A promising footballer has died aged 22 after suffering a sudden heart attack.
Bruno Bentancor passed away following a cardiorespiratory arrest in the early hours of Wednesday morning (22 Jul).
The forward was known affectionately as ‘Bola’ to teammates and fans.
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His club Deportivo Italiano, which competes in the third tier of Uruguayan football, confirmed the devastating news on social media.
A spokesperson said: “Our player, yes, our player, Bruno Bentancor, has just passed away.
“Bola, you will live on in every goal shout, in every embrace, and in every heart of this club.”
The Uruguayan striker had recently returned home after a trial at Argentine side Deportivo Riestra.
He was not offered a permanent deal despite showing brief flashes of quality in training.
Security cameras had earlier captured him allegedly removing sportswear belonging to other players at the Riestra complex.
The matter was settled privately after he paid for the items and the club chose not to press charges.
Bruno began his career at second-division side Fénix before joining Peñarol’s youth ranks.
He made his first-team debut for the top-tier club in 2023 at the age of 18 and went on to play 14 matches.
Loan spells followed at Everton in Chile, where he scored his only professional goal, plus Rentistas and Cerro.
A short and difficult stint at Al Ain in the United Arab Emirates came next after a chaotic journey that he documented in a viral TikTok video.
He briefly linked up with Cerrito in the Uruguayan second division before joining Deportivo Italiano, as reported by Need To Know.
Before his sudden death, he played four games for the Montevideo side and scored two goals.
Peñarol led the tributes, saying: “We deeply regret the death of Bruno Bentancor, who defended our colours in the 2023 season as part of the title-winning squad.
“Our deepest condolences to his family, friends and Deportivo Italiano.”
Everton of Chile, Cerro, Montevideo City Torque and the Uruguayan players’ union also issued statements of sympathy.
Former teammate Ignacio Sosa posted a childhood photo and wrote: “Anyone who knew you knows the heart you had and what a good person you always were.”
Bruno’s sudden death has left the football community in mourning.
Initial information indicates he had no known previous heart problems and no prior warning episodes.
In his identity document, his surname was written Bentancor but he stated it was really Betancor.
The authorities, who currently regard the death as sudden and unexplained, are looking into what could have triggered the heart failure.
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