Fernando Cáceres (foto: //)
Fernando Cáceres, former Argentine footballer, is under investigation after his partner fell to her death from their balcony. Her family accuses him of femicide.
The tragic death of Raquel Candia, partner of former Argentine footballer Fernando Cáceres, has shaken Argentina. According to local media, Candia died after falling from the seventh-floor balcony of the building where the couple lived. Cáceres, now 54, is under investigation as he was the only person in the apartment at the time of the incident.
The circumstances surrounding her death remain unclear. Police are exploring all possibilities, including accident, suicide, or homicide. Telefe Noticias reported that Candia fell into the building’s courtyard, and Cáceres was later found sitting on the bed, rather than in his wheelchair, raising further suspicions.
Adding to the complexity of the case, Candia’s brother, Manuel, has publicly accused Cáceres of murder.
"There are witnesses and neighbors who said there was violence before the tragedy and that Fernando approached the balcony and pushed her. This is femicide. Cáceres always abused her; he’s a bad person," Manuel said. He added, "My sister didn’t kill herself. She was murdered."
Fernando Cáceres was a highly regarded defender during his playing days. His career began at Argentinos Juniors, and he later played for major clubs like Zaragoza, Valencia, and Celta Vigo in Spain. He was a key figure in Zaragoza’s 1994 Copa del Rey victory and earned 24 caps for the Argentine national team, playing alongside legends like Diego Maradona.
Croatian fans might remember Cáceres from a 1994 friendly against Croatia at Maksimir Stadium, which ended in a goalless draw. He was also part of Argentina’s squad for the 1994 World Cup in the United States.
However, his post-football life has been marked by tragedy and controversy. In 2009, Cáceres was shot in the head during an attempted robbery in Buenos Aires, leaving him paralyzed and confined to a wheelchair. Since then, he has largely retreated from public life, only occasionally appearing in the media.
The investigation is also focusing on past allegations of domestic violence in Cáceres and Candia’s relationship. Reports suggest this was not the first time Cáceres was accused of abusive behavior.
Police are continuing to investigate, and Argentine media have speculated that more details could emerge that shed light on this shocking case.