Víctor Hugo Ávalos

Víctor Hugo Ávalos Acosta (6 November 1971 – 2 April 2009 ) was a Paraguayan footballer most remembered for his spells at Quilmes, Independiente Medellín and in Chilean football. Mainly a central midfielder who could also operate as an attacking playmaker, he died in 2009 from a heart attack during an amateur football game.

The team won the Primera División title in 1995.

Tembetary In 1996, Ávalos joined Atlético Tembetary, featuring for the side with goalkeeper Dario Espinola and Uruguayan Darwin Quintana. Whilst at Tembetary, Ávalos became a national team player.

Guaraní In 1997 Ávalos joined Club Guaraní, eventually being club captain. Ávalos made 3 appearances for Guaraní in the 1998 Copa Libertadores. Avalos amassed a total of 15 appearances for Silvio Pettirossi during the 2008 season.

International career Ávalos was capped once by the Paraguayan national side, on 14 February 1996 against Bolivia. He replaced Club Atlético Independiente's Roberto Acuña in the 52nd minute of a 1–4 away friendly loss prior to the 1998 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

Additionally, Ávalos played four times for the U-20s in 1991, competing in the South American Youth Championship in Venezuela.

Death On 2 April 2009, during his debut at Paraguayan amateur club Villa Florida, Ávalos scored a goal against Salesianito in San Vicente (Asunción). During the subsequent celebrations, he suffered a heart attack, being afflicted by several cardiac arrests, dying at the age of 37.

Weeks later, Ávalos' former club Deportes Temuco made him a tribute match, which featured players as strikers Lucas Barrios and César Díaz, as well as Sergio Bernabé Vargas, historic goalkeeper of the Chilean football team.

Career statistics

Club

International

Honours Olimpia Primera División: 1995