Young Uruguayan striker Mario Bruno Bentancur dies aged 22 days after Argentina trial ends

Uruguayan football is in mourning after the death of young forward Mario Bruno Bentancur, a former Penarol prospect, at the age of 22.

Bentancur’s body was found after he suffered cardiorespiratory arrest, just days after he returned home from a trial spell in Argentina that had been overshadowed by a dispute over an alleged theft.

French outlet RMC reported that the striker had recently travelled to Buenos Aires in an attempt to earn a professional contract with Deportivo Riestra, a top-flight club in the Argentine Primera Division.

However, the club ultimately decided not to offer him a deal following his trial period.

Dispute during Argentina trial

According to reports, Bentancur left Deportivo Riestra accusing several team-mates at the club of stealing his clothes during the stay.

He then returned to Uruguay without reaching any agreement with the Buenos Aires side and without securing the professional contract he had been aiming for.

No further details were given in the reports regarding the circumstances surrounding the theft accusations or any subsequent internal action at Deportivo Riestra.

Former Penarol talent

Bentancur came through the youth ranks at Penarol, one of Uruguay’s most successful and historic clubs, and was regarded at one stage as one of the most promising young forwards in their academy structure.

After leaving Penarol’s age-group system, he continued his playing career with Deportivo Italiano, an amateur-level club competing in one of Uruguay’s non-professional competitions.

Deportivo Italiano confirmed his death and paid tribute to their former player in an emotional message released across the club’s official channels.

“You will remain alive in every goal celebration, in every embrace, and in the hearts of everyone at this club… your club, Deportivo Italiano. Rest in peace,” the statement read.

The club did not provide additional medical details beyond confirming his death following cardiorespiratory arrest, and there has been no indication of any link between his passing and the events in Argentina.

Bentancur’s death has prompted a wave of sympathy within Uruguayan football circles, with his former teams and local supporters reflecting on a career that began with significant promise in Penarol’s youth system and ended abruptly at just 22.