A German football club, SSV Reutlingen, has announced the passing of their 22-year-old midfielder, Luca Meixner.
The talented player, who progressed through the club’s youth ranks and debuted for the senior team in 2021, was tragically discovered lifeless in his bed over the Christmas period.
The club shared the devastating news through a statement on Instagram, expressing their profound grief and disbelief.
“Last weekend we received the terrible news that our player Luca Meixner died unexpectedly on Friday, December 27th at the age of 22,” the statement began. “The entire SSV family is deeply saddened and stunned.
His teammates, all committees and employees mourn with Luca’s bereaved family and our thoughts are with his family, friends and companions.
“We ask that the privacy of Luca’s family be respected during this difficult time.”
Meixner, who was reportedly found deceased on December 27, started his football journey with SSV Reutlingen’s youth teams, advancing to the under-17 squad in 2017.
He made his first-team debut in 2021 and went on to make 100 appearances for the club, scoring six goals.
In his final match before the winter break, Meixner played nearly the entire game, featuring for 87 minutes in a 1-1 draw on December 7.
SSV Reutlingen currently competes in the Oberliga Baden-Württemberg, Germany’s fifth-tier league, where they have played for nine consecutive seasons.
Following the tragic news, clubs from across Germany’s football pyramid extended their condolences to Meixner’s family and his club.
Sonnenhof Grossaspach, another fifth-tier side, shared: “Our heartfelt condolences and lots of strength in this difficult time.”
Similarly, Goppinger SV added, “Much strength to the entire club.”
The cause of Luca Meixner’s untimely death has not yet been disclosed.
