A promising Chinese youth footballer, Guo Jiaxuan, has tragically passed away after suffering a severe head injury during a training session in Spain. The 18-year-old defender, who played for the U-19 team of top-tier Beijing Guoan, fell into a coma last month after an accident during a training match between the Beijing men’s U-20 team and Spanish side RC Alcobendas in Madrid.
Guo was declared “brain dead” by a local hospital before being transferred to China, where he received further care at Beijing Tiantan Hospital. Unfortunately, he passed away on Wednesday evening, just a day short of his 19th birthday.
A Bright Future Cut Short
Guo’s death has sent shockwaves through the football community, with his club paying tribute to the young player. “We’ve lost a child who loves football. May Jiaxuan rest in peace!” the club said in a social media post. Guo was selected for China’s U-17 team in 2023 and was once part of the FC Bayern World Squad project run by Germany’s largest club.
Family Demands Answers
Guo’s family has accused the Beijing Football Association of withholding information about the incident and failing to communicate with them. They have demanded video footage of the match, details on Guo’s medical treatment before he reached hospital, and information about his insurance. The family has stated that they “just want the truth and justice.”
Investigation Underway
The Beijing FA has responded to the family’s demands, stating that they had refrained from disclosing information to avoid interfering with medical work and to respect the family’s feelings. They have now obtained video footage of the match and organized experts to analyze it. The association claims to have made every effort to coordinate medical resources for Guo’s treatment and meet the needs of his family.
The incident has raised questions about player safety and the responsibility of football associations to ensure that players receive proper medical care in the event of an injury. As the investigation into Guo’s death continues, the football community mourns the loss of a talented young player.