The football world is mourning the loss of 18-year-old Chinese youth footballer Guo Jiaxuan, who tragically passed away after suffering a severe head injury during training in Spain.
Guo, a rising talent from Beijing Guoan’s U-19 team, slipped into a coma last month following an accident during a training match against Spanish side RC Alcobendas in Madrid. After being declared brain dead in Spain, he was transferred back to China for further medical care at Beijing Tiantan Hospital, where he sadly passed away on Wednesday evening—just a day before his 19th birthday.
“We’ve lost a child who loved football. May Jiaxuan rest in peace,” Beijing Guoan said in a heartfelt statement, promising to support his family in this difficult time.
Guo, who had been part of China’s U-17 squad in 2023 and was once selected for the prestigious FC Bayern World Squad, was widely regarded as a promising footballer with a bright future. His family, however, has raised concerns about the lack of transparency surrounding the incident, demanding footage of the match and details of his medical care.
The Beijing Football Association has since obtained video footage of the game and assured that experts are analyzing the events that led to Guo’s fatal injury.
His brother, who had previously expressed hope for a miracle, posted a heartbreaking tribute: “He’ll forever be frozen on the last day of his 18th year.”
Guo’s passing is a tragic reminder of the risks athletes face, and his loss is deeply felt across the football community.
