Tragic Loss in Portuguese Football as Young Player Collapses During Match
The football community is in mourning following the sudden death of a young player during a competitive match in Portugal. Nassur Bacem, aged just 27, collapsed on the pitch and later passed away after suffering a cardiac arrest.
Emergency Response Fails to Save Young Athlete
The tragedy unfolded during the 27th minute of a third-round Algarve Cup match between LGC Moncarapachense and Imortal DC at the Municipal Stadium of Olhao in the Algarve region. Bacem, who played as a left-back for his team, collapsed suddenly during the game.
Medical staff from both teams immediately rushed to his aid, joined by the club's own doctor and physiotherapist. Despite their prompt intervention and the subsequent arrival of emergency services from the INEM Institute of Medical Emergency, all resuscitation attempts proved unsuccessful. The young footballer was pronounced dead at the scene.
Club Pays Heartfelt Tribute to Their Player
LGC Moncarapachense, which competes in Portugal's fourth division, confirmed the devastating news in an emotional statement released on Instagram late on Wednesday night. The club shared a photograph of Bacem wearing their kit alongside their tribute.
"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," the statement began. "The athlete collapsed lifeless on the field, having gone into cardiac arrest."
The club described Bacem as an athlete, colleague, and person who will always be part of our family, noting that his passing leaves "an immense void in our club and in all those who were close to him, both on and off the field."
Remembering Nassur Bacem's Football Journey
Bacem was a former youth player at SC Braga and was of Angolan heritage, having been born in the Portuguese coastal city of Aveiro. His club released a separate statement honouring his memory and character.
"Nassur leaves too soon," the tribute continued. "To the family, friends, and loved ones, we extend our deepest condolences in this moment of profound sorrow."
The club appealed for unity and strength among its members during what they described as a very difficult moment that will forever be marked in our history.
Club President Expresses Shock and Grief
LGC Moncarapachense president Nemesio Martins struggled to find words to express the club's collective grief. "There are no words, it is a very difficult moment for everyone," he said. "We deeply regret what happened to our player Nassur Bacem. It was something sudden; there was no time for anything."
On Thursday, the club shared a collage of images showing Bacem playing for the team, accompanied by another poignant message: "Today are the moments. The memories stay. It stays the story."
The tribute continued: "These images keep some of the moments that Nassur Bacem lived in the service of the Lusitano Gym Club Moncarapachense - the dedication, the passion, the smile, the fight inside the field. Gone too soon, but will forever leave his mark on this club and on all those who shared the beach, the lawn and life with him."
The club concluded with a promise that Nassur will always be part of the history and the family of LGC Moncarapachense, adding: "He will never be forgotten. See you soon."
The football world now joins the club in mourning the loss of a young talent whose life was tragically cut short during the game he loved.
