Footballer from Ghana dies following collapse during game in Albania

Tragically, 28-year-old Raphael Dwamena, a Ghanaian football player, died on the pitch during an Albanian league match between FK Egnatia and Partizani.

The referee reportedly called for a halt to play when Dwamena reportedly fainted in the 28th minute of play, and emergency personnel raced to the site.

He was reportedly taken to the hospital immediately, but the medical staff was unable to bring him back to life.

Dwamena played for Spanish teams including Levante and Zaragoza after beginning his career at Red Bull Salzburg.

In a statement on X, the Ghana Football Association (GFA) stated: “At this trying time, our thoughts are with Raphael Dwamena’s family.” Up to his untimely death, Raphael gave Ghana his all as a representative and fulfilled his obligations to the nation. Because of his devotion to the National Coarse, we will always miss him. Peace be with you, Raphael!

Social media has been used by his former teams to honour the late forward.

Over the years, Dwamena has struggled with recurrent cardiac issues; in 2021, she passed out during a football game.

Dwamena was given a heart disease diagnosis in 2017. He underwent surgery in January 2020 to implant an implanted cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD), which allowed his club to monitor his heart during games while he was at Levante UD.

Dwamena’s transfer to Brighton and Hove Albion, an English team, fell through because he failed a medical, even though both clubs had agreed on a transfer fee while he was still at FC Zurich.