Brazilian Alex Felipe, a former Sporting player, died this Tuesday at Ukhta airport, after his team, Norilsk Nickel, faced the local team in the semi-finals of the Russian Futsal Cup. The information was confirmed by the communications department of the RFU (Russian futsal federation), reporting that Alex Felipe, 32 years old, felt unwell immediately after the match and ended up losing consciousness at the airport, when the team was preparing to catch the plane to Moscow.
The player was immediately assisted, using a defibrillator, but his situation was irreversible and death was declared by the medical team at the scene shortly afterwards.
Playing for Norilsk Nickel since 2020, Alex Felipe played for Sporting in the previous two seasons, becoming European champion with the Lions and also winning a Super Cup and two Portuguese Cups. Between 2018 and 2020, he played 67 games and scored 35 goals. Before, he had played in Brazil (Corinthians and Joinville) and in Spain (Inter Movistar).
Alex Felipe leaves behind his wife and two children.
Meanwhile, Sporting published, on its official page, a note of condolence for the tragic event.
«Sporting Clube de Portugal expresses its deep regret at the death of Alex, former futsal player for the Lions, who passed away suddenly at the age of 32. The Brazilian international winger, who currently played in Russian futsal, represented the colors of Sporting CP for two seasons, in 2018/2019 and 2019/2020.
Under the leadership of Nuno Dias, Alex was part of the Leonina team that won the first UEFA Futsal Champions League in history and also helped to win two Portuguese Cups and a Super Cup. To family and friends, Sporting CP extends its deepest condolences, whilst praising and thanking the years of effort and dedication to the Club”, it can be read.
