
A number of players have collapsed in recent years, raising concerns over players health and welfare.
The latest case was the incident around Denmark midfielder Christian Eriksen, who suffered a heart attack at Euro 2020.
The Denmark midfielder lay motionless for some time with his teammates surrounding him while the medical professionals performed CPR first aid.
However, after being cleared medically Eriksen made a comeback to playing professional football, signing with Premier League side Brentford.
TeamKenya takes a look at players who collapsed during the match and unfortunately passed on.
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Marc Vivian Foe
Marc Vivian Foe from Cameroon played for Premier League side Manchester City.
Back in June 2003, Cameroon was playing against Colombia in an international match in France when Foé collapsed in the centre circle and was stretchered off the field after failed attempts to resuscitate him on the pitch failed.
It was noted that upon the arrival of the stadium medical centre the player was alive but died shortly afterwards.
After an autopsy was conducted, it was concluded that Foé’s death was heart-related as he had a condition known as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.
This is a disease in which the heart muscle becomes abnormally thick (hypertrophied). The thickened heart muscle can make it harder for the heart to pump blood.
Antonio Puerta
Antonio Puerta who hailed from Spain used to play as a wingback for Sevilla.
The Spaniard died at the age of 22 after he collapsed during a match between Sevilla and Getafe.
The wingback collapsed in the 35th minute after jogging towards his goal. He was taken to hospital where after three days he died from multiple organ failure arising from prolonged cardiac arrest.
Phil O’Donnell
In December 2007, the then Motherwell captain Phil O’ Donnel died after suffering heart failure during a match against Dundee United.
Phil was 35 at that time with, a midfielder who was renowned for playing for Scotland.
The player also featured for Celtic and Sheffield Wednesday. Phil collapsed as he was about to be substituted in a match.
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Cristiano Jr.
Cristiano Sebastião de Lima Junior's death was one of the most tragic incidents witnessed in football.
In 2003 Junior signed for Indian side East Bengal ahead of the new National Football League season. After having a wonderful season with East Bengal, he transferred to Goan club Dempo.
In October 2004, during a match against Mohun Bagan, he collided with the goalkeeper while scoring his second goal. de Lima failed to wake up.
de Lima was rushed to hospital but was pronounced dead upon arrival. Medical reports indicated that he passed away after suffering cardiac arrest.
His double gave Dempo their first-ever Federation Cup triumph. His spirit lives on, with the fans up to date recognising him as a legend.
Cheick Tiote
One of Africa's greatest talents Cheick Tiote was a Côte d’Ivoire international who had a wonderful career at the Premier League side, Newcastle United.
In 2017 as he prepared for his transfer to the Chinese League, he fainted during a regular training session in China and was rushed to hospital where he passed on.
"It is with deep sadness I confirm that Cheick Tiote sadly passed away earlier today after collapsing in training," spokesman Emanuele Palladino announced.
"We are devastated to have learnt of the tragic passing of Cheick Tiote at the age of just 30. The thoughts of everyone at Newcastle United are with Cheick's family, friends, teammates and everyone connected with the clubs he represented," Newcastle stated.
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