Bayern Munich have paid tribute to 18-year-old Chinese youth player Guo Jiaxuan after he died following a tragic accident during a training match.
The teenage defender Guo was previously a member of Bayern’s World Squad, an international project aimed at developing promising players from around the world. He had also represented China at Under-17 level.
During a training match against Spanish side RC Alcobendas in February at a camp organised by the Beijing Football Association, Guo was reportedly struck in the head by the knee of an opposing player.
He reportedly suffered a subarachnoid hemorrhage, a rare type of stroke caused by bleeding on the surface of the brain.
Doctors in Madrid then diagnosed Guo with “brain death”, according to his brother.
His last club Beijing Guoan announced the news of his passing: “We have lost a child who loved football. May Jiaxuan rest in peace!
“The club will continue to do its utmost to deal with the consequences appropriately and provide all necessary help and support to Guo Jiaxuan's family.”
Bayern have since paid tribute, issuing a statement released on Thursday that said: “FC Bayern is mourning the passing of Guo Jiaxuan, the former World Squad player who has died at the age of 18 in his native China.
“He succumbed to the effects of a serious head injury following a tragic accident during a training match in Spain on 6 February.
“The club’s thoughts are with his family and friends.
“The centre-back was part of the FC Bayern World Squad in 2023, which gives talented players from all over the world the chance to showcase themselves for professional football.
“Jiaxuan was also part of China’s youth national teams.”
