Javier Acosta

Javier Acosta was a 36-year-old man from Bogotá, a fervent Millonarios fan and a member of the football team's hardcore supporter group for over two decades. He courageously faced a series of illnesses that severely deteriorated his health over the years. An accident left him in a wheelchair, a bacterial infection caused serious bone damage, and he eventually developed blood cancer that spread to his head. After years of painful and ineffective treatments, doctors told him there was nothing more to be done.

Javier decided to exercise his right to a dignified death through euthanasia. Unlike many others, he chose to go through this process publicly. He announced his decision on social media, gave interviews, and used his story to speak candidly about life, suffering, and death.

“It’s hard, but I’m also grateful to a saint death for allowing me to choose how I die... I’m leaving at peace,” he said in one of the videos he posted before the procedure.

On Friday, August 30, 2022, at midday, he passed away, surrounded by love and respect. Outside the San Ignacio Hospital in Bogotá, dozens of Millonarios fans gathered to support him, singing and wearing blue jerseys. Even Radamel Falcao, the team's star player, called him to say he would dedicate his next goal to him. His story moved the nation and sparked a collective conversation about dignity, autonomy, and the right to make decisions regarding the end of one's own life.