Tennis prodigy, 16, killed in ‘unlawful avenue race’ crash whereas celebrating World Cup win
Two youngsters including a teenage tennis prodigy were killed and a third left fighting for their life after a horrific crash during an alleged illegal street race
Luisana Schonberger’s tennis club paid a heartbreaking tribute to the teen(Image: Jam Press)
A teenage tennis prodigy was killed in a horrific car crash while out celebrating a World Cup victory.
Luisana Schönberger, known as ‘Luchi’, had celebrated Argentina’s win over Switzerland in the World Cup quarter-finals before she got into a Volkswagen Golf. The driver reportedly lost control at high speed and the vehicle slammed into the back of a Toyota Corolla, before ploughing into a tree.
The promising tennis player, who had already climbed to No 4 in national under-10 rankings, was a front seat passenger and was killed by the impact. The driver, named as Renzo Retamozo, 20, also lost his life in the horrific incident, while three other passengers – aged 16, 17 and 20 – were injured, one critically.
The aftermath of the fatal car crash(Image: Jam Press)
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The fatal crash took place on the main avenue in Eldorado City in Misiones Province, Argentina, in the early hours of Sunday morning, July 12.
The group had been taking part in street celebrations marking Argentina’s 3-1 win over Switzerland in the quarter finals of the 2026 World Cup. A large Argentine flag was spotted in the rear window of their car.
CCTV footage showed the Golf speeding behind a Ford Escort. The Escort swerved to avoid the slower Toyota Corolla, but the Golf ploughed straight into its rear at high speed, as reported by NeedToKnow.
Luisana Schonberger was a tennis prodigy(Image: Jam Press)
The police are investigating claims the vehicles may have been involved in an illegal street race. A third car has been seized by the authorities.
Luisana had trained at the Eldorado Lawn Tennis Club since she was a little girl. The club called her their “adopted daughter” and praised her huge talent.
The Argentine Tennis Association posted an emotional tribute: “The Argentine tennis family is in mourning. With deep sorrow we mourn the loss of Luisana Schönberger.”
Luisana Schonberger, known as ‘Luchi’, was killed in the crash(Image: Jam Press)
They also highlighted her dedication and success in junior events. Her secondary school, Instituto Superior San José, also paid tribute to the popular pupil.
Friends and the local tennis community have flooded social media with tributes to the talented teenager whose bright future was cut tragically short.
Her funeral took place on Sunday afternoon. The investigation into her death is ongoing.
Argentina face England in a World Cup semi-final tonight.
