Posted: Tuesday, June 10, 2025. 9:13 am CST.
Sagitun GIRLZ retired Sidney Ruiz’s #7 jersey at a vigil on Monday, June 9, 2025, in memory of their teammate. Sidney and her brother Juan David died in a traffic accident on Sunday. – Photo Credit: Sagitun GIRLZ
By Rubén Morales Iglesias: In a powerful tribute filled with emotion and reverence, the Sagitun GIRLZ on Monday evening officially retired jersey number 7 in honour of their late teammate Sidney Alejandra Ruíz Montenegro. The announcement came during a vigil held at the CR Sports Synthetic Field in Independence, where friends, family, and fellow players gathered to celebrate the lives of Sidney and her younger brother, Juan David.
“In a gesture of honor and respect, number 7 will no longer be used by the Sagitun GIRLZ,” the club stated. “It was retired in memory of Sidney.”
The emotional vigil featured prayers, tributes, and memories shared by those who knew Sidney best. It concluded with the symbolic announcement.
Sidney Ruíz’s jersey and photo at the vigil held in Independence on Monday, June 9, 2025 – Photo Credit: Sagitun GIRLZ
Sidney, 21, was a dynamic left winger whose relentless drive and passion helped lead Sagitun GIRLZ to a historic championship win on May 31. Originally from Costa Rica, she made an indelible impact on Belizean women’s football, earning the admiration of teammates and fans alike. Her life was tragically cut short, alongside her brother David, in a traffic accident just one day after David’s high school graduation.
The number 7 had become synonymous with Sidney’s vibrant presence on the field and her leadership off it. By retiring it, Sagitun GIRLZ have perpetuated her legacy in the heart of the club’s history.
This is a deeply emotional time for the PWLB champions. Retiring her number is just one way of keeping her spirit alive. Sid was more than just a player—she was an integral part of the Sagitun GIRLZ family.
Though she may no longer don the jersey, the number 7 will remain a symbol of strength, unity, and the enduring influence of a young woman who gave everything to the game—and to those who played it with her.
Sagitun GIRLZ’s held a vigil on Monday, June 9, 2025, in memory of teammate Sidney Ruíz Montenegro and her brother Juan David. Both died in a traffic accident on Sunday. – Photo Credit: Sagitun GIRLZ
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The post Sagitun GIRLZ retire jersey number 7 in memory of Sidney Ruíz appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
Posted: Tuesday, June 10, 2025. 9:13 am CST. Sagitun GIRLZ retired Sidney Ruiz’s #7 jersey at a vigil on Monday, June 9, 2025, in memory of their teammate. Sidney and her brother
The post Sagitun GIRLZ retire jersey number 7 in memory of Sidney Ruíz appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
