Photo: Beijing Guoan Football Club
Guo Jiaxuan, an 18-year-old player with the Beijing Guoan Football Club who was diagnosed with brain death following a severe injury during a February friendly match in Spain passed away on Wednesday, and the training match footage has been obtained for further analysis, according to a statement released by the Beijing Football Association (BFA) on Thursday.
"We are deeply saddened and heartbroken by his passing. Since Guo's injury on February 6, we have made every effort to coordinate medical resources for his treatment, striving to meet the needs of his family. Out of respect for their privacy and to avoid disrupting medical efforts, we refrained from disclosing details about the match and his treatment," the BFA stated.
The BFA stated that after coordinating with Spanish authorities, they have obtained and notarized the training match footage, which is now under expert review. The association pledged to fully support Guo's family and protect his legal rights.
A defender for Beijing Guoan's U19 team, Guo competed in national U-series and Youth Super League events, earning the Best Player title, and was selected for the China U17 national men's football team in 2023. In June 2023, he was also successfully included in the Bayern World Team roster, becoming the only Chinese player selected for the list, according to the club.
"We have lost a young player with a deep passion for football. May Jiaxuan rest in peace," Beijing Guoan Football Club said in a statement on Thursday.
The club will continue to do everything possible to assist with the necessary arrangements and provide Guo's family with all the support they need, Beijing Guoan said.
Back in Februrary, a user with the name of "Da Qi Ya Ha Bi Bi," who claimed to be a family member of Guo, posted on the Chinese social app RedNote, also known as Xiaohongshu, about Guo's diagnosis with brain death.
The post also raised concerns about his medical treatment and compensation for his return to China.
After the post gained public attention, the BFA issued a statement on February 13.
On the morning of February 6, local time in Spain, during a friendly match between the Beijing U20 Football Team and the Spanish club RC Alcobendas, Guo was accidentally injured and fell into a coma.
Medical personnel from both teams rushed to assist, and emergency responders soon arrived with an ambulance and helicopter. He was airlifted to a top neurology hospital, where, after nearly four hours of intensive efforts, doctors diagnosed him with brain death, the statement said.
According to Chinese media outlet nbd.com.cn, Guo received treatment at Beijing Tiantan Hospital.
Global Times
