Footballer, 14, tragically dies in France after collision with opponent

A footballer has tragically died at the age of 14 after suffering a collision in a game on Sunday, where he was reportedly struck in the chest during an aerial duel.

Ilann - whose surname has been withheld by his club - passed away on Tuesday, two days after the incident occurred.

The teenager was playing for French side Jeunesse Villenavaise at a tournament against Bordeaux's Under 15s, as part of the Sam Elite tournament in Merignac.

Ilann was rushed to Bordeaux University Hospital after collapsing and falling into a coma.

Doctors carried out several emergency surgeries to stop the internal bleeding in his liver, but were sadly unable to save Ilann.

After a complaint was filed by Ilann's parents, the Bordeaux court (Gironde) opened an investigation into involuntary manslaughter, according to Le Republicain.

The prosecution said: 'The investigations are being entrusted to the territorial crime division of the interdepartmental directorate of the Gironde national police.'

To pay respects to Ilann, the Gironde football district will observe a minute of silence before kick-off of each youth game on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Jeunesse also cancelled training the following day and provided counselling to its U15 group.

Ilann's family created an online fundraiser, which was widely shared by several clubs in the region.

Shortly after his passing, Ilann's club took to social media to share a heartbreaking tribute to him. It read: 'It is with a broken heart and a silent soul that we announce the passing of Ilann, a young Panther of the club.

'There are no words right enough, no sentence strong enough. Only silence, tears, and love. Today, Jeunesse Villenavaise is in mourning. A family, teammates, educators, parents stand together, united in grief.

'To Ilann's family, to his loved ones, we send all our absolute, sincere, and unconditional love. Ilann, forever one of us, we make a promise: we will never forget you. Rest in peace, young Panther. The field belongs to you forever.'

Meanwhile, Bordeaux - the opposing team on the day in which the incident occurred, also paid their respects.

The club said: 'Our thoughts are with Ilann, their family, their loved ones and the club.There are no good enough words, nor phrases strong enough. Just silence, tears and love.'