A romantic scene after a match turned into an awkward viral moment for a Costa Rican footballer when an on-field engagement was publicly announced — then quietly ended just days later.
What happened on the pitch
The player, known as Derrikson, is a 24-year-old midfielder for Xelajú in Guatemala's National League Clausura. After his team beat Marquense 4-2 on February 15, he proposed to his girlfriend, Wendy, celebrating the moment with a hug and a kiss in front of teammates and fans. Video of the proposal quickly spread across social media.
Engagement called off days later
Only a few days after the viral clip, on February 18, Derrikson announced via Instagram Stories that the engagement had been ended. He described the split as a "difficult personal situation" and asked for privacy, saying he would not go into details and would focus on his career and personal growth.
Local reports indicated Wendy posted her own reaction, writing, "In the end, there will never be a better answer than silence." She has since locked her Instagram profile.
Fans react — and mock
Rival supporters wasted little time turning the story into fodder. Opposing fans have flooded his posts with the phrase "y tu novia?" ("and your girlfriend?"), using the moment to taunt the midfielder after the engagement was called off.
Not the only strange thing to happen on a field recently
The episode is one of several odd incidents to make headlines from football pitches lately. In a separate event in Turkey, a player reportedly performed CPR on a seagull struck by the ball during a match, underlining how unpredictable live sports moments can be.
Whether celebrated or ridiculed, public proposals during matches carry risks: they can create unforgettable moments — for better or worse — and once they circulate online, the fallout can be swift.
