Ecuador star gives shoutout to bikini-clad fan for showing up to Copa America group game

Ecuador star Jeremy Sarmiento has shown his gratitude to those who cheered on the team in its Copa America group game against Jamaica, thanking a stunning fan on social media in particular.

The 22-year-old Spain-born winger took to X after La Tri's 3-1 win against the Reggae Boys in Las Vegas after footage of the mystery woman went viral during the game on the plaform. 

'Really appreciate all of the support from our fans at the @CopaAmerica,' Sarmiento wrote as a caption to a post of the Ecuadorian beauty in front of Allegiant Stadium.  

Sarmiento, who played on loan at Ipswich Town from Brighton and Hove Albion for the second half of last season in the Championship, previously shared several clips of himself with an unidentified woman on TikTok last August, suggesting that he was in a relationship with her.

However, it's unclear if the player is now single.

'I see what you are doing bro,' a user on X replied to Sarmiento's cheeky post. 

'A slight change to Southampton fans,' another joked. 

'Thought this was a parody account,' a person said, summing up what most people had initially though. 

Sarmiento, who grew up playing for England's youth teams, has one goal in two matches for Ecuador at the Copa America. 

He scored for his country in a 2-1 loss against Venezuela on Matchday 1 of Group B action. 

Ecuador has to beat Mexico in its final group stage match to qualify for the quarters.

If it draws against Mexico, Ecuador will go through to the next round as the second-placed team in the group courtesy a slightly better goal difference.