World Cup hero attacked by bystanders and arrested in shocking footage

Callum Vurley
Wed, 08 Apr 2026 17:35:08 +0000

Christian Lara, the former Ecuador midfielder who represented his nation at the 2006 World Cup, was detained and set upon by furious members of the public following an alleged armed robbery attempt in the Ecuadorian capital earlier today.

Television footage broadcast nationally captured the 45-year-old being struck repeatedly by onlookers whilst in handcuffs outside an electronics store in Quito.

Armed officers were compelled to intervene and protect the ex-international, known by his nickname "Diablito" or "Little Devil", before escorting him into a police vehicle.

The incident unfolded in the La Magdalena district after a reported hold-up at the premises.

Police chief Pablo Lastra confirmed that authorities had apprehended four individuals in connection with the attempted heist at a technology retailer called Tecnomega.

"Officers responded to an emergency call and thanks to the quick response, managed to foil the crime at the store called Tecnomega," Lastra stated.

According to the police chief, approximately six armed suspects entered the premises with the apparent intention of carrying out the robbery.

A gunfight erupted between officers and the alleged criminals during the failed raid.

Law enforcement subsequently recovered three weapons, among them a home-made mini-rifle, along with ammunition and various electronic goods from the scene.

Lara was discovered seated behind the wheel of what police described as a getaway vehicle positioned outside the targeted shop.

Officers apprehended him in the driver's seat before marching him in restraints to a waiting patrol car, as captured in the arrest footage.

The police chief confirmed the former footballer was among those held, adding that public prosecutors would now determine whether formal charges would be brought.

Three other suspects were identified locally as Luis Alberto Mera Martinez, Wilter Ramón Cedeno Marciklo and Medina Lombeida Jose Eduardo.

Notably, Lara is the sole detainee without any previous criminal convictions, according to police records.

The retired midfielder earned 28 caps for Ecuador between his international debut in 2001 and his final appearance against Chile in 2009.

🚨 Imágenes sensibles
Christian “Diablito” Lara, exseleccionado de Ecuador, fue detenido en Villaflora durante un operativo policial por un presunto robo. En el lugar, ciudadanos intentaron agredirlo antes de su traslado en patrullero. Imágenes sensibles.

📹 disposición autor pic.twitter.com/c7sEL6Y4Tr
— Paúl López Encalada 🖋️ (@PaulLopezEc) April 7, 2026

He featured in his country's squad for the 2006 World Cup in Germany, their second ever appearance at the tournament finals.

During qualifying, Lara netted a goal and provided an assist in a memorable 2-0 victory over Argentina.

Standing at just 162cm, he held the distinction of being the shortest player at the 2006 tournament.

His club career was spent predominantly with Quito-based Club Deportivo El Nacional, though he also turned out for sides in Qatar, Colombia and Mexico.