- A goalkeeper tragically died seconds after stopping a penalty and collapsing while celebrating with teammates
- The shocking event took place during a match in Brazil, leaving fellow players and officials in distress
- Authorities suspended scheduled games as tributes poured in, with sporting bodies and fans remembering his talent, dedication, and character
A goalkeeper tragically collapsed and died just seconds after saving a penalty with his chest.
He was seen on a live stream falling to the ground moments after celebrating the crucial stop with a teammate.
Source: Getty Images
The player was later identified as Antonio Edson dos Santos Sousa, who was rushed to hospital but pronounced dead despite attempts to revive him.
The incident occurred during a five-a-side futsal match at a gym in Augusto Correa, in the northern Brazilian state of Para.
Known affectionately as Pixe, Edson was representing Sind Motos in an amateur tournament held as part of Brazil’s independence week celebrations.
Following his passing, local authorities suspended the next day’s games, while the Para Futsal Federation paid tribute with a statement alongside a black ribbon in his memory.
“It is with profound sadness that we acknowledge the passing of Antonio Edson dos Santos Sousa, an athlete whose career was defined by dedication, talent, and true team spirit.
He will be remembered both on and off the court — not only as an outstanding player, but also as a remarkable individual who touched the lives of everyone around him.
In this moment of grief, we extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and the entire sporting community. May they find comfort in cherished memories and in the knowledge that Antonio’s legacy of inspiration and love for futsal will live on.”
Source: Twitter
How did Santos Sousa die?
A video of Antonio’s penalty save shows him taking the full force of the ball to his chest as he dived to his right with his arms outstretched.
At first, he appeared unharmed, walking toward a teammate and briefly raising his arms in celebration.
But just seconds later, as Pixe reached the teammate rushing over to congratulate him, he stumbled into his arms and collapsed forward onto the floor.
It remains unclear whether the impact of the ball contributed to his sudden death.
Watch heartbreaking video is below:
In a similar tragedy earlier this year, 33-year-old Brazilian futsal player Roberto Peterson died during a match in Santa Catarina after a ball struck him in the abdomen, triggering cardiac arrest.
Futsal, a variant of association football, is played between two teams of five on a smaller indoor court.
It shares similarities with five-a-side football and indoor soccer and is especially popular in South America, Spain, and Portugal, where many professional teams compete.
Source: YEN.com.gh
Source: Yen.com.gh
