A promising Chinese youth footballer, Guo Jiaxuan, has tragically passed away after suffering a serious head injury during a training session in Spain, his club confirmed on Thursday.

Guo, who played for the U-19 team of top-tier Beijing Guoan, fell into a coma last month following an accident during a match between the Beijing men’s U-20 team and Spanish club RC Alcobendas in Madrid.

Initially declared “brain dead” by a local hospital, he was later transferred to China for further treatment at Beijing Tiantan Hospital. Sadly, he succumbed to his injuries on Wednesday evening, just a day before his 19th birthday.

Club and Family React to Tragic Loss

“We’ve lost a child who loves football. May Jiaxuan rest in peace!” Beijing Guoan said in a heartfelt social media statement.

The club also assured that it would continue to provide full support to Guo’s family while handling the aftermath of his untimely passing.

His brother, deeply affected by the loss, posted a black-and-white photo of Guo on social media with the caption: “He’ll forever be frozen on the last day of his 18th year.”

A Rising Football Star

Guo was a highly talented player who had been selected for China’s U-17 team in 2023. He was also part of the prestigious FC Bayern World Squad project, a talent development initiative by German football giants Bayern Munich.

Controversy Surrounding the Incident

The circumstances surrounding Guo’s fatal injury remain unclear. His family has accused the Beijing Football Association (BFA) of withholding crucial information about the incident and failing to communicate effectively with them.

They have demanded access to video footage of the match, details of his medical treatment before hospitalization, and clarification on his insurance coverage.

On Tuesday, Guo’s brother voiced the family’s concerns on social media, stating: “We just want the truth and justice.”

Beijing Football Association’s Response

In an online statement released Thursday, the BFA explained its reluctance to disclose details earlier, citing concerns about medical privacy and interference with Guo’s treatment.

“We have made every effort to coordinate medical resources for his treatment and to support his family as much as possible,” the BFA stated.

The association also confirmed that it had obtained footage of the match and had assembled a team of experts to analyze it.

A Devastating Loss for Football

Guo Jiaxuan’s tragic passing has sent shockwaves through the football community, raising questions about player safety and emergency response protocols in youth football. His death highlights the need for improved safety measures to protect young athletes from life-threatening injuries.