Benitez, a father of three-year-old twins, died after reportedly suffering a cardiorespiratory arrest, less than a month after signing for Qatari club Al Jaish.
Manchester United winger Antonio Valencia, an Ecuador team-mate, tweeted a picture of the pair together and wrote: ?Why now brother? This strong pain you?ve caused me will stay forever my brother, but we love you. Please brother. Someone please say no.?
Benitez was admitted to hospital with severe stomach pain hours after making his debut against Qatar Sports Club in the Sheikh Jassem Cup on Sunday but died shortly afterwards.
Fabrice Muamba, the former Bolton midfielder who suffered a cardiac arrest on the pitch at White Hart Lane in an FA Cup tie with Spurs, wrote on Twitter: ?My thoughts and prayers are with his family.?
Benitez was on loan at Birmingham in the Premier League during the 2009-2010 season and the club will pay tribute to him ahead of Saturday?s match at home against Watford.
The Ecuadorian, who had 58 caps, was in the squad for World Cup finals in Germany in 2006 and had scored 24 times for his country.
During his loan from Mexican club Santos Laguna, he turned out 36 times for Birmingham and scored four goals.
Alex McLeish, who was his manager at Birmingham, told Sky Sports News: ?He was a very likeable guy and dangerous in the box.
?I would have kept him but he went because we were trying to bring in some top players.
?That did not materialise and I was left cursing the fact we could?ve kept him for that season because I?m sure he?d have flourished in England.?
Sunderland midfielder Craig Gardner, who played with Benitez at Birmingham, wrote on Twitter: ?Can?t believe Christian Benitez aka chucho has died had the pleasure to play with him he was a top bloke.?
West Brom?s former Birmingham defender Liam Ridgewell tweeted: ?Such a sad thing. Had a great year with him at Blues. Sad time.?
In a statement, Birmingham said: ?The thoughts of all associated with the football club are with Chucho?s family and friends at this very sad time. He was an immensely popular character during his time at the club.?
Qatari club El Jaish confirmed the news in a statement: ?His sudden departure is a big shock.
?He was a player that over the short period he was here was regarded for his high moral character.?
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