As a big footballing community and after a period of discussion on General Chat, we felt, as a community, it would be appropriate to pay tribute to a young and very talented footballer who lost his life today. Twenty year old Belgian Junior Malanda has unfortunately passed away today, after being involved in a car crash near the German city of Bielefeld, en route to meet up with his team-mates to fly out to South Africa for a training camp.
He was a Belgian U20 international, and had been tipped to reach the senior side in the near future. He had played fifteen times for his side Wolfsburg this season, including the game against Everton in the Europa League. His last game was a 2-1 win over Köln on the 20th of December.
Many professional players, club, and fans have paid tribute to the midfielder, with Wolfsburg team-mate Kevin de Bruyne tweeted: "So strange to hear your friend in the morning and then hear this news. Lost a great friend way too early. RIP my friend. You will always be around."
Another team-mate, Nicklas Bendtner, said on Instagram: "Not only a great player, but a great person. My thoughts and prayers will always be with you and your family brother. Your kind heart was rare and special. You will always be remembered."
Chelsea's Thorgan Hazard, who played with Malanda at Zulte Waregem, said: "Whyyyyy??? I love you brooo."
Everton and Belgium striker Romelu Lukaku said: "I love you my brother."
Malanda's fellow Belgian Thibaut Courtois, the Chelsea goalkeeper, said: "RIP @JuniorMalanda!! We lose a huge talent and a great person!!"
The Royal Belgian Football Association tweeted: "The world of football has lost a great talent today. URBSFA sends its condolences to his family & friends #ripmalanda."
Bayern Munich and Germany midfielder Mario Gotze said: "RIP Junior #Malanda - sooo sad! My thoughts are with your family and friends...!"
Belgium midfielder Axel Witsel, Bayern Munich defender Jerome Boateng, Monaco midfielder Geoffrey Kondogbia and Paris St-Germain left-back Lucas Digne were also among the other players to tweet their condolences.
He was also an amazing prospect on Football Manager, and went on to turn into one of the best ball-winning midfielders in the game.
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He was a Belgian U20 international, and had been tipped to reach the senior side in the near future. He had played fifteen times for his side Wolfsburg this season, including the game against Everton in the Europa League. His last game was a 2-1 win over Köln on the 20th of December.
Many professional players, club, and fans have paid tribute to the midfielder, with Wolfsburg team-mate Kevin de Bruyne tweeted: "So strange to hear your friend in the morning and then hear this news. Lost a great friend way too early. RIP my friend. You will always be around."
Another team-mate, Nicklas Bendtner, said on Instagram: "Not only a great player, but a great person. My thoughts and prayers will always be with you and your family brother. Your kind heart was rare and special. You will always be remembered."
Chelsea's Thorgan Hazard, who played with Malanda at Zulte Waregem, said: "Whyyyyy??? I love you brooo."
Everton and Belgium striker Romelu Lukaku said: "I love you my brother."
Malanda's fellow Belgian Thibaut Courtois, the Chelsea goalkeeper, said: "RIP @JuniorMalanda!! We lose a huge talent and a great person!!"
The Royal Belgian Football Association tweeted: "The world of football has lost a great talent today. URBSFA sends its condolences to his family & friends #ripmalanda."
Bayern Munich and Germany midfielder Mario Gotze said: "RIP Junior #Malanda - sooo sad! My thoughts are with your family and friends...!"
Belgium midfielder Axel Witsel, Bayern Munich defender Jerome Boateng, Monaco midfielder Geoffrey Kondogbia and Paris St-Germain left-back Lucas Digne were also among the other players to tweet their condolences.
He was also an amazing prospect on Football Manager, and went on to turn into one of the best ball-winning midfielders in the game.
Source
