Tragedy Strikes as Young Footballer Guo Jiaxuan Dies After Training Injury

An 18-year-old Chinese footballer, Guo Jiaxuan, has sadly passed away after suffering a serious head injury during a training match in Spain. His death has raised concerns about player safety, especially for young athletes.

Guo, who played for Beijing Guoan’s U-19 team, was injured on February 6, 2025, during a friendly game against Spanish side RC Alcobendas in Madrid. He was hit in the head by an opposing player’s knee, causing a severe brain injury known as a subarachnoid hemorrhage—a type of stroke caused by bleeding in the brain.

He was rushed to a hospital in Madrid, where doctors confirmed he had lost all brain function. After being declared brain dead, Guo was flown back to Beijing. He remained in a coma until he sadly passed away on March 19, 2025—just one day before his 19th birthday.

Guo’s family is heartbroken and seeking answers about the circumstances of his injury. They have accused the Beijing Football Association (BFA) of not providing proper medical support and insurance following the accident. The BFA has faced criticism for not sharing information about the incident immediately but later promised to review video footage of the match to understand what happened.

Beijing Guoan expressed deep sadness at the loss of one of their young players, saying, “We have lost a child who loved football. May Jiaxuan rest in peace.” FC Bayern Munich, where Guo had previously trained as part of their World Squad programme, also offered condolences, saying, “FC Bayern is mourning the passing of Guo Jiaxuan. Our thoughts are with his family and friends.”

Tributes have poured in on social media from fans and athletes, mourning the loss of a talented young player. Many have called for better safety rules in football, especially when it comes to dealing with head injuries.

Experts are now urging football associations to improve how injuries are handled, calling for faster medical response, better training for coaches, and more safety equipment to protect young players.

Guo Jiaxuan’s tragic death is a sad reminder of the risks in football and the need to protect the game’s youngest talents.