A 27-year-old goalkeeper tragically died after going for a swim with his girlfriend in a river. Jeferson Merli disappeared under the water shortly after entering at around 6pm on Saturday (2 Aug). Despite his girlfriend's immediate call to emergency services, his body was not recovered until 9.30pm. It is suspected that he drowned in the Homem River in Terras de Bouro, north-western Portugal.

Merli, who resided in Braga, a 40-minute drive from the site of the incident, played for GD Caldelas in Amares. The club, which participated in the AF Braga Div. Honra Serie A last season, released a touching statement in his honour.

The statement said: "Jeferson, who had recently renewed his contract with our club, leaves us not only his dedication on the pitch, but also the friendship, professionalism, and team spirit that always defined him."

GD Caldelas conveyed their deepest sympathies and solidarity to Merli's family, friends, and acquaintances during this sorrowful time.

Hailing from Vista Alegre do Alto in Brazil's Sao Paulo state, Merli moved overseas in 2019 to play for Uniao in Mato Grosso do Sul before joining teams in Spain and Portugal, eventually signing with Caldelas in 2024.

The statement added: "Our club will never forget his commitment and the mark he left on all of us. Rest in peace, Jeferson."