The young former Bayern Munich prospect tragically passed away on Wednesday at Beijing Tiantan Hospital, having succumbed to injuries sustained during a match in February, at the tender age of 18. He was pronounced brain dead in mid-February.

In a training match held in Spain on February 6, against RC Alcobendas in Madrid, a rival delivered a knee to the head of former Bayern Munich talent Jiaxuan. The unfortunate collision resulted in the young Chinese player losing consciousness and ultimately suffering brain death.

His brother shared on the online platform “Xiaohongshu” at that time: “The doctor informed us that there is merely a slim chance of survival, that he is clinically dead due to insufficient oxygen to the brain, and that they will be removing the tubes.”

Guo was involved with the FC Bayern World Squad, an initiative by the renowned club that aids U19 talents globally in their journey towards a professional football career.

The German record champions nurture and develop U19 talents from across the globe on their journey to professional football (currently under the guidance of coach Roy Makaay) – typically for a year, after which these young players return to their respective youth teams. Or they realise their ambition of securing a youth contract with FC Bayern! Guo became involved in the project nearly two years ago, all the while representing the Chinese U17 national team.

The Munich team has issued a statement: “FC Bayern is deeply saddened by the passing of former World Squad player Guo Jiaxuan, who died at the tender age of 18 in his homeland of China.” He sadly passed away due to a severe head injury sustained in a tragic accident during a training match in Spain on February 6. The club extends its heartfelt condolences to his family and friends.

Following his unfortunate accident, the defender was airlifted back to China. Beijing Guoan has reported that they have obtained video footage of the match and have engaged specialists to conduct a thorough analysis of it. Recently, Guo’s family have voiced their discontent regarding the investigation, levelling serious allegations against the Beijing Football Association.

The association has now stated, “We have exerted every effort to coordinate medical resources for treatment and to address his family’s needs to the fullest extent possible.”