A footballer has tragically died at the age 14 following a horror collision with an opponent in France. Ilann - whose surname has been withheld by his club, Jeunesse Villenavaise - passed away after slipping into a coma.

It's been reported that the teenager was struck in the chest during an aerial duel. The incident happened while Ilann and his Jeunesse team-mates were playing against French top-flight side under-15s as part of the Sam Elite tournament on Sunday.

Ilann was rushed to Bordeaux University Hospital after losing consciousness. He then slipped into a coma.

Doctors performed multiple emergency surgeries to stop the internal bleeding in his liver. But they were sadly unable to save Ilann and he tragically died on Tuesday to send the local community into mourning.

Jeunesse cancelled training the following day while providing counselling for any players who witnessed the incident. They confirmed Ilann's passing in a heartbreaking statement on social media.

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"It is with a broken heart and a silent soul that we announce the passing of Ilann, a young Panther of the club," it read. "There are no words right enough, no sentence strong enough. Only silence, tears, and love.

"Today, Jeunesse Villenavaise is in mourning. A family, team-mates, 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."

Opposition team Bordeaux posted: 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.

The New Aquitaine Football League also said in a statement: "The New Aquitaine Football League echoed these sentiments, stating: With immense sadness we learned about the death of young Ilann, tragically injured during a match last weekend…[we] wish to express their deep shock and send their most sincere thoughts to their family, their loved ones, their teammates and the entire club Jeunesse Villenavaise."

fans paid tribute with heartfelt messages and tributes. "Peace for his soul and courage for the family," one wrote. Another said: "Rest in peace, sincere condolences."

A third replied: "Huge support to his family and club." Another added: "So sad, football is in mourning."

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