Footballer Dies After Drowning During Swim with Girlfriend
- A Brazilian goalkeeper tragically passed away after disappearing during a swim with his girlfriend in Portugal
- The 27-year-old had a career spanning Brazil, Spain, and Portugal, most recently playing for GD Canales
- His club paid tribute, remembering him as both a dedicated professional and a beloved friend
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A 27-year-old goalkeeper has sadly passed away after going for a swim with his girlfriend in a river.
Jeferson Merli vanished beneath the water and is believed to have drowned in the Homem River near Terras de Bouro.
His club, friends, and family have since paid heartfelt tribute to him.
Source: Instagram
Who was Jeferson Merli?
Originally from Vista Alegre do Alto in São Paulo, Brazil, Merli began his professional journey with União MS before moving abroad in 2019.
He first joined Safor CF in Spain, where he spent two seasons, then continued his career in Portugal with several clubs, including Condor SC, Águias da Graça, AD Lage 2022, Terras de Bouro, and GD Canales.
In 2024, he signed with GD Caldelas, where he was playing until his passing.
Jeferson Merli drowns in a river
According to Express Fooball, Jeferson Merli went for a swim in the Homem River in Terras de Bouro, located in north-western Portugal.
He disappeared beneath the water around 6pm on Saturday, leading his girlfriend to immediately contact emergency services.
Source: Twitter
His body was eventually recovered at 9:30pm, and he is believed to have drowned.
Merli lived in Braga, roughly 40 minutes from the site, and played for GD Caldelas, a local club based in Amares, per the Sun.
Desportivo Canales pay tribute to Jeferson Merli
In the wake of the heartbreaking news, his club, Grupo Desportivo Canales, released a touching tribute.
They remembered Merli as both a valued teammate and a true professional, stating that his dedication, character, and presence would be deeply missed by everyone at the club.
“Jeferson, who had recently extended his stay with us, leaves behind more than just his efforts on the pitch, he leaves a legacy of friendship, professionalism, and an unwavering team spirit.
In this time of sorrow, GD Caldelas offers its deepest condolences to his family, friends, and everyone who had the honour of knowing him.
His dedication and the impact he made will always be remembered by our club.
Rest in peace, Jeferson.”
His former club, Gremio Ourinhos, shared a heartfelt tribute to the late goalkeeper, who played for their U18 team in 2016.
"Our condolences to family and friends for this irreparable loss 🥺 Today was supposed to be a day of celebration, exactly 10 years ago, we started our activities in the city of Ourinhos.
Exactly 9 years ago, you were one of our highlights and security on the field. Rest in peace, boy. Thank you very much for everything, you will always be remembered by all our athletes, friends, committee and supporters of the Guild Ourinhos."
Funeral arrangements for Jeferson Merli
In a separate post, his club, GD Canales, had requested financial help to be able to repatriate Merli's body to his home country.
"GD Caldelas wishes to express its deepest gratitude to all those who, in some way, made it possible for Jefferson's return to Brazil, to his family, allowing a dignified farewell surrounded by love."
"Thank you to everyone who has shared, donated, or contributed in any way to this cause. Our recognition also extends to all football fans and various clubs, who have united in one colour in the face of such a difficult moment."
Diogo Jota's passing
YEN.com.gh earlier reported on the devastating death of Liverpool and Portugal forward Diogo Jota as the football world mourned his passing after one month.
The Premier League star, alongside his brother Andre Silva, was driving a luxury car in Northern Spain when he was involved in a fatal accident that killed both of them.
Source: YEN.com.gh
