Dramatic moment footballer's kidnapped family are recovered by armed cops after he hid under bed from masked men
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A FOOTBALLER'S family have been rescued by armed police after being kidnapped by masked men.
The wife and five-year-old son of Jackson Rodriguez were kidnapped in the early hours of Wednesday.
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Jackson Rodriguez's family has been rescued from being kidnapped
Credit: Getty
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They were found by armed police
Credit: X @PoliciaEcuador
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The wife and son were taken on Wednesday
Credit: X @PoliciaEcuador
The Emelec star, 26, reported the kidnapping to the police after heavily armed individuals had entered his home in Mucho Lote 2 neighbourhood, Ecuador.
It was claimed that while terrified he hid under his bed as they went through his home.
The masked men also stole jewellery and money from the footballer's home after breaking down the door at 3am.
They were rescued by police from El Fortin, Guayaquil, where they were held.
A video shared on social media showed the dramatic moment that gun-wielding cops saved the footballer's family.
It continues to show the police taking the victims out of the derelict spot where they were being held.
The Ecuadorian police have now confirmed that Rodriguez's family rescue was successful.
It also revealed that the kidnappers were asking for a "large sum of money".
A statement read: "Following the effective investigative and operational work of the Ecuadorian Police, we released Andrexy O. and his son, relatives of Jackson Rodríguez.
"They were kidnapped in Mucho Lote, and their perpetrators were demanding a large sum of money for their release.
Football teams that controversially changed their badge
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Rodriguez's five-year-old son was taken
Credit: Instagram @jackson_rodriguez20
"They are in safekeeping."
Local media have also reported that the cops are protecting Rodriguez.
It is also believed that he had not received any prior threats or warnings that he was being targeted.
Full-back Rodriguez has played 9 times for Emelec this season.
The club play in the LigaPro, the highest tier in the country, and currently sit 11th in the table.
Kidnapping of footballers is not unheard of in Ecuador.
Last December, Quito star Pedro Perlaza was kidnapped in the city of Esmeraldas.
He was found alive a few days later.
In January 2024, Chelsea paid for the protection of Kendry Paez and his family.
The teenager was signed by the Blues from Independiente del Valle in 2023.
But he can't move to London until 2025 when he turns 18.
And until the time comes, he will continue playing in Ecuador.
But Chelsea are keen to ensure Paez and his family remain safe, and have reportedly offered full support to the whizkid.
The West London outfit also made the same offer for star midfielder Moises Caicedo.
His family still reside in Ecuador and the former Brighton ace has previously confessed his "worry" for them.
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Chelsea have reportedly started paying for the protection of teenage star Kendry Paez
Credit: Getty
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