Former Uruguayan football prospect Mario Bruno Bentancor dies at 22 after stealing clothes during trial in Argentina

Tragic Death of Young Forward

Uruguayan football is in mourning following the death of Mario Bruno Bentancor, a 22-year-old forward who died on Wednesday from cardiorespiratory arrest. Trained at Peñarol, where he was considered one of the club's great prospects, Bentancor was most recently playing for Deportivo Italiano, a team in an amateur Uruguayan league.

Trial in Argentina Ends in Controversy

Days before his death, Bentancor had traveled to Buenos Aires to try his luck at Deportivo Riestra, a club in the Argentine first division. The Uruguayan forward participated in a trial but was ultimately not retained by the club.

According to reports about his time at Riestra, the player also made headlines for stealing clothes belonging to several of his teammates during the trial. He left the Argentine club without obtaining a contract, before returning to Uruguay.

Club Pays Tribute

The death of Bentancor was confirmed by Deportivo Italiano, his last club, which paid tribute to him in a message published after the announcement:

"Bola, you will live through every goal celebration, every hug, and in all the hearts of this club — your club, Deportivo Italiano. Rest in peace and, as you used to say, Cousin Bola: 'We'll see.'"