Barcelona Sporting Club star Mario Pineida has been shot dead in a horror gun attack.

Axar.az informs, citing the Sun, the 33-year-old Ecuador international was killed outside a shop according to his club, who confirmed the news on social media as emotional tributes poured in.

His club said: “Barcelona Sporting Club, informs, with deep regret, that it has been officially notified of the death of our player Mario Pineida, a fact that occurred after an attack against him.

“This unfortunate news makes all of us who are part of the institution deeply dismayed.”

Pineida was shot dead outside a shop in north Guayaquil, according to local media.

Pineida, who also had a spell playing at Fluminense in Brazil, earned nine caps for Ecuador between 2015 and 2021.

Pineida was reportedly attacked by two people riding motorcycles, according to local media outlet Primicias.

The footballer is believed to have come under fire alongside his mum and another woman who were with him at the time of the terrifying assault.

Guayaquil has become a hotbed for gang violence linked to drug trafficking in recent months.

Several football players in Ecuador have been targeted in chilling attacks.