Footballer, 15, dies after falling into effectively whereas being chased by canines as membership launch assertion
A teenage footballer tragically died on New Year’s Eve after he fell down a well while being pursued by a pack of dogs on holiday, with his club paying tribute to the prospect
A 15-year-old footballer has died after falling down a well while being chased by a pack of dogs. Youssef Khachroub was on holiday in Morocco at the Marrakech Golf City resort with his family when the tragedy unfolded on New Year’s Eve.
The teenager had gone for an evening run as part of his fitness routine when he encountered the dogs. According to the boy’s father, Youssef disappeared at around 7pm and was found some hours later at the bottom of the 50-metre well.
In a particularly sad twist, it’s understood that Youssef, who played for FC Mougins near Cannes, had a great fear of dogs. The youngster’s family have filed a complaint against those responsible for the residential and construction area, suggesting it lacked proper warnings regarding the well.
Mourad Khachroub, Youssef’s dad, reportedly posted his account of what he believed were his son’s final moments on social media: “The only refuge he thought he had found was this place [the well].
“My son fell into it. I knew it when I found his running shoe on the edge. There was no security on that side… what happened is unacceptable. It’s an injustice.”
Khachroub Sr. also noted the lack of security guards and surveillance cameras in the area. Had the location been better-equipped in this regard, it could have aided the search efforts.
“It is with great sadness that we mourn the tragic death of Yousri, a player on the U16 R2 team,” read a statement from his club. “The entire club – its chairmen, managers, coaches, volunteers, players and families – is deeply shocked and devastated by this news.”
The tribute went on to describe Youssef as a “charming and endearing boy” who was “loved by all.” FC Mougin’s statement added that Khachroub’s “smile, kindness and spirit” would leave a lasting impact on the club.
“Trained from an early age – from U6 to U7 at Stade Laurentin (Saint-Laurent-du-Var), then from U8 to U13 at OGC Nice – Yousri joined FC Mougins at U14 during the 2023 season,” it continued. “This year was his third season wearing our colours. He had found his place, forged strong bonds with his teammates, and earned the esteem of his coaches and everyone around him.
“At this painful time, FC Mougins sends its sincere condolences to his family, relatives, and all those who loved him. The club supports them and shares their grief. Rest in peace, Yousri.”
The club shared a clip showing Khachroub in action for FC Mougins. In the video, Youssef receives the ball and bears down on the opposition box before scoring from just outside the area.
Youssef’s aunt replied to FC Mougins’ post, describing her nephew as someone who “embodied goodness and kindness.” Others joined in the tributes, with one commenter referring to the late talent as an “exemplary student.”
