Former Arsenal loanee Fabian Caballero has died. Following the news, several of his former clubs paid tribute to him.
Arsenal have paid tribute to former player Fabian Caballero, who has died aged 46.
Caballero was briefly loaned to the Gunners from Paraguayan club Cerro Porteno in the 1998/99 season before spending six years at Dundee. The striker made 142 appearances for Scotland.
Argentine-born Caballero spent his teenage years in Paraguay, where he began his career, before moving to north London on loan. Caballero made his Premier League debut against Middlesbrough, replacing Freddie Ljungberg, but spent more time as a reserve for Arsenal, playing alongside the likes of Nwankwo Kanu during this time.
Arsenal posted on X: “The whole club is deeply saddened by the sudden passing of former player Fabian Caballero. At this time our thoughts are with his family and friends.”
Caballero scored 26 goals during his time at the club, earning himself a place in the hearts of Dundee fans, including a brace against Celtic as the Dark Blues achieved their first goal-winning campaign against the B’Boys in 13 years. The Argentine returned to the club in November to play in Cammy Carr’s farewell match and was given a huge welcome before joining.
In a club statement, the club said: “Everyone at Dundee Football Club is extremely shocked and saddened to learn this morning of the death of former Dundee player Fabian Caballero.
“Fabian has passed away, aged 46, and will be greatly missed by everyone at Dundee Football Club. Fabian signed for The Dee in July 2000 and became a favourite with Dundee supporters.
“The thoughts of everyone at the club are with Fabian’s family at this very sad time.
“The club will pay tribute to Fabian later today. Rest in peace, Fabian”
Caballero spent the majority of his career in Paraguay, playing for clubs such as Olimpia Asuncion, Tacuria and Nacional Asuncion. The striker also played in South Korea (Daejeon Citizens), Cyprus (Arqui), Chile (Osorno Province), Greece (Panachaiki) and Guatemala (Municipal).
Caballero also worked as a trainer for a short time. He coached youth teams and the first team at Sportivo Améliano as a player-coach. Following the news, the Paraguayan Football Federation praised his career.
The statement said: “The Paraguayan Football Federation deeply regrets the death of Fabian Caballero, a former footballer who had a distinguished career both in Paraguayan football and abroad.
“We support his family and friends in this difficult time.”