Football star, 27, collapses and dies throughout match as membership mourn ‘immense loss’
A former top flight youth star has died after collapsing on the pitch and going into cardiac arrest during the first-half of a cup game as his team mourned an ‘immense void in our club’
Nassur Bacem collapsed and died during a cup tie(Image: Instagram l.g.c.moncarapachense)
Tributes have been paid to a footballer who collapsed and died during the first-half of a cup match in Portugal.
Nassur Bacem, 27, went into cardiac arrest after falling to the turf during his team LGC Moncarapachense’s game against Imortal DC in the Algarve town of Olhao. The incident happened in the 27th minute of a third-round cup match in the regional Taca do Algarve – Algarve Cup – knockout tournament last night (January 21).
A club medic along with health specialists from both teams tried to revive the left-back. Emergency responders arrived and continued their work before he was pronounced dead at the scene.
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Nassur’s club, who plays in Portugal’s fourth division, confirmed his death in an Instagram post late last night alongside a photo of him in the team strip.
It said: “It is with profound sadness and great dismay that the Lusitano Ginasio Clube Moncarapachense informs of the passing of our athlete Nassur Bacem, 27 years old, who died today during the 3rd round match of the Algarve Cup against Imortal.
“The athlete collapsed lifeless on the field, having gone into cardiac arrest. Immediately, all emergency services were activated, including the INEM Institute of Medical Emergency, and the prompt intervention of our club’s doctor and physiotherapist, as well as Imortal’s physiotherapist and the person in charge of basic life support at the Municipal Stadium of Olhao where the match was played.”
In a separate statement, the club paid a moving tribute to the star, of Angolan origin who was born in the west coast Portuguese city of Aveiro, and was formerly a youth player for Portugal’s top flight Primeira Liga side Sporting Braga.
A spokesman said: “Nassur leaves too soon, leaving an immense void in our club and in all those who were close to him, both on and off the field. He was an athlete, a colleague, and a person who will always be part of our family.
“To the family, friends, and loved ones, we extend our deepest condolences in this moment of profound sorrow.
“To the entire family of LGC Moncarapachense, athletes, technical team, staff, and management, we appeal for unity, strength, and mutual support in this very difficult moment, which will forever be marked in our history.”
Nemesio Martins, president of LGC Moncaraparachense, added: “There are no words, it is a very difficult moment for everyone, we deeply regret what happened to our player Nassur Bacem.
“It was something sudden, there was no time for anything.”
