Brazilian futsal player Felipe Alex has died aged 32 after an incident at an airport in Russia.
The Brazil international, who played for the Russian club Norilsk Nickel, died at the airport in Ukhta after playing a match. Alex is said to have suddenly lost consciousness while checking-in for a flight to Moscow, two hours after the first game of the 2025–2026 Russian Futsal Cup semi-final against MFK Ukhta.
The press service of the Russian Football Union announced his tragic death. In a statement, it said: “Today, after the match with Ukhta, Norilsk Nickel player Felipe Alex suddenly passed away. The Brazilian became ill at the airport before the team’s flight home.”
Paramedics came to his aid but were unable to resuscitate him and he was pronounced dead at the scene.
Paying tribute in a statement on X, UEFA said: “We are deeply saddened by the sudden passing of Alex Felipe, 32, a 2018/19 UEFA Futsal Champions League winner. Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences are with his family, friends and team-mates at this difficult time.”
Alex began his futsal career with Cascavel and Corinthians in his native Brazil, before moving to Madrid-based Movistar Inter Futbol Sala, where he was a Champion of Spain winner. He returned to his homeland with Joinville and had another spell with Corinthians before signing for Sporting CP in Portugal.
It was there he won the UEFA Futsal Champions League in the 2018–19 season, along with the Liga Paulista, Portuguese Futsal Cup and Portuguese Futsal Supercup. Sporting CP posted on X: “The world of futsal and sports has grown poorer. Until we meet again, champion.”
Since joining Norilsk Nickel he lifted the Russian Futsal Cup in the 2023–24 campaign. The agency that represented the star said: “There are no words that can comfort the hearts of family, friends and everyone who knew our athlete Alex.
“What hurts us most is that a father, husband, son and friend has passed away who we loved and admired without rest.”
Movistar Inter also paid tribute. The club said: “Since Movistar Inter we have been totally dismayed by the passing of Alex Aparecido Felipe Santos, who was a player for our club during part of the 14-15 season.
“The Brazilian player won a league and a Copa del Rey with our club. From all the Inter family, we send our support and our deepest condolences to his family, friends and relatives.”