BELIZE CITY, Mon. Apr. 22, 2024
We received word on Friday, April 19, from Belizean-American Caribbean Football Association (BACFA) president, Wellington Ramos, that the legendary Belizean footballer of San Joaquin back-to-back champion fame, Frederick “Big Fred” Martinez had passed in California on Tuesday, April 16. His funeral has reportedly been scheduled for May 17.
From Amandala, our sincere condolences to Fred’s wife and family. He was predeceased by his two brothers, Matthew Martinez and Michael “Lasio” Martinez who were both also very good footballers.
In an era when the Belize City football competition included teams from the north, west and south, San Joaquin, with Big Fred as the center forward, was the back-to-back Belize City champion around 1969-70. Fred is definitely counted among the all-time best strikers in Belize football lore.
Rest In Peace, the great Fred Martinez – June 23, 1943 – April 16, 2024.