10 Athletes Who Died While Playing: Shocking On-Field Losses

Category: Football

By Aniket Kuila | July 05,2025

Marc-Vivien Foe (Football)

He suffered cardiac arrest with spectators on the pitch during a Cameroon contest in 2003.

(Image: Reddit)

Miklos Feher (Football)

The Hungarian player died on the field in 2004 from a heart attack in a Portuguese league game.

(Image: Legit.ng)

Antonio Puerta (Football)

The Spanish player was taken ill and collapsed on the ground during a match in 2007 and died after a few days of illness caused by heart problems.

(Image: Jot Down Sport)

Patrick Ekeng (Football)

The Cameroonian midfielder collapsed during the Romanian league game in 2016 and died from a heart condition.

(Image: The Straits Times)

Phil O'Donnell (Football)

Motherwell captain collapsed and died from heart failure during a Scottish league game in 2007.

(Image: The Herald)

Piermario Morosini (Football)

The Italian player died on the pitch in 2012 during a Series B game from a heart attack.

(Image: NRC)

Hank Gathers (Basketball)

A college basketball star who collapsed and died on the court in 1990 from a heart muscle disorder.

(Image: Forbes)

Reggie Lewis (Basketball)

The NBA All-Star with the Boston Celtics collapsed and died during an offseason practice in 1993 from a heart defect.

(Image: The New York Times)

Samuel Okwaraji (Football)

Nigerian midfielder collapsed and died on the field during a World Cup qualifier in 1989.

(Image: Daily Post Nigeria)

Cristiano Junior (Football)

The Brazilian was tackled by a goalkeeper and died on the pitch while playing in 2004.

(Image: Hindustan Times)

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