Bayern Munich have paid tribute to 18-year-old Chinese youth player Guo Jiaxuan, who has tragically passed away following an accident during a training match.

The young defender was previously a member of Bayern’s World Squad, an international initiative designed to nurture promising footballers from around the globe. He had also represented China at the Under-17 level.

Fatal Training Incident in Spain

Guo suffered a fatal injury during a training match against Spanish side RC Alcobendas in February, at a camp organised by the Beijing Football Association. Reports indicate that he was struck in the head by an opposing player’s knee, leading to a severe brain injury.

He was diagnosed with a subarachnoid haemorrhage, a rare type of stroke caused by bleeding on the surface of the brain. Doctors in Madrid later confirmed that he had suffered brain death, as disclosed by his brother.

Tributes from Beijing Guoan and Bayern Munich

His former club, Beijing Guoan, announced the heartbreaking news, stating:

"We have lost a child who loved football. May Jiaxuan rest in peace! The club will continue to do its utmost to deal with the consequences appropriately and provide all necessary help and support to Guo Jiaxuan’s family."

Bayern Munich also expressed their condolences in a statement released on Thursday:

"FC Bayern is mourning the passing of Guo Jiaxuan, the former World Squad player who has died at the age of 18 in his native China. He succumbed to the effects of a serious head injury following a tragic accident during a training match in Spain on 6 February. The club’s thoughts are with his family and friends."

Guo was a centre-back who featured in the FC Bayern World Squad in 2023, a programme that offers talented young footballers from across the world the opportunity to showcase their abilities at a professional level. He was also a part of China’s youth national teams.

His passing marks a devastating loss for Chinese football and all those who knew him.