The Albanian football community and the wider public were deeply shaken by the tragic news that struck one of K.F. Tirana’s foreign players. Freddy Álvarez, the bardheblu midfielder, is living through the most painful chapter of his life after losing his nine-year-old daughter, Irina Álvarez Esquivel, who passed away following a tragic accident in Tirana.
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| Freddy Álvarez with his wife and children |
A Journey Marked by Pain and Silence
Last Thursday, Freddy Álvarez arrived in his home country together with his wife, María Fernanda Esquivel, and their five-year-old son. They traveled on the same flight that carried the small coffin of Irina, whose sudden death had shocked Albania just a week earlier. According to information reported by La Nación, the family was met at the airport by José Luis Rodríguez from “Fútbol Consultants,” the official representative of the footballer.
Given the emotional state of the parents, it was Rodríguez who took on the heavy responsibility of handling the complicated repatriation process from Europe. With the crucial support of K.F. Tirana and Albanian institutions, legal and logistical procedures were accelerated at a time when the family had neither the strength nor the emotional capacity to face bureaucracy.
For Albanian football fans, the solidarity shown by K.F. Tirana during these dark days was widely appreciated. The club stood by its player not as an asset on the pitch, but as a human being in need of compassion and support.
A Heartbreaking Reunion at the Airport
Family members of Freddy Álvarez arrived from Guanacaste, while relatives of his wife traveled from San Ramón. The airport became the scene of a reunion filled with tears, silence, and shared grief. It was a moment that no family ever wishes to experience — the return home under such tragic circumstances.
Even after arriving in Costa Rica, one final hurdle remained. Due to the time elapsed since Irina’s passing, authorities from the Ministry of Health were required to examine the body to determine whether a funeral ceremony could be held or if immediate burial would be necessary. This procedure added another layer of anguish to an already unbearable situation.
Fortunately, following protocol inspections, authorities confirmed that the body had arrived in good condition. This allowed the family to honor their daughter’s memory with a proper farewell, surrounded by loved ones, friends, and members of the community.
Freddy Álvarez Breaks His Silence
In a brief but deeply moving message posted on Facebook, Freddy Álvarez announced the details of his daughter’s farewell:
“Our angel Irina will be escorted this Friday. All those who wish to accompany us may do so in Playa Brasilito. I thank everyone who sent messages of support during this difficult moment. Thank you.”
The message quickly spread across social media, drawing thousands of reactions from Albanian fans, Costa Rican supporters, fellow footballers, and clubs. Words of condolence poured in, transcending borders and languages.
After midnight, the funeral home transferred Irina’s body from the airport, and the Álvarez family departed toward Brasilito, in Santa Cruz. The funeral ceremony is scheduled to take place on Saturday, in a location that holds deep emotional meaning for the family.
A Tragedy That United Albania and Costa Rica
Freddy Álvarez had only recently begun his new chapter with K.F. Tirana after leaving Municipal Liberia. His arrival in Albania was marked by optimism, ambition, and professional goals. However, fate dealt a cruel blow far from the football field.
Although no detailed official report has been released, local media in Albania reported that the young girl suffered a domestic accident, allegedly falling from a bunk bed. The news spread rapidly, leaving both Albanian and Costa Rican communities stunned.
Today, Freddy Álvarez is no longer defined by matches, assists, or league standings. Instead, he faces the hardest match of his life — one that no one can prepare for. Yet, he does so on his own soil, among his people, under the sun of a province he loves dearly. Playa Brasilito, a place where Irina was always smiling and happy, will now be the setting of her final goodbye.
Beyond Football: A Story of Humanity
This tragedy has reminded Albanian fans that footballers are not just athletes but parents, spouses, and human beings vulnerable to life’s harshest realities. The support shown across Albania reflects the deep empathy of a nation that understands loss and stands united in moments of sorrow.
As the bardheblu family mourns, the thoughts and prayers of two countries accompany them. Freddy Álvarez’s strength, faith, and dignity in the face of tragedy have touched many hearts, proving that even in the darkest moments, humanity and solidarity can shine through.