Football star, 22, found dead in his bed as tributes paid by club and heartbroken fans

SSV Reutlingen have confirmed the death of player Luca Meixner of midfielder having released an emotional statement to supporters on Monday with the football world mourning him

By: irishmirror.ie

Jan 06 2025
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Football star, 22, found dead

German side SSV Reutlingen have confirmed the shock death of star Luca Meixner. A statement from the club reads: "Last weekend we received the terrible news that our player Luca Meixner died unexpectedly on Friday, December 27th at the age of 22.

"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 was reportedly found dead in his bed but a cause of death has not been revealed. Tributes have been paid to Meixner by fans outside of the club's stadium. They unfurled a banner outside of the stadium reading: "Ruhe in Friden", which translates to "Rest in peace, Luca." A picture alongside a scarf and a candle was left outside of the stadium.

Reutlingen's German rivals have also sent kind messages of condolences. Sonnenhof Grossaspach wrote: "Our heartfelt condolences and lots of strength in this difficult time." Goppinger SV added: "Much strength to the entire club."

Meixner, a midfielder, joined Reutlingen as a youngster and has gone on to enjoy a spell in the first-team. His debut came in 2021. He made exactly 100 appearances for the club in all competitions, scoring on six occasions. He appeared in the club's most recent game - a 1-1 draw with TSG Balingen in early December before the international break. Meixner played 87 minutes.

An image of a photograph of a young man left next to a candle and football scarf. — Tributes have been left outside his club's home ground. (Image: SSV Reutlingen)

Reutlingen currently sit tenth in the fifth-tier of German football. Their next game pits them against SG Sonnenhof Großaspach in early March after the winter break enforced across the leagues.

While the club are currently languishing down the footballing pyramid, they have been as high as the 2. Bundesliga - the second tier of German football. Their most recent promotion to that division occurred in 2000. The club enjoyed a three-year spell in the second-tier but were relegated in 2003 and haven't managed to find a way back since.

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