A goalkeeper tragically died seconds after saving a penalty with his chest……CONTINUE FULL READING>>>>>
Antonio Edson dos Santos Sousa was captured on a live online stream collapsing to the ground as he went to celebrate with a team-mate. Despite immediate medical attention, the 34-year-old was pronounced dead shortly after arriving at hospital following unsuccessful attempts to resuscitate him.
The heartbreaking incident occurred during a five-a-side futsal match in a gymnasium in the municipality of Augusto Correa, in the northern Brazilian state of Para. Known affectionately by his nickname ‘Pixe’, Edson dos Santos Sousa was playing for Sind Motos in an amateur tournament organised to coincide with the commemoration of Brazil’s independence from Portugal over 200 years ago.
In response to the tragedy, local authorities suspended the following day’s games. The Para Futsal Federation released a statement alongside a black ribbon photo of the late player: “It is with great sadness that we received the news of the passing of Antonio Edson dos Santos Sousa, an athlete who marked his career with dedication, talent, and team spirit.
“His presence will always be remembered on and off the court, not only for the exemplary player he was, but for the special person who captivated everyone.”
“At this time of grief, we express our deepest condolences to his family, friends and the entire sporting community. May they find comfort in fond memories and in the certainty that Antonio Edson leaves behind a legacy of inspiration and passion for futsal.”
Video footage of Antonio’s penalty save revealed he absorbed the complete impact of the ball against his chest as he lunged to his right with his hands positioned in front of him.
He initially seemed unharmed as he moved towards a team-mate to celebrate, even stopping momentarily to lift his arms skyward.
However, moments later as Pixe approached his team-mate who had rushed over to congratulate him, he staggered into his arms and collapsed forward before striking the ground.
It remains unclear whether the impact the goalkeeper sustained from the ball contributed to his death. In June, another Brazilian futsal player, 33-year-old Roberto Peterson, passed away during a match in the southern state of Santa Catarina after being struck by the ball.
The married father-of-three suffered cardiac arrest after being hit in the stomach. Futsal is a variation of association football contested between two teams of five players each on a pitch smaller than a traditional football field.
It bears resemblances to five-a-side football and indoor football. Futsal is contested globally, but enjoys greatest popularity in South America and Spain and Portugal, where numerous professional clubs exist……CONTINUE FULL READING>>>>>
