From Malay Mail · · 1m 10s
Five footballers who died after collapsing on pitch
Five footballers died after collapsing on pitch or suffering match injuries.
In brief
Five footballers died after collapsing on pitch or suffering match injuries. Five footballers died after collapsing on pitch or suffering match injuries. Originally reported by Malay Mail.
Jess de Miguel
Tenerife striker Jess de Miguel died on November 3, 2026, after a collision with FC Andorra's goalkeeper in a Spanish second division match.
“Tenerife striker de Miguel died on November 3, 2026, as a result of injuries he suffered in a sickening collision with FC Andorra’s goalkeeper in a Spanish second-division match”
Marc-Vivien Foe
Cameroon midfielder Marc-Vivien Foe collapsed after a heart attack during a 2003 Confederations Cup semi-final against Colombia.
“Cameroon midfielder Foe collapsed after a heart attack during a Confederations Cup semi-final against Colombia in Lyon, France”
Antonio Puerta
Spain international Antonio Puerta collapsed in a 2007 La Liga match against Getafe and died three days later from multiple organ failure.
“Antonio Puerta, August 2007, collapsed while playing for Sevilla in a La Liga match against Getafe and died three days later from multiple organ failure stemming from prolonged cardiac arrest”
Phil O'Donnell
Phil O'Donnell died of heart failure during a 2007 Scottish Premier League match after collapsing just before substitution.
“Phil O’Donnell, December 2007, died of heart failure towards the end of his side’s 5-3 Scottish Premier League win over Dundee United”
Cristiano Junior
Cristiano Junior collapsed after a 2004 Federation Cup final goal in Bangalore, India, and died of cardiac arrest.
“Cristiano Junior, August 2009, collided with the opposing goalkeeper when he scored a goal for his club Dempo 12 minutes from time in the 2004 Federation Cup final in Bangalore”
Juan Izquierdo
Uruguayan defender Juan Izquierdo died of cardiac arrhythmia during a 2024 Copa Libertadores match with Sao Paulo FC.
“Juan Izquierdo, August 2024, suffered cardiac arrhythmia during his club Nacional’s Copa Libertadores last 16 match with Brazilian outfit Sao Paulo FC”
Football deaths impact
These deaths prompted improvements in heart testing, treatment, and medical response during matches.
“His death prompted improvements in both the testing of footballers for heart problems and the treatment they can receive during matches”
The one thing
Five footballers died after collapsing on pitch or suffering match injuries.
