Tragedy in French Football: 14-Year-Old Ousmane Diaby Dies After Cardiac Arrest

• The football world is mourning the heartbreaking loss of 14-year-old Senegalese midfielder Ousmane Diaby
• Ousmane Diaby was more than just a promising midfielder; he was a beloved figure at AS Jeunesse Aubervilliers
• Following the tragic death, AS Jeunesse Aubervilliers launched a fundraiser to help cover funeral and repatriation costs to Senegal

French football is grieving the heartbreaking death of 14-year-old Ousmane Diaby, a Senegalese midfielder, who tragically passed away after suffering a cardiac arrest during a youth match last weekend.

Diaby, who was part of the French lower-division club AS Jeunesse Aubervilliers, collapsed while playing in Auxerre and was subsequently airlifted to a hospital in Dijon.

Despite being under intensive care for several days, he sadly passed away on Wednesday morning, putting African soccer in a new mourning state after the recent death of Aaron Boupendza.

A rising star gone too soon

AS Jeunesse Aubervilliers issued a statement confirming the tragic news, expressing the deep sorrow felt throughout the football community.

“It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our dear Ousmane Diaby. After several days of fighting, Ousmane took his last breath this Wednesday.” the club said.

Known for his talent, dedication, and infectious spirit, Diaby was much more than just a promising footballer.

The club described him as having "a big heart," always assisting his teammates on the field, coaching younger players, and providing daily support to his mother.

“He always had a smile. He will never be forgotten,” the statement added.

Community rallies in support

Following Diaby's passing, AS Jeunesse Aubervilliers has initiated a fundraiser to help cover funeral costs and repatriate his body to Senegal.

The response has been quick and heartfelt, with nearly €10,000 raised by midday.

This outpouring of support underscores the strong sense of community that football brings, even during moments of deep sadness.

Philippe Diallo, president of the French Football Federation, offered his condolences to Diaby’s family, friends, and club, acknowledging the far-reaching effect of the young player's passing.

Sudden cardiac death in sport

The tragic passing of Diaby has once again brought attention to the rare yet devastating occurrence of sudden cardiac death (SCD) in athletes.

Research indicates that approximately 1 in every 40,000 to 80,000 athletes are affected by SCD annually, with risks varying based on the sport and level of competition.

Football, in particular, has seen its share of heart-wrenching cases. A study linked to FIFA recorded 617 instances of sudden cardiac arrest or unexplained death during or shortly after matches between 2014 and 2018.

Many of these deaths were attributed to undiagnosed heart conditions, including hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, congenital heart defects, or commotio cordis.

While younger athletes under 35 often suffer from genetic or structural heart problems, older athletes are typically affected by coronary artery disease.

This risk emphasizes the critical need for thorough medical screenings and heart evaluations, particularly for young athletes entering competitive sports.

The death of Ousmane Diaby serves as a heartbreaking reminder of the vulnerability of life, even for those who appear healthy.

As tributes pour in and the football community unites in support of his family, Diaby's story underscores the pressing need for sports organizations, clubs, and federations to prioritize heart health checks and ensure emergency protocols are in place.

Although Ousmane Diaby is no longer with us, his memory will continue to inspire change and remind us of the importance of safeguarding the well-being of young athletes on and off the field.

Aaron Boupendza's death in China

YEN.com.gh earlier reported the sad demise of Gabon international footballer, Aaron Boupendza in China on April 16 this year.

The late attacker, who played against Ghana at the 2021 AFCON in Cameroon, reportedly fell from the 11th of his appartment in a devastating loss to both Gabon and African soccer.

Source: YEN.com.gh