A tragic incident unfolded in Brazilian futsal on September 2nd, when goalkeeper Antonio Edson dos Santos Sousa, 34, collapsed and later died after making a crucial chest save during a penalty shootout. The unfortunate event occurred during a local tournament held in Augusto Correa, Para state, Brazil, which was organized to celebrate Brazil’s Independence Day.
Sousa, who was playing for the Sind Motos team, reportedly used his chest to block a powerful penalty kick from an opposing player. According to available video footage, after successfully parrying the shot, Sousa initially walked forward to celebrate the save with his teammates, raising his hand in triumph. However, moments later, he suddenly fainted and fell into the arms of a teammate.
Emergency services on the scene provided immediate medical assistance, and Sousa was swiftly transported to a nearby hospital. Despite prompt efforts to revive him, medical personnel were unable to save the goalkeeper’s life. The Para State Futsal Federation (Para Futsal) released a statement via Instagram, expressing profound sorrow over the passing of Antonio Edson dos Santos Sousa. The federation extended its deepest condolences to his family, friends, and the broader sporting community, acknowledging his dedication and spirit as an athlete.
In the aftermath of the tragedy, local media reported that authorities decided to suspend all scheduled matches for the following day as a mark of respect for Sousa. While an official cause of death has yet to be formally confirmed, experts have suggested that the intense impact of the penalty shot directly to Sousa’s chest could have severely affected his heart rhythm, potentially leading to an immediate cardiac arrest.
