The Two Escobars returns to ESPN Player

With the World Cup underway today, online streaming service ESPN Player gives fans the chance to relive the story of The Two Escobars – from the ESPN Films 30 For 30 series.

Following the death of international drug kingpin Pablo, Andrés captained Colombia’s 1994 World Cup team – and was gunned down 10 days after scoring an own goal against hosts the USA.

At a time when drug money fueled the sport known in the underworld as “Narco-soccer”, the fates of Andrés Escobar, the inspirational captain of Colombia, and Pablo Escobar, the notorious leader of the Medellin cartel, were permanently linked. When Andres was murdered 10 days after scoring an own goal against the US in the first round of the 1994 World Cup, it cost the country more than a shot at the title.

While rival drug cartels warred in the streets and the country’s murder rate climbed to highest in the world, Colombia’s national team set out to blaze a new image for their country. What followed was a mysteriously rapid rise to glory, as the team catapulted out of decades of obscurity to become one of the best sides in the world.

Central to this success were two men named Escobar: Andrés, the captain and poster child of the national team, and Pablo, the infamous drug baron who pioneered the phenomenon known in the underworld as “Narco-soccer.” But just when Colombia were expected to win the 1994 World Cup and transform their international image, the shocking murder of Andres Escobar dashed the hopes of a nation.

Through the glory and the tragedy, The Two Escobars daringly investigates the secret marriage of crime and sport, and uncovers the surprising connections between the murders of Andrés and Pablo.

Also new to ESPN Player ahead of the World Cup is The Last Train to Russia, a 12-episode series that explores the country of Russia through the eyes of ESPN international soccer reporter Martín Ainstein and his visits to the 11 World Cup host cities, travelling from St. Petersburg to Siberia onboard the carriages of the Trans-Siberian railway, the longest railway line in the world.

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