The forward, who had played in the top flight of the Spanish league system and nearly signed for Brighton, collapsed in the middle of an Albanian league match on Saturday. Dwamena lost consciousness while playing for the local Egnatia team on Saturday in the country’s Super League, the Albanian Football Federation said in a statement. (Photo: Late Dwamean).

Footage on social media appeared to show the player by himself and then falling over on the field in the 24th minute of the match with Partizani. First aid was administered before he was rushed to hospital. “Despite the immediate intervention of specialist doctors and all efforts to bring him back to life, the footballer unfortunately passed away,” the federation said. No cause of death was given. The game was halted at 1-1 with no further play. All games scheduled in Albania this week have been postponed, the federation added.

Dwamena was diagnosed with a heart condition in 2017. A proposed £14m transfer to Brighton that year fell through after he failed a medical. He collapsed on the pitch during a 2021 game in Austria between his side Blau-Weiss Linz and Hartberg but recovered and continued his playing career. Dwamena went on to play for Levante in the Spanish La Liga for one season as well as Real Zaragoza on loan in 2019-20. His career also included stints in Denmark and Switzerland. (Photo: Dwamena played for Levante).

Levante paid tribute to Dwamena on social media, saying: “We would like to express our deepest condolences for the passing of our former player, Raphael Dwamena. “Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones at this difficult time. His legacy at our club will always endure.” Zaragoza said on X, formerly known as Twitter: “We are devastated by the sad news of the passing of our former player Raphael Dwamena. You will always be in the memory of Zaragoza’s fans. Rest in peace.”

Dwamena made nine appearances for Ghana and scored two goals. “He served his country well and showed class anytime he represented Ghana,” Ghana Football Association President Kurt Edwin Simeon Okraku said in a statement. He had also been the leading scorer in the Albanian league this season with nine goals.

Courtesy: Niamh Lynch Sky News reporter @niamhielynch