Alan Pulido, a Mexican soccer player for Olympiakos, has reportedly been kidnapped in his home country. (Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty)
A 25-year-old Mexican soccer player has been rescued, state officials say.
Alan Pulido, who plays professionally for Olympiacos in Greece, was kidnapped in the northern border state of Tamaulipas, the Associated Press reports.
Pulido was found safe and sound, the BBC reports.
He escaped from his captors by shooting one of them, Proceso reports.
Here’s what you need to know:
1. He Was Taken by a Group of Armed & Masked Men After a Party Near His Hometown
Alan Pulido. (Instagram)
Alan Pulido was kidnapped after leaving a party near his hometown of Ciudad Victoria, El Diario reports.
He was with his girlfriend when they were ambushed by a group of trucks carrying armed and masked men, his brother told Medio Tiempo.
2. His Girlfriend Was Released Unharmed by the Kidnappers
Alan Pulido and his girlfriend, Ileana Salas. (Instagram)
Pulido’s girlfriend, Ileana Salas, was released by the kidnappers in a car park without being harmed, The Sun reports.
Pulido and his girlfriend have been dating for about five months. She is a physiotherapist, according to her Instagram profile, which features several photos of the couple together.
3. Pulido Became a Starter for Olympiacos This Season
(Getty)
Pulido became a starter for Olympiacos during this year’s season in Greece, scoring his fifth goal of the season during his first start, according to ESPN Deportes.
He previously played for Tigres in Mexico and Levadiakos in Greece.
4. He Has Also Appeared in 6 Games for the Mexican National Team
Alan Pulido, in red. (Getty)
Pulido has appeared in six games for the Mexican National Team during his career, scoring four goals. He also has played for his country’s Under 23 and Under 20 teams.
But Pulido was left off the Mexican roster for the Copa America tournament because of a dispute with his former team, Tigres, according to Univision.
5. A Ransom Demand Had Been Made by the Kidnappers
Alan Pulido, in red. (Getty)
A ransom demand had been made by the kidnappers, the BBC reports.
They received a phone call on Sunday demanding a payment, prosecutor Ismael Quintanilla told journalists.
Pulido’s family received a phone call on Sunday demanding a ransom payment, state prosecutor Ismael Quintanilla told journalists.
“He disappeared from the morning and we [are trying to] support the governor,” his brother, Armando, told Medio Tiempo. “We are waiting to see what happens.”
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Alan Pulido Kidnapped: 5 Fast Facts You Need to Know