Top-flight footballer dies aged 20 after hitting his head as team-mates left devastated

He was taken to hospital before his death was later confirmed.

Justin Cornejo was capped at youth level by Ecuador. (Image: Justincornejo_ Instagram)

A top-flight footballer in the Ecuadorian league has passed away aged just 20 years old following a freak accident.

Ecuador under-20 international Justin Cornejo was hospitalised after suffering a ‘horrific fall’, with local reports suggesting it resulted in a ‘brain death’ for the goalkeeper.

Team-mates from club side Barcelona de Guayaquil visited the youngster in hospital, but it was too late for Cornejo, who was pronounced dead on Tuesday.

Reacting to the tragic news, Barcelona de Guayaquil posted on social media: “No word or sentence will remove the pain we feel at this moment. The memories you leave to all of us will give us strength to leave this behind

“Justin will always be in our hearts. Rest in peace, friend.”

It came just days before a scheduled Barcelona de Guayaquil clash against Brazilian outfit Red Bull Bragantino in the first leg of a Copa Sudamericana playoff.

Posting on X, Bragantino said: “Red Bull Bragantino regrets the death of Barcelona Sporting Club player Justin Cornejo, wishing much strength to the athlete’s family and friends.

“Likewise, the club sympathises with the players, technical committee and management of the Ecuadorian team in this time of mourning and sadness.”

Justin Cornejo played for Ecuadorian side Barcelona de Guayaquil. (Image: Getty)

Elsewhere, the Ecuadorian FA commented: “The Ecuadorian Football Federation regrets with deep sadness the sensitive death of: Justin Cornejo, goalkeeper for Barcelona Sporting Club and former La Tri [Ecuador] team.

“Our heartfelt condolences to his distinguished family, friends and members of his club. Rest in peace.”

But the most hard-hitting tributes arrived from his team-mates, with Allen Obando, 18, saying: “I still can’t get over it, rest in peace, little brother.”

Before Dylan Luque, 17, added: “Rest in peace, little brother. It hurts us to say goodbye, but we find comfort in the wonderful moments we shared with you…

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“You were and will always be an excellent person, friend, and more than a friend, a brother. I bid you farewell with affection, waiting for the day when we meet again.”

It’s expected that Barcelona de Guayaquil will take to the field for their game against Bragantino, even though one of their players passed away earlier in the week.

While Barcelona de Guayaquil haven’t acknowledged the fixture on their social media page, the Bragantino squad have travelled to Ecaudor and are continuing their preparations for the clash – an indication that the fixture could be given the green light to go ahead.