A 26-year-old footballer died from a heart attack minutes before he was set to play in a match.
Dad-of-one, Gabriel Protásio, was found unconscious by a teammate at their club’s accommodation on Sunday (16 Feb) morning.
The midfielder, who wore the nickname “Popó” on the back of his shirt, was treated at the scene.
READ MORE: Teen singer dies of meningitis after falling into coma for two weeks
He was then taken to a local hospital, but medics were unable to save his life.
His death was confirmed at 9:47 am, just minutes before his team was due to kick off.
Popó’s club, XV de Jaú, was set to play against União Suzano at 10am, at the Zezinho Magalhães Stadium in Jaú, Brazil.
The match, which was part of the first phase of the Campeonato Paulista Série A3, was postponed due to the tragedy.
XV de Jaú said in a statement: “Nothing prepares us for farewells like this.
“Popó left us too soon, but his joy, his talent, and his passion for football will remain alive in each of us.
“Popó, we will play, we will wear this jersey, and we will come back stronger for you!”
Popó was from São José do Ribamar, nearly 1,400 miles from Jaú as the crow flies.
He was signed by XV de Jaú at the start of this year, as reported by Need To Know.
Since his arrival in Jaú, he had been living at the club’s accommodation.
He leaves behind a four-year-old daughter.
The Institute of Forensic Medicine confirmed on Monday (17 Feb) that Popó had died from an acute myocardial infarction.
He will be laid to rest in his hometown.
READ MORE: Ex-cop confesses to butchering wife and dumping body parts across holiday aisle
