Goalkeeper Jeferson Merli Dies Drowning Portugal River

Two tragic incidents involving footballers have been reported recently. Amanullah Rauf Baloch, a young footballer from Pakistan's Islamabad Street Children Team, went missing in Oslo during the Norway Cup Street Football Championship, with local police and Pakistani authorities involved in the search. Meanwhile, Brazilian goalkeeper Jeferson Merli, aged 27, drowned in the Homem River in Terras de Bouro, Portugal, after going for a swim with his girlfriend; his body was recovered several hours later. Merli, who played for GD Caldelas and had an international career spanning clubs in Brazil, Spain, and Portugal, was remembered by his club for his professionalism and team spirit. Both incidents have drawn tributes from their respective clubs and communities, highlighting the personal and professional impact of these losses. Efforts to support Merli's family include fundraising to repatriate his body to Brazil.