Footballer, 19, lifeless after horror automotive crash as devastated membership pay heartbreaking tribute to ‘true team-mate and pal’

A teenage footballer from Portugal has died aged 19 after being involved in a car crash.

Yvann Martins, who played in the Portuguese second tier for UD Oliveirense, was involved in the horror incident at 8am on Friday, reports claim.

It’s reported that his car overturned while he was travelling down the Tunnel do Covelo in Porto, where emergency services quickly rushed to.

However, Martins lost his life before they were able to transport him to the hospital. 

On Sunday, UD Oliveirense issued a statement on Instagram, which read: ‘It is with profound sadness and immense consternation that UD Oliveirense announces the tragic passing of Yvann Martins.

‘A player on our Under-19 team, who was a victim of a road accident at the young age of 19.

Yvann Martins, 19, died aged 19 after being involved in a car crash on Friday morning

‘Yvann was much more than a player. He was a humble, hard-working young man, always with a smile on his face, known for his team spirit and the way he knew how to be with his team-mates – a true team-mate and friend.’

Martins caught attention after impressing with Swiss giants BSC Young Boys, where he recorded 12 goals in 39 matches.

He then made a move to Portugal with UD Oliveirense in June last year but never made a senior appearance for the side.

Another of Martins’ former teams, AFF-FFV, also mourned his passing with a statement on social media. They wrote: ‘It is with great sadness that we learned of the passing of our former player, Yvann Costa Martins.

‘His talent, determination, and character will forever be etched in our memories. Our thoughts are with his family, friends and everyone who was lucky enough to know him. Yvann, you will forever be a member of AFF-FFV family.’

UD Oliveirense confirmed that Martins’ funeral will be held at the Mother Church of Romariz on Monday.