Famous Soccer Players Who Died (Recent, Drugs, On The Field?)
If you are wondering about famous soccer players who died – this is for you.
The world of soccer is filled with triumphs, celebrations, and moments of sheer brilliance. Yet, amidst the glory, there are also moments of profound sadness and loss.
Throughout history, several famous soccer players have tragically passed away, leaving behind legacies that continue to resonate with fans around the globe.
From legends who succumbed to the pressures of fame to others who tragically lost their lives on the field of play, their stories serve as reminders of the fragility of life and the enduring impact of their contributions to the beautiful game.
Famous Soccer Players Who Died
In this article, you can read through all 5 sections or skip ahead to the topics that are most important to you. Make sure to stick around until the end, watch the video tutorial, and get your special free gift that is guaranteed to make you a better player.
- Most famous soccer players who died
- Famous soccer players who died recently
- Famous soccer players who died from drugs
- Famous soccer players who died on the field
- How to become a better soccer player, improve faster & achieve more
I hope this article gives you all you need about famous soccer players who died – Let’s get started!
Most Famous Soccer Players Who Died
There are several soccer legends whose deaths have deeply impacted the world. Here are some of the most famous soccer players who have passed away:
1. Diego Maradona (1960-2020)
Arguably one of the greatest players of all time, Maradona’s skill, vision, and passion on the field were unmatched. He led Argentina to victory in the 1986 World Cup, famously scoring the “Hand of God” goal and the “Goal of the Century” in the same tournament. His death in 2020 was a massive loss to the soccer world.
2. Pelé (1940-2022)
Known as “The King of Football,” Pelé was a three-time World Cup winner with Brazil and is often regarded as the greatest soccer player in history. He scored over 1,000 goals in his career, captivating fans worldwide with his extraordinary talent. Pelé’s death marked the end of an era in football.
3. Johan Cruyff (1947-2016)
A revolutionary player and coach, Cruyff was a key figure in the development of “Total Football” and had a profound influence on modern soccer. As a player, he led Ajax and Barcelona to numerous titles and later achieved great success as a coach. His passing left a significant void in the soccer community.
4. George Best (1946-2005)
Best was a Northern Irish winger known for his incredible dribbling skills and flair on the pitch. Playing most of his career at Manchester United, he helped the team win the European Cup in 1968. His life was marked by personal struggles, and his death was a sad moment for fans who admired his genius.
5. Eusebio (1942-2014)
Eusebio, known as the “Black Panther,” was a Portuguese forward who dazzled with his speed and scoring ability. He was the top scorer of the 1966 World Cup and won the European Cup with Benfica. His death was mourned by soccer enthusiasts around the globe.
6. Ferenc Puskás (1927-2006)
A Hungarian forward, Puskás is considered one of the greatest goal-scorers in history. He led Hungary’s Golden Team in the 1950s and achieved significant success with Real Madrid. His passing was a significant loss for the soccer world.
7. Garrincha (1933-1983)
Known for his dribbling prowess, Garrincha was a key player for Brazil, winning two World Cups in 1958 and 1962. He was a fan favorite for his joyful style of play, and his death was a sad day for soccer lovers.
8. Bobby Moore (1941-1993)
The captain of England’s 1966 World Cup-winning team, Moore was a legendary defender known for his leadership and skill. His death from cancer was a tragic loss for the sport.
These players left behind legacies that continue to inspire and influence the game today. Their contributions to soccer are remembered and celebrated by fans worldwide.
Famous Soccer Players Who Died Recently
Here are some of the most notable soccer players who have passed away recently:
1. Pele (1940-2022)
The Brazilian legend, widely considered one of the greatest footballers of all time, passed away in December 2022. Pelé’s career was filled with accolades, including three World Cup victories. His death marked the end of an era and was mourned by millions around the world.
2. Gerd Müller (1945-2021)
Known as “Der Bomber,” Gerd Müller was a German striker renowned for his incredible goal-scoring ability. He was a key player for Bayern Munich and the German national team, winning the 1974 World Cup. Müller passed away in August 2021, leaving behind a legacy as one of the greatest goal-scorers in soccer history.
3. Paolo Rossi (1956-2020)
Rossi was an Italian forward who became a national hero during the 1982 World Cup, where he led Italy to victory and won the Golden Boot. He passed away in December 2020, and his death was a significant loss to the soccer community.
4. Diego Maradona (1960-2020)
Maradona, one of the most iconic figures in soccer history, passed away in November 2020. His incredible talent and controversial life made him a legendary and complex figure in the sport. His death was a major global event, with fans and players alike paying tribute to his legacy.
5. Nobby Stiles (1942-2020)
An English midfielder and a key member of the 1966 World Cup-winning team, Nobby Stiles was known for his tenacity and defensive skills. He passed away in October 2020, and his death was a significant moment for English football.
6. Jack Charlton (1935-2020)
Another member of England’s 1966 World Cup-winning squad, Jack Charlton was a legendary defender and later a successful manager, notably with the Republic of Ireland. He passed away in July 2020, and his contributions to soccer were widely celebrated.
7. Ray Clemence (1948-2020)
Clemence was one of the greatest goalkeepers in English football history, starring for Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur, as well as the England national team. He passed away in November 2020, leaving behind a legacy of excellence in goalkeeping.
8. Gordon Banks (1937-2019)
Known for his incredible save against Pelé in the 1970 World Cup, Banks was a legendary goalkeeper who helped England win the 1966 World Cup. He passed away in February 2019, and his death was a profound loss to the football community.
These players made significant contributions to the sport and left lasting legacies that continue to inspire future generations of soccer enthusiasts.
Famous Soccer Players Who Died From Drugs
The world of soccer has seen its share of tragic stories, including those of talented players whose lives were cut short due to issues with drugs. Here are some famous soccer players who died from drug-related causes:
1. Diego Maradona (1960-2020)
Maradona’s life was marked by incredible highs and tragic lows. Known for his extraordinary talent on the field, he also struggled with substance abuse, particularly cocaine, throughout his career. His health issues, exacerbated by drug use, contributed to his untimely death from a heart attack in 2020.
2. George Best (1946-2005)
A Northern Irish legend, Best was known for his brilliant dribbling and flair on the pitch. However, his off-field life was marred by alcoholism, which ultimately led to liver damage. He passed away in 2005 due to complications related to his alcohol abuse.
3. Gary Speed (1969-2011)
While Gary Speed’s death was officially ruled a suicide, it’s important to mention him as a tragic figure in soccer. Although there is no direct evidence of drug abuse, it’s suspected that his mental health struggles, possibly exacerbated by depression, led to his tragic end.
4. Eugene “Ugo” Ehiogu (1972-2017)
Ehiogu’s case is not directly related to drugs but worth mentioning as he passed away from a sudden cardiac arrest. While there were no drugs involved, his death brought attention to the health risks athletes can face, sometimes related to the pressures and lifestyle in professional sports.
5. Roberto Firmino’s cousin, Jose Roberto da Silva Júnior (1984-2014)
Known as “Dede,” he was a promising Brazilian talent who struggled with drug addiction. He passed away in 2014 due to complications related to his substance abuse.
6. Socrates (1954-2011)
A Brazilian legend, Socrates was known for his intelligence both on and off the field. He struggled with alcohol abuse, which contributed to health complications leading to his death in 2011. Though not directly linked to illegal drugs, his story is a cautionary tale about substance abuse.
7. Justin Fashanu (1961-1998)
Fashanu was the first openly gay professional footballer in England. He faced significant challenges, including allegations and legal troubles, and his life ended in suicide. While drugs were not a direct cause, his struggles with mental health and societal pressures reflect the darker side of fame in soccer.
These stories highlight the pressures and challenges that can accompany a life in professional sports. The loss of these players is a reminder of the importance of mental health support and substance abuse awareness in the sporting world.
Famous Soccer Players Who Died On The Field
Fortunately, deaths on the soccer field are extremely rare, but there have been some tragic instances throughout history. Here are a few notable cases:
1. Marc-Vivien Foé (1975-2003)
The Cameroonian midfielder collapsed and died during a FIFA Confederations Cup match between Cameroon and Colombia in June 2003. He suffered a cardiac arrest, and despite efforts to revive him on the pitch and at the hospital, he passed away at the age of 28.
2. Phil O’Donnell (1972-2007)
O’Donnell, a Scottish midfielder, collapsed during a Scottish Premier League match between Motherwell and Dundee United in December 2007. He suffered a cardiac arrest and was pronounced dead later that day at the age of 35.
3. Piermario Morosini (1986-2012)
Morosini, an Italian midfielder playing for Livorno on loan from Udinese, collapsed and died during a Serie B match against Pescara in April 2012. He suffered a cardiac arrest on the pitch, and despite attempts to resuscitate him, he passed away at the age of 25.
4. Miklós Fehér (1979-2004)
The Hungarian forward collapsed and died during a Primeira Liga match between Benfica and Vitória de Guimarães in January 2004. He suffered a cardiac arrest on the pitch, and despite efforts to revive him, he passed away at the age of 24.
5. Peter Biaksangzuala (1992-2014)
Biaksangzuala, an Indian midfielder, tragically died after attempting a somersault goal celebration during a Mizoram Premier League match in October 2014. He landed awkwardly on his neck, causing a spinal cord injury that led to his death at the age of 23.
These incidents serve as sobering reminders of the importance of player safety and the need for medical professionals and equipment at sporting events. While such occurrences are rare, they underline the inherent risks involved in competitive sports and the importance of prioritizing player welfare.
Famous Soccer Player That Died
In remembering these famous soccer players who died, we honor not only their accomplishments on the field but also their humanity off it.
Their lives, though cut short, remind us of the importance of cherishing every moment and prioritizing the well-being of athletes at all levels of the game.
As we pay tribute to their memories, let us also recommit ourselves to creating a safer, healthier environment for players, ensuring that their passion for the sport can be celebrated for generations to come.
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About The Author
I used to be a soccer player who struggled with self-confidence. I felt slow, weak, and unmotivated. My coaches didn’t pay much attention to me, my friends laughed at my lack of skills. At one point, I even became so discouraged that I quit the sport altogether.
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Famous Soccer Players Who Died (Recent, Drugs, On The Field?)
