Chinese youth footballer Guo Jiaxuan passes away after training injury in Spain

Chinese footballer Guo Jiaxuan, a promising young talent, has passed away following a serious head injury sustained during training in Spain, his club confirmed on Thursday.

The 19-year-old suffered the injury last month during a training match between the Beijing men’s U-20 team and Spanish side RC Alcobendas in Madrid. After falling into a coma, he was declared brain dead by a local hospital before being transferred to Beijing Tiantan Hospital for further care.

His club, Beijing Guoan, announced his passing in a social media post, stating, “We’ve lost a child who loves football. May Jiaxuan rest in peace!” The club also assured that they would support his family and handle all necessary arrangements.

Guo had been a standout player, previously selected for China’s U-17 national team in 2023 and participating in the FC Bayern World Squad project, an initiative by Germany’s top club to develop global football talent.

His brother shared a touching tribute on social media, posting a black-and-white image of Guo with the caption, “He’ll forever be frozen on the last day of his 18th year.”