Tears as 16 year-old star attacker who collapsed on the pitch dies (photos)

- A teenage footballer Izzy Dezu has died in a Dublin hospital after passing out in the pitch during a match

- Dezu before his sad death played for the Academy U16 team of Shelbourne FC

- Top team in the division has taken to social media to pay tribute to the young lad

Izzy Dezu, a promising teenage footballer has been confirmed dead in a Dublin hospital after collapsing on the pitch during a match yesterday night, December 12.

Shelbourne FC while reacting to the sad news posted a statement which reads: “We are heartbroken to have to confirm the news that our Academy U16 player, Izzy Dezu, collapsed and died during a match last night.

Teenage footballer Izzy Dezu dies in hospital after collapsing during match

“The thoughts of everyone at Shelbourne FC are with his family and friends who have been devastated by his tragic loss.

“May he rest in peace.”

Dezu, 16, collapsed during a Dublin and District Schoolboys match against St Kevin’s Boys.

NAIJ.com understand he was treated pitchside by paramedics before being taken to hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Izzy Dezu and teammates during a training match (photo: Izzy Dezu Facebook)

The announcement of the teenager’s sudden death prompted an outpouring of tributes and sympathies online.

Fellow Irish side, Derry City FC, said: “Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family, friends and everyone.”

St Kevin’s Boys, the team Dezu had been playing, added: “We at St Kevin’s Boys FC would like to pass on our condolences to the family, friends and everybody at Shelbourne Football Club after their young academy player Izzy Dezu collapsed and died in a game last night.

“Very sad news. Rest in peace young man.”

Izzy Dezu(L) and a teammate

The Athletic Union League Dublin added: “Everyone at the Athletic Union League would like to send our deepest sympathies to the family, team mates & friends of Izzy Dezu from Shelbourne FC Youth Academy Under 16s who sadly passed away after he collapsed playing against St Kevin’s Boys FC in the Dublin and District Schoolboys League match which was played at the AUL Complex last night.

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“Our thoughts and prayers are with the Dezu family at this sad time, May he rest in peace.”

Former Republic of Ireland keeper Shay Given tweeted to Shelbourne: “Thoughts and prayers with Izzy’s family friends and all.”

NAIJ.com reported earlier that Cameroonian football has been hit with a blow following the death of former international defender Benjamin Massing who died aged 55.

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