It is with great sadness that we report the passing of Ghanaian footballer, Christian Atsu, according to his agent, Nana Sechere. Atsu, who was 31 years old, was believed to have been trapped under rubble following earthquakes that occurred 12 days prior in Syria and Turkey, where he played club football for Hatayspor.
Initial reports suggested that Atsu had been rescued from the rubble and taken to a hospital for treatment, but these reports were later confirmed to be inaccurate. The search for Atsu continued, with reports emerging days later that his shoe had been found in the debris.
Atsu’s last game, which was played the night before the earthquakes struck, saw him score a remarkable last-minute winner from a free-kick for Hatayspor. Prior to his time in Turkey, Atsu had played for several clubs, including Porto, Rio Ave, Chelsea, Vitesse, Bournemouth, Everton, Newcastle, Malaga, Al-Raed, and Manaus.
Atsu also had a successful international career, featuring 65 times for Ghana’s Black Stars and scoring nine goals. He is survived by his partner, Marie Claire Rubio, and their three children: two sons and a daughter. Our thoughts are with his loved ones during this difficult time.
