Piero began his football journey at Club Sport Norte America, a football club renowned for its successful youth development system based in Guayaquil, Ecuador’s largest city. He later joined Independiente del Valle and progressed to their first team, moving on to clubs in Argentina and Germany, before joining Arsenal on loan from Bayer Leverkusen in 2025.

How is climate change affecting Ecuador?

Ecuador is facing a range of climate risks from changing temperatures and rainfall, with rapid impacts on its diverse geographical systems, including glaciers, tropical forests and coastal zones.

The South American country is considered to be one of the countries that is more vulnerable to the impacts of climate change (68th of 187) and one that is less well positioned to adapt to more extreme weather (140th of 187). Ecuador has lost more than half of its glaciers’ coverage in recent decades, equivalent to about 6,000 Emirates pitches.

It is projected that five per cent or more of Guayaquil, the city where Hincapie learned to play football, could be below sea level by the end of the century.

How climate change will affect Piero’s home pitch, Club Sporte Norte America

Extreme heat 

•Temperatures are projected to rise; by 2100, average annual temperatures are expected to be 16 per cent higher, with maximum temperatures reaching 35°C annually.

•Heat already exceeds safe play limits on three days each year, increasing to 15 days by 2040 and 240 days by 2100.

•By 2100, heat is expected to exceed levels disruptive to football almost every day of the year.

Extreme weather events

•More extreme and unpredictable weather events are expected, which will be even more disruptive to football.

•By 2100, the level of rainfall experienced during a ten-year extreme event is predicted to be almost double, while the levels experienced during a 100-year extreme event will more than double.

Pitches in peril

Grassroots pitches around the world are facing escalating climate hazards – including where Piero Hincapie learned to play the game. Extreme weather is changing the game, which puts the future of football at risk. By understanding the risks, we can prepare together and make sure everyone can keep enjoying football for generations to come.