Guo Jiaxuan has passed away just hours before what would have been his 19th birthday

It is with deep sorrow that we report the tragic passing of 18-year-old Guo Jiaxuan, a promising defender for Beijing Guoan’s U19 football team. His untimely death occurred just hours before what would have been his 19th birthday. Guo’s journey in the world of football was cut short when he fell into a coma on 6th February during a training match in Spain, suffering from a severe head injury that would ultimately prove fatal. Despite the valiant efforts of medical professionals, Guo succumbed to his injuries on 19th March at Beijing Tiantan Hospital.

The circumstances surrounding Guo’s final moments have raised significant concerns and left his family and fans seeking answers. Reports indicate that until the morning of his death, Guo’s family remained hopeful. They received notification from the hospital informing them that Guo’s condition had deteriorated to critical levels. Following a long battle against health complications, medical staff declared that they could no longer provide lifesaving treatment. This heartbreaking decision came after a rigorous discussion between medical staff and Guo’s family about the futility of continued care. By 8 PM, overwhelmed with grief, the family made the agonizing choice to cease treatment, marking the end of a fight that had captivated many.

Guo’s brother took to social media to express his frustration and dismay over the lack of communication from the Beijing Football Association (FA) and Beijing Guoan. Having sent multiple requests for information following the tragic incident, he felt that his family’s inquiries were largely ignored. His emotional post highlighted the struggle not only with grief but also with the unanswered questions surrounding the series of events leading to his brother’s injury and subsequent deterioration.

Following the incident, a statement from the Beijing FA acknowledged the efforts of medical personnel who provided urgent care at the scene before Guo was airlifted to a neurosurgery hospital. It was there that he was ultimately declared “brain dead.” The family’s calls for transparency regarding the events leading up to Guo’s injury—including access to match footage, details on medical protocols, and possible preventive measures—remain mostly unfulfilled, leaving many in the football community disillusioned.

Guo was considered a rising star in Chinese football, having been selected for China’s U17 team in 2023 and featuring in Bayern Munich’s prestigious World Squad initiative. His potential was immense, and he had become a source of inspiration for young athletes across the nation. As tributes pour in from fans, fellow players, and sports authorities, the profound loss felt by Guo’s family, friends, and supporters is palpable. This tragedy has sparked discussions about player safety, medical preparedness during sports events, and the responsibility of sports organizations towards their athletes. Guo Jiaxuan will be remembered not only for his talent on the field but for the impact he made in his short life on young football enthusiasts in China.