The world woke up to extremely sad news after Mexican soccer player Alan Pulido was kidnapped in his home state of Tamaulipas. Authorities in the north-eastern state confirmed Pulido was taken by armed men after attending a party with his girlfriend in his hometown Ciudad Victoria on Saturday night.
The athlete reportedly drove off around 11.30 p.m. and was intercepted by a number of vans carrying armed men and took him.
After Alan Pulido’s brother, Armando Pulido and Tamaulipas state prosecutor Ismael Quintanilla confirmed the tragic news, celebrities, fans and fellow soccer players reacted on social media, inviting everyone to pray, the Mexican government to act, and all those involved to remain hopeful.
The hashtag #FuerzaPulido (“strength Pulido”) is flooding Twitter in an effort to show support to the player’s loved ones.
Multiple reports that Mexican football player Alan Pulido has been kidnapped in Ciudad Victoria. Awful news.
— Tom Marshall (@mexicoworldcup) May 29, 2016
Our thoughts are with the family of @puliidooo during this difficult time. #FuerzaPulido #FutbolYPaz
— ClubSantosLaguna (@ClubSantosEn) May 29, 2016
#FuerzaPulido hope to have you back as soon as possible ... Keep the faith pic.twitter.com/Pzv3bme1gn
— Christos S Agoritsas (@aagoritsas) May 29, 2016
"Such a shame @puliidooo a reflection of the Mexico we live in."
Una lastima @puliidooo el reflejo del México en que vivimos
— John Sutcliffe (@espnsutcliffe) May 29, 2016
“All my thoughts and prayers are with you, my brother @puliidooo and with all your family and loved ones. Devastating news #FuerzaPulido”
Todas mis oraciones y apoyo para ti hermano @puliidooo y a toda tu familia y seres queridos. Lamentable noticia #FuerzaPulido
— Andrés Guardado (@AGuardado18) May 29, 2016
“My prayers are with you @puliidoo”
Mis oraciones contigo __ @puliidooo
— Giovani Dos Santos (@OficialGio) May 29, 2016
“The Mexican soccer final game shadowed by Alan Pulido’s disappearance. Terrible and shocking scene.”
La Final del futbol mexicano ensombrecida por la desaparición de Alan Pulido @puliidooo
— David Faitelson (@Faitelson_ESPN) May 29, 2016
Terrible e impactante escena.
1/2 At this difficult time, our thoughts and prayers are with Alan. pic.twitter.com/3GdCIfz1Ot
— Olympiacos FC (@olympiacos_org) May 29, 2016
2/2 We sincerely hope that this ordeal will soon end and that he will return home safely. #olympiacos #pulido #FuerzaAlan
— Olympiacos FC (@olympiacos_org) May 29, 2016
Crazy to hear the news about Alan Pulido. I hope he is returned safe & alive . This world is a cruel , greedy place .
— ETC!ETC! (@IAMETC) May 29, 2016
“The kidnapping of Alan Pulido is such sad news. My prayers are with him so he returns to his family soon. Sending a solidarity hug to his family.”
Triste noticia el secuestro de Alan Pulido. Mis oraciones para que vuelva pronto con su familia. Un abrazo solidario para sus seres queridos
— Gonzalo Pineda (@GonzoPineda8) May 29, 2016
— Chicharito Hernandez (@CH14_) May 29, 2016
“My prayers are with you @puliidoo”
Mis oraciones contigo __ @puliidooo
— Giovani Dos Santos (@OficialGio) May 29, 2016
The U.S. bordering state of Tamaulipas has been plagued with organized crime for over five years now, due to an ongoing dispute between the Gulf Cartel and its former armed wing Los Zetas who have been fighting over the state since 2010. However, territories have been vaguely assigned as pertaining to each group, and authorities have indicated that the road Pulido was taken from is within in an area that “belongs” to Los Zetas.
Authorities have asked the media for their discretion so that nothing intercepts the ongoing investigation, as Mexican Federal and state forces have mounted a big manhunt to find Pulido.
© 2025 Latin Times. All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
