Patrick Mahomes led the tributes to Gadi Kinda after the former Sporting Kansas City midfielder died at the age of just 31.
Israeli club Maccabi Haifa announced the tragic news on Tuesday. Kinda was born in Ethiopia but represented Israel at international level.
Earlier this month, it was revealed that the 31-year-old had been hospitalized while 'going through a complex medical battle in recent weeks'.
Kinda returned to Israel to join Maccabi Haifa following the 2023 season. He had spent four seasons with Sporting Kansas City, scoring 14 goals in 64 MLS games.
Mahomes is part of the soccer team's ownership group and he was among those to pay tribute to Kinda following his death.
'Praying for his family and friends!' the Chiefs quarterback wrote on social media.
Sporting KC also wrote on social media that they were 'deeply saddened' by the passing on their former midfielder.
'Our hearts are with Gadi's family, his friends, teammates and all who knew him,' the team wrote.
Kinda last played for Maccabi Haifa on March 29. A few weeks later, on May 10, Sporting KC players posed with his jersey prior to their game against the Portland Timbers.
'During his four seasons with Kansas City from 2020 - 2023, Gadi was a fan favorite for his outstanding play on the field, his passion for the sport, and his spirit of kindness and his generosity to everyone around him,' MLS wrote on social media.
'We extend our deepest sympathies to Gadi's family, friends, fans, and everyone with Sporting Kansas City.'