Édison Realpe — Ecuadorian footballer (1996–2019)

Career overview

Realpe began his senior career in 2014 with Guayaquil City, where he established himself as a squad member in Ecuador's professional leagues. On 31 January 2018 he moved to L.D.U. Quito on a season‑long loan. After that loan spell concluded, the club made his transfer permanent and he continued to feature for the Quito side into 2019.

Timeline

• 2014 — Senior debut and early years with Guayaquil City.
• 31 January 2018 — Loaned to L.D.U. Quito for the 2018 season.
• Post‑2018 — Signed permanently by L.D.U. Quito.

Playing profile

Primarily deployed in a defensive role, Realpe was regarded as a young player with pace and tactical discipline appropriate for full‑back and wide defensive positions. As is common for defenders of his generation, his responsibilities combined one‑on‑one defending with support for forward play along the flank. Coaches and teammates described him as hardworking and professional in training.

Death and legacy

On 22 December 2019 Realpe died in a car accident near Esmeraldas, Ecuador, at the age of 23. His passing provoked an outpouring of grief from both clubs he represented, fellow players and supporters across the country. Although his career was brief, he is remembered as part of a wave of young Ecuadorian footballers who rose through domestic clubs and contributed to the national league's competitive depth.

Realpe's story is frequently cited in discussions about player development in Ecuador and the road safety risks that have affected several athletes in the region. Tributes emphasized his potential and the abrupt end to a career that had only begun to mature.