Nassur Bacem, a 27-year-old footballer playing for LGC Moncarapachense in Portugal's fourth division, died after collapsing during a match on Wednesday evening. The left-back suffered a cardiac arrest in the 27th minute of a third-round Algarve Cup fixture against Imortal DC at the Municipal Stadium of Olhao in Algarve.
Medical staff from both teams, along with a club medic, attempted to resuscitate Bacem before emergency services arrived. Despite their efforts, he was pronounced dead at the scene. The club confirmed his death on Instagram late Wednesday, expressing profound sadness and dismay.
In a statement, the club said: 'It is with profound sadness and great dismay that the Lusitano Ginasio Clube Moncarapachense informs of the passing of our athlete Nassur Bacem, 27 years old, who died today during the 3rd round match of the Algarve Cup against Imortal. The athlete collapsed lifeless on the field, having gone into cardiac arrest.'
Bacem, a former SC Braga youth player of Angolan heritage, was born in Aveiro. The club added: 'Nassur leaves too soon, leaving an immense void in our club and in all those who were close to him, both on and off the field. He was an athlete, a colleague, and a person who will always be part of our family.'
Club president Nemesio Martins said: 'There are no words, it is a very difficult moment for everyone, we deeply regret what happened to our player Nassur Bacem. It was something sudden; there was no time for anything.'
