Remembering 13 African Footballers Who Tragically Died In 2024

As the beautiful game of football brings joy and excitement to millions around the world, it also reminds us of the fragility of life.

From cardiac arrests, sudden illnesses, to tragic accidents, we remember African footballers whose lives were tragically cut short in 2024.

Luke Fleurs (South Africa)

Fleurs passed away after being shot at a petrol station during a hijacking incident in Johannesburg on April 3rd, 2024.

The 24-year-old Kaizer Chiefs defender was approached by gunmen while waiting to be attended to, and was ordered to get out of his vehicle before being shot on his upper body.

Fleusrs was taken to hospital where he later succumbed to his injuries.

Ahmed Refaat (Egypt)

Refaat was placed in an induced coma for nine days after suddenly collapsing during an Egyptian Premier League match on March 11.

Subsequently, the ex-Zamalek player gave an interview about his health concerns and confirmed that he would not be able to play football again.

Refaat represented Egypt at youth and senior level, and was part of Egypt’s winning squad of the 2013 African U-20 Championship held in Algeria.

He died at aged 31 on the morning of July 6th due to heart attack and sudden cardiac arrest.

Paul Julius Goewam (Nigeria)

On Tuesday, August 20, Goewam was driving on the Paralimni-Protaras road in Cyprus when his car collided with a vehicle travelling in the opposite direction around 6:30 a.m.

The Plateau State-born striker had only joined Cypriot club Enosis Neon Paralimni three weeks ago from El Gaish in Egypt. 

He was 20 years old.

Sol Bamba (Côte d’Ivoire)

Bamba’s career began in 2004 with Paris Saint-Germain, before a 5-year stint at Scottish clubs Dunfermline Athletic and Hibernian. 

He went on to play for Palermo, Trabzonspor, and several English clubs including Leeds United, Leicester City, Cardiff and Middlesbrough.

The Ivorian made 46 appearances for his country, representing the Elephants at the 2008 Olympics and in the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations.

While at Cardiff, Bamba was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin lymphoma in 2021 but was declared cancer-free after chemotherapy. He then went on to coach, first as assistant manager at Cardiff before taking up the post of technical director at Turkish side, Adanaspor.

On 30 August 2024, Bamba fell ill after a game and was rushed to the hospital. He died the following day at the age of 39. 

Justin Shonga (Zambia)

Shonga came into prominence in late 2017 after signing with South African side Orlando Pirates from his native town in Nkwazi, Zambia.  

His impact for The Sea Robbers was decent, as he bagged 10 goals and provided nine assists in 56 Premier Soccer League (PSL) matches. 

Shonga also had stints abroad with clubs in Egypt, Georgia, and Saudi Arabia, where he joined second division side Najran SC in February this year. 

He died in Lusaka on June 30 at the age of 27 after battling a short, undisclosed illness.

Landry Nguemo (Cameroon)

At 15, Nguémo was spotted in Yaoundé by scouts of Nancy and was promptly invited to France where he had trials before signing for the club.

He gained cult-hero status after spending six years with the French side, winning the League Cup in 2006 before moving permanently to Bordeaux in 2011.

Nguémo also played in the Cameroon national team from 2006 until 2014, including at the 2010 and 2014 World Cups. 

He retired from football in 2020, and died during a traffic collision on the night of June 26, 2024.

Chavuma Town Council FC (Zambia)

Zambian football was plunged into mourning after seven players from Chavuma Town Council FC lost their lives in a fatal road accident on October 27.

The team was en route to a North Western Province Division One League match when their Toyota Hiace bus overturned, leaving the entire nation in shock.

Twelve more people were injured in the tragedy, five of whom were immediately taken to Lusaka for medical treatment.

As we bid farewell to these talented African footballers, we take comfort in the knowledge that their legacies will continue to inspire and motivate generations to come.

Their memories will live on in our hearts, and their contributions to the beautiful game will never be forgotten.

May their souls and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God rest in peace.

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