Footballer dies from Heart Attack Just Minutes Before Match

26-year-old footballer Gabriel Protásio tragically passed away from a heart attack just minutes before he was set to play in a match.  

Reports indicate that the father of one was found unconscious by his teammates in their club accommodation on the morning of February 10th. 

He was immediately rushed to a local hospital, but despite doctors’ efforts, they were unable to save him. Gabriel was pronounced dead at 9:47 a.m., just minutes before his team, XV de Jaú, was scheduled to face União Suzano at Zezinho Magalhães Stadium in Jaú, Brazil, at 10 a.m.  

Following the heartbreaking news, the match—which was part of the first phase of the Campeonato Paulista Série A3—was postponed.  

His club, XV de Jaú, later released a statement expressing their sorrow over his untimely passing.

It reads: “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!”