Belgian goalkeeper, Arne Espeel, 25, passed away after collapsing on Saturday while competing for an amateur team, Winkel Sport B.
Espeel appeared to be having a medical emergency when he fell to the ground, according to Reuters, citing local media outlets. He had just saved a penalty.
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In the second half of their match against Westrozebeke, Winkel Sport B, who competed in the second provincial division of West Brabant in Belgium, led 2-1.
After he saved the kick, he dropped to the ground.
The athlete was declared dead shortly after getting to the hospital, even though emergency services raced to the scene and tried to revive him.
The cause of Espeel's death is not yet been determined. An autopsy was scheduled for Monday.
“This is a disaster and a shock to everyone,” Winkel sporting director Patrick Rotsaert said, according to Nieuwsblad.
“Arne had been with the club all his life and was very loved. He was a wonderfully sympathetic boy, always in a good mood and ready to help. This is really a heavy blow. First of all for his family and also our whole club.”
The match was held at the club's home field in West Flanders Province's Sint-Eloois-Winkel.
The Daily Mail reports that relatives and friends gathered at the field to place wreaths and flowers in the goal where Espeel collapsed. The teammates of Espeel were also present at the ceremony.
The Belgian team also released a statement following the tragedy:
"Winkel Sport is in very deep mourning at the sudden passing of goalkeeper Arne Espeel."
"We wish Arne's family and friends our heartfelt condolences at this heavy loss. Football is taking a back seat for some time."
Winkel Sport B assistant, Stefaan Dewerchin, added, according to Daily mail;
'The ball was still in play. Our goalkeeper got up as fast as possible to receive the ball, but then he fell.
Sports B's assistant described how hard it was to watch, and the news of the goalkeeper's death was a lot for everyone.
Winkel Sport B, a team from West Brabant in Belgium's second provincial division, had a 2-1 lead over Westrozebeke at the time of the tragedy.
One thousand mourners participated in a walk of silence in Sint-Eloois-Winkel on Monday, including members of Espeel's family and teammates.
Since the unfortunate incident, online users have paid tribute to the goalkeeper.
