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French club AS Jeunesse Aubervilliers has confirmed the death of 14-year-old Senegalese player Ousmane Diaby, who suffered a cardiac arrest during a youth match in Auxerre last weekend.
Diaby collapsed on the pitch and was airlifted to a hospital in Dijon. Despite days of treatment, he passed away on Wednesday morning.
“It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our dear Ousmane Diaby,” the club said in a statement. “After several days of fighting, Ousmane took his last breath this Wednesday.”
The club has launched a fundraiser to help cover funeral and repatriation costs. By midday, nearly €10,000 had already been raised.
“Ousmane had a huge heart and was always ready to help,” the club added. “He supported his mother daily, helped coach the younger teams, and always had a smile. He will never be forgotten.”
Philippe Diallo, president of the French Football Federation, shared his condolences with the family and the club.
Sudden cardiac death in sport
Sudden cardiac death (SCD) among athletes remains a rare but serious concern in the world of sport.
According to studies, SCD affects approximately 1 in every 40,000 to 80,000 athletes each year. The risk varies by sport and level of competition, with male NCAA Division I basketball players facing a higher estimated rate of 1 in 3,000 annually.
In football, a FIFA-linked study recorded 617 cases of sudden cardiac arrest or unexplained death during or shortly after matches between 2014 and 2018. Many of these incidents were linked to undiagnosed heart conditions, most commonly coronary heart disease.
Among athletes under 35, causes of SCD often include hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, commotio cordis, and congenital heart defects. For those over 35, the leading cause is typically coronary artery disease.
Medical experts continue to stress the need for thorough cardiac screening and emergency plans during training and matches to reduce the risks of sudden cardiac events in sport.
