Former Footballer Found Dead After Disappearance as Club Issues Emotional Tribute
- A former Italian defender was found dead in a forest after being reported missing, with authorities launching an investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death
- The 38-year-old enjoyed an 11-year professional career, including a spell in Serie A with Novara, and later moved into coaching before joining the Provincial Police of Ravenna
- His body was located through mobile phone tracking in Lido Adriano, while former club Forlì paid an emotional tribute to their ex-fullback
A former Italian footballer has been found dead in mysterious circumstances after suddenly going missing.
Christian Jidayi, 38, was discovered in a forest by police investigating his disappearance, with a probe into his tragic death now ongoing.
Source: Getty Images
Jidayi spent 11 years playing professionally in Italy, including a short spell in Serie A with Novara during the 2011–12 season. A dependable right-back, he also represented Cesena, Pro Patria and Forlì.
He would have turned 39 on March 3. His journey in Italian football began with Cesena’s U19 side in 2005, and across his career, primarily as a right-back, he scored 10 goals.
At his peak, he made five appearances for Cesena in the 2007–08 Serie B campaign and featured once for Novara in the 2009–10 Coppa Italia.
After retiring in 2017, he transitioned into coaching, serving as assistant manager of San Marino Calcio from 2017 to 2019 and taking charge of one match as head coach in 2019.
Following his time in football, he joined the police force in Ravenna and, last July, passed an exam that officially confirmed his position with the Provincial Police of Ravenna.
He was reported missing after failing to show up for work on Tuesday. Concerned colleagues contacted his family, who promptly filed a missing persons report.
Source: Twitter
Police later found his body in a pine forest in Lido Adriano, near Ravenna, around midnight that same day. The location was identified through mobile phone tracking.
Authorities have not yet disclosed a cause of death as investigations into his disappearance and shocking passing continue.
Forlì, where Jidayi spent much of his playing career, paid tribute to their former full-back, saying:
“We send our heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones at this time of great grief.”
Source: YEN.com.gh
