Former Colombia captain Freddy Rincon was in a critical condition with severe head injuries after being involved in a car crash in the city of Cali, the clinic where he was being treated said.
Four other people who were in the vehicle that Rincon was driving were also injured following the collision with a bus. The bus driver was also hurt.
'Freddy Eusebio Rincon arrived in hospital this morning with a traumatic brain injury,' the Imbanaco Clinic said in a statement. 'His condition is very critical.'
Rincon's car collided with a bus around 4.30am in Cali, in Colombia's southwest. Local authorities are reviewing traffic cameras.
Hamilton Ricard, also a former footballer and a close friend of Rincon's, visited his family at the hospital and didn't sound optimistic when he spoke to journalists outside.
'If he is saved, he will have a lot of side-effects,' Ricard said. 'We are praying for God to put his hands on Freddy, the doctors have said the truth.'
Rincon, 55, was a commanding midfielder who played for Colombian sides Santa Fe and America.
He also had spells with Italian club Napoli and Spanish giants Real Madrid.
He captained Brazilian side Corinthians to the first club world championship title in 2000 and he was also part of the golden generation of Colombian players who took the national side to three consecutive World Cups in 1990, 1994 and 1998, alongside players such as Carlos Valderrama and Faustino Asprilla.
Rincon retired from the national team in 2001.
His club career began in 1985 and took off at America de Cali. After a brief and successful spell at Brazil's Palmeiras, he joined Napoli in 1994. He played the following season for Real Madrid and returned to Palmeiras in 1997.
He scored 17 goals during his international career and was on the scoresheet against Argentina in a memorable 5-0 World Cup qualifier victory in Buenos Aires in 1993.
Brazilian side Corinthians took to social media show their support for Rincon.
'All our prayers are with our world champion ... Stay strong Freddy,' said Corinthians on Twitter.
Real Madrid also echoed Corinthians' well wishes.
'All our strength and affection goes out to Freddy after the accident today,' Real Madrid tweeted.