16-Year-Old Goalkeeper Dies After Saving Penalty with His Chest

A 16-year-old goalkeeper has died after saving a penalty with his chest.

The teen was training with his local amateur team when tragedy struck.

While practising penalties, Edson Lopes was hit in the chest by the ball.

A video shows the young goalie collapsing to the grass in pain immediately after making the save.

The training session took place in the rural municipality of Maués in Amazonas State, Brazil.

Witnesses took the boy to hospital in a car but the journey from the rural area was very complicated and reportedly took 11 hours.

Lopes was declared dead on arrival.

His family said they were shocked by his death as he had no history of heart disease and always played sports daily.

His brother Eliomar wrote on social media: “Today you touched all of Brazil, I never imagined it could be like this.

“You were a dedicated tournament player and a child who was never sad, always happy.

“My brother, we are sorry to see you go, but you left doing what you loved most, playing football.”

The teen died on 5 January but a video of the penalty save went viral on social media this week.

One local commented: “May God comfort the hearts of your family and friends. He is watching over you all.”

Lucia said: “This boy was loved by all.”