A BRAZILIAN footballer who cheated death a year ago in a motorbike accident suffered another terrifying moment after collapsing on the pitch.
Alexandre Souza fell to the ground after a seizure just eight minutes into his team Sampaio Correa’s clash with Rio de Janeiro rivals Flamengo at the city’s Maracana Stadium.
Distressing footage showed a team-mate taking his top off and using it to fan the 24-year-old as play was immediately stopped and an ambulance called.
The dad-of-one was conscious when he was taken to hospital to applause from fans, but reportedly had another seizure shortly after arrival and was told he would have to remain under close medical care for at least another 24 hours.
The scare happened during a match held as part of the Campeonato Carioca, the top-flight professional state football league in the Brazilian state of Rio de Janeiro, which ended with a 7-1 victory for Flamengo.
Alexandre’s club confirmed in the early hours of this morning tests had ruled out any heart or neurological damage.
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The footballer was due to undergo MRI and blood tests before medics made a decision on whether to send him home or keep him in hospital for more time.
In January last year, Alexandre was hit by a car as he rode his motorbike back to Saquarema, around an hour and a half’s drive east of Rio after a match against Botafogo.
He returned to competitive football after a long recovery only last month – on January 17 – against the same team he played against just before the horror smash.
He had to wear a neck brace for several months as he underwent physiotherapy, with doctors telling him he had come close to being left tetraplegic.
Alexandre revealed how close he had come to being killed or critically injured just after his return to competitive football.
He said: “It really seems like God reserved this day for me to never forget.
“My last match was against Botafogo, and with the accident, everything changed in my life. Doubts, uncertainties, immense challenges.
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“After so much dedication and patience, I’m back playing against Botafogo. It was a special week because I was already looking forward to playing.
“When I found out I would be a starter, I was overjoyed. I am very excited and increasingly certain that perseverance in life is rewarded.”
He added: “I have a long list of people to thank, thankfully. I can’t name them all, but my family played a key role.
“I didn’t know if I would ever play football again, and they stood by me, said the player.”
Alexandre took to social media overnight to thank fans and well-wishers for their support following his latest health scare.
He said alongside a photo taken while he was lying on the pitch surrounded by players from both sides: “I am certain I will return.”
Last month a footballer collapsed and died during the first-half of a cup match in Portugal.
Nassur Bacem, 27, went into cardiac arrest after falling to the pitch during his team LGC Moncarapachense’s game against Imortal DC in the Algarve town of Olhao.
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