Before Diogo Jota: Tragic Incidents That Ended Football Stars' Careers

SadaNews - In the world of football, sorrow is not only associated with loss on the pitch but sometimes extends to painful human losses when players suddenly pass away due to tragic and shocking incidents. Before Diogo Jota, tragic occurrences ended the journeys of many stars of the pitch. Let’s get to know them.

Over the past few years, the memory of global football has documented the passing of several players due to plane crashes, heart attacks on the field, or horrific car accidents.

Details on Diogo Jota's Death

The sports community woke up to shocking news: the death of Liverpool FC and Portuguese national team star Diogo Jota, who was 28 years old, following a horrific car accident that occurred on a highway in northwestern Spain. The accident claimed not only his life but also the life of his younger brother, André Jota, who was accompanying him.

The accident happened on the A-52 highway, specifically near the "Cernadía" area in the province of Zamora. Jota was driving his luxury Lamborghini Urus, with his brother beside him, when one of the rear tires blew out while he was attempting to overtake another vehicle.

Jota lost control of the car, which veered violently and crashed into the roadside barrier, bursting into flames immediately afterward. The speed and intensity of the fire prevented any rescue attempts, especially since the accident occurred late at night, around 12:40 AM.

A Plane Crash Ends Emiliano Sala's Life

The incident that led to the death of Argentine striker Emiliano Sala in January 2019 is one of the most tragic incidents that shocked the sports world. The 28-year-old player was on his way from Nantes, France, to Wales after officially signing for Cardiff City FC.

The private plane he boarded crashed into the English Channel, and his body was found days later after extensive searches. It was later revealed that the plane was not licensed to carry passengers, and the pilot was unqualified to fly at night. The incident caused international shock and prompted changes in safety procedures for private flights of players.

Speed Claims the Life of José Antonio Reyes

In June 2019, Spain's national team and clubs across Europe lost a prominent star, José Antonio Reyes, former player for Real Madrid, Arsenal, and Sevilla, due to a car accident in southern Spain.

It was later revealed he was driving at a speed exceeding 220 km/h, which led to one of the tires blowing out and the car catching fire. Reyes died instantly, mourned by football players worldwide, especially his former teammates at Arsenal and Sevilla.

Heart Attacks on the Field

Three players died during matches due to sudden heart attacks:

Antonio Puerta, a Sevilla player, collapsed during a match against Getafe in August 2007 and was transported to the hospital, but he fell into a coma due to multiple organ failures and died three days later.

Marc-Vivien Foé, former Cameroon and Manchester City player, collapsed in June 2003 during a semi-final match of the Confederations Cup against Colombia. Despite resuscitation attempts, he died at the age of 28.

Miklós Fáthy, a Hungarian player for Benfica, died in January 2004 after collapsing during a match against Vitória de Guimarães. He smiled at the referee before suddenly collapsing in front of his teammates, creating a tragic and unforgettable moment in the history of Portuguese football.

Davy Cooper: Sudden Bleeding Leads to Death

In March 1995, Scottish star Davy Cooper died from a severe brain hemorrhage while filming a children's football program. He was still an active player at Cowdenbeath and suddenly collapsed during the shoot, and all rescue attempts were futile.

Choi Yong-hwan in the Air Disaster

South Korean national team player Choi Yong-hwan died in June 1999 during the crash of a Korean Air plane after participating in an international match. The incident killed all passengers onboard, including team members.