5 footballers who lost their lives while playing the game they loved

Modified Dec 01, 2018 19:02 GMT

Miklos Feher Benfica's teammates cry near the coffin with the body of the Hungarian player

#3 Phil O’Donnell (Age 35): Motherwell v Dundee United, December 29, 2007

When most people would’ve been getting ready to celebrate the New Year and all that it would bring, Phil O’Donnell’s young family had to contemplate life without him.

Motherwell’s captain and leader, admired and respected by everyone, collapsed as he was being substituted during his team’s 5-3 win over Dundee United.

It was immediately apparent to all concerned that there was a problem, O’Donnell still extremely fit and healthy despite his advancing years. Five minutes were spent trying to revive him on the pitch before he was taken off to the hospital.

Unfortunately, he never made it and died in the ambulance on the way, the cause of his death later being confirmed as a left ventricular failure. His passing cast a huge shadow over the club and though they managed to make it through the season, his manager and former teammates would later admit that the football was incidental.

Phil O'Donnell tribute — Fans gathered at Fir Park stadium, to pay tribute to Motherwell club captain Phil O'Donnell December

Edited by Staff Editor