Alex Apolinario has died aged 24 after he collapsed during a match in the Portuguese third tier on Sunday. The Brazilian footballer was playing for FC Alverca against Uniao de Almeirim when he suffered a cardiac arrest.
He lost consciousness and fell to the ground shortly before the half an hour mark. A defibrillator was used by on-site medics before the attacking midfielder was rushed to hospital.
Players, coaches and staff were left in tears and formed a prayer circle before news came through that Apolinario was in a stable condition on Sunday night.
However, the club confirmed on Thursday in a statement that the young player had tragically passed away. A statement read: "It is with deep regret that we report, according to the information
Read more on mirror.co.uk