Goalkeeper pronounced dead after suddenly collapsing on field following penalty save

Belgian goalkeeper Arne Espeel has suddenly died at the age of 25 after collapsing on field, moments after saving a penalty.

The keeper plays for Winkel Sport B in the second division of West Brabant in Belgium.

The Guardian reports that the side was 2-1 up against Westrozebeke before the opposition was awarded a penalty.

Local reports, as per The Guardian, stated that Espeel had saved the spot kick but immediately dropped to the ground afterwards.

Emergency services came to the aid of the 25-year-old and attempted to revive him with a defibrillator.

This weekend, Arne Espeel (25) had just saved a penalty and then shortly after he collapsed and passed away. He died doing what he loved. Every day can be your last so try to enjoy life while you can. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/00RkDGbjJ6

— 𝙇𝙚ø𝙜𝙖𝙖𝙧𝙙 🇧🇪 (@afcthms) February 13, 2023

He was rushed to the hospital, however, was pronounced dead shortly after arriving.

The game was played at Winkel Sport B’s home ground in Sin-Eloois-Winkel in the West Flanders Province.

The goalkeeper’s club released a statement in the aftermath of the tragedy.

They said: "Winkel Sport is in very deep mourning by the sudden death of Arne Espeel.

"We wish the family and friends of Arne our heartfelt condolences in this heavy loss. Football is an afterthought."

Further tributes came flowing in for the amateur goalkeeper.

According to the Daily Mail, the team’s assistant Stefaan Dewerchin revealed the sorrow of the dressing room following the news.

He said: “The ball was still in play. Our goalkeeper got up as fast as possible to receive the ball, but then he fell.

“It was really terrible to watch. All the players showered together after the incident. When the message came that our goalkeeper was dead, it was an unusually heavy blow.

“I think some players still don’t realise exactly what happened.”

The publication reports that Espeel’s teammates paid tribute to the goalkeeper at WInkel Sport’s home ground, wearing the club red kit.

They laid wreaths in front of the goal-line that Espeel had collapsed in front of, with lanterns and candles arrayed in the net.

Numerous locals also joined the players to pay their respects to the young goalkeeper.

The cause of death has not yet been revealed.