, is now under police protection as authorities work to locate his family. The club has remained silent about the ongoing situation, respecting the privacy and safety of the player and his loved ones.
As the investigation unfolds, the Ecuadorian public is left grappling with the harsh realities of crime and insecurity. President Daniel Noboa’s declaration of a state of emergency reflects the urgent need for action against the rampant violence that has plagued the nation. The government’s response includes mobilizing security forces to restore order in the affected areas.
In light of these events, the soccer community is rallying around Rodríguez, expressing solidarity and concern for his family’s safety. The Emelec team is expected to play on April 28, 2025, and fans are hopeful for a swift resolution to this tragic situation.
The kidnapping of Jackson Rodríguez’s wife and child highlights a broader issue of safety in Ecuador, where organized crime has increasingly threatened the lives of its citizens. As authorities work diligently to address these challenges, the story serves as a stark reminder of the dangers that lurk in the shadows of society.
