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By Mallory Mattingly
Last week, Mexico knocked Ecuador out of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, but that didn’t stop the team’s midfielder Moisés Caicedo from praising God.
According to Christhlete, even after being eliminated by Mexico, “the first thing Ecuador’s Moisés Caicedo did was go down on his knees and pray. Win or lose, Jesus is still worthy.”
Before Ecuador advanced to the round of 32, the team had to face Germany, a powerhouse favored to win the tournament.
That win was led by Caicedo, who plays for Chelsea in England’s Premier League.
In just the second minute of the game, Germany scored; however, Ecuador retaliated seven minutes later, putting one in the back of the net. Then there was no excitement until the 77th minute of the game when Ecuador sealed the win against the Germans.
ABSOLUTE SCENES AT NY/NJ STADIUM 🇪🇨
Ecuador and the sea of yellow celebrate advancing to the Round of 32! pic.twitter.com/s7WyeCyq0Z
Related: 15 FIFA World Cup Players Vocal About Their Faith in Jesus
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 25, 2026
Caicedo, who is considered one of the greatest midfielders to step on the pitch, was honored by Ecuador’s parliament last year. During the ceremony, the athlete pointed millions to God.
“Never forget God,” he said. “Because to succeed, God is the most important.”
Leading up to the win-or-go-home match, Caicedo shared his heart behind playing in the World Cup.
“God, faith and heart all the way 🙏🏽. I love you, Ecuador, my country,” the midfielder wrote.
The midfielder frequently points to God in his posts and even has Joshua 1:9 written in his Instagram bio.
In 2023, Caicedo wasn’t sure where he would end up playing soccer. When asked how he deals with emotions amid uncertainty, he once again pointed to his faith.
“I don’t get carried away by emotions,” he told the Metro. “I’m enjoying time with my family for now. There is pressure, but I am calm. I am waiting for whatever God decides. He will know what is best for me.”
When he dealt with an injury to his knee in 2017, Caicedo got candid about how he was feeling.
“Sometimes I cried,” he told The Athletic about his recovery. “Nobody knew. I would go to my room and just start crying out of frustration, out of sadness. It was very hard, but I didn’t stop believing. I trusted in God and prayed a lot.”
Whether celebrating an upset victory over Germany or facing the heartbreak of a World Cup elimination, Caicedo remains defined by his unwavering faith and commitment to honoring God through every high and low of his career.
Read Next: World Cup Athletes Unite in Prayer Through Victory and Defeat
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