Football Star Tragically Found Dead After ‘Drowning’ During Swim With His Girlfriend
- Jeferson Merli, a 27-year-old Brazilian goalkeeper for GD Caldelas in Portugal, has tragically drowned while swimming in the Homem River
- Originally from Vista Alegre do Alto, he moved abroad in 2019, playing for clubs in Brazil, Spain, and Portugal
- His club honoured him with a heartfelt tribute following his untimely death, while fans have continued to pay tributes
GD Caldelas of Portugal goalkeeper Jeferson Merli has passed away, having drowned during swimming with his girlfriend in the Homem River, Terras de Bouro.
It was gathered that the 27-year-old vanished under the water around 6 pm on Saturday, as his girlfriend alerted emergency responders.
His body was not recovered until about 9.30 pm. He was a resident of Braga, which is about 40 minutes from the river. Merli was remembered with a heartfelt tribute from his club.
Source: Twitter
GD Caldelas said in a statement on Facebook:
"Jeferson, who had recently renewed his contract with our club, leaves us not only his dedication on the pitch, but also the friendship, professionalism, and team spirit that always defined him.
"In this moment of grief, GD Caldelas expresses its solidarity and extends heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and all those who had the privilege of knowing him. Our club will never forget his commitment and the mark he left on all of us.
"Rest in peace, Jeferson."
Reports via Daily Mail have it that Jeferson Merli was originally from Vista Alegre do Alto in São Paulo, Brazil.
He moved abroad in 2019 to join Uniao in Mato Grosso do Sul. He later played for clubs in Spain and Portugal, signing with GD Caldelas in 2024.
Meanwhile, tributes have continued to pour in for the late player, with clubs, teammates and friends sending their condolence messages.
Associacao Desportiva de Arvore Forcas Seguranca Unidas posted:
"The management of Associacaco Desportiva de AArvore Forccas Segurancca Unidas expresses its deep sorrow for the death of your athlete.
"We send our deepest condolences to the entire G.D. de Caldelas universe, especially to the player's family and friends.
"In this time of pain and sorrow, we wish much strength to all those who suffer this irreparable loss. We stand with you. With respect and friendship. ADAFSU.
Pedro Araujo said:
"Such a tragic news! My condolences to all the family, friends and to the entire family of Grupo Sports de Caldelas. May he rest in peace."
Carlos Andre Guimaraes added:
"On my personal name and as President of Soarense Sport Club I leave here a strong hug to all the Caldelas family and even stronger to all his Family. My deepest condolences to all."
Vilaverdense FC posted:
"The Vilaverdense FC institution wants to send its condolences to the entire family and friends of Jefferson and the Caldelas institution. Football is much more than a game."
Source: Twitter
Ex-player dies in car crash
Legit.ng earlier reported that fans have continued to pay tributes to Northern Irish footballer Aaron Moffett, who died after a serious road traffic accident last month.
The 38-year-old from Knocknamuckley, County Armagh, was said to have suffered critical injuries as he remained in hospital until his passing.
Source: Legit.ng
