Goalkeeper passed away while swimming with girlfriend in northern Portugal
Brazilian footballer Jeferson Merli has died at the age of 27 after drowning in a river in northern Portugal.
Merli, a goalkeeper for Portuguese club GD Caldelas, was swimming in the Homem River near Terras de Bouro on Saturday evening when he went missing beneath the surface.
Emergency services were alerted by his girlfriend at approximately 6:00pm, but his body was not recovered until around 9:30pm.
The incident occurred around 40 minutes from Merli’s home in Braga, in the country’s northwest.
Tributes from club following sudden death
GD Caldelas confirmed the player’s death and paid tribute to his character and impact on the club.
“Jeferson, who had recently renewed his contract with our club, leaves us not only his dedication on the pitch, but also the friendship, professionalism, and team spirit that always defined him,” the club said in a statement.
“In this moment of grief, GD Caldelas expresses its solidarity and extends heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and all those who had the privilege of knowing him. Our club will never forget his commitment and the mark he left on all of us.
Rest in peace, Jeferson.”
Career spanned Brazil, Spain, and Portugal
Born in Vista Alegre do Alto, in São Paulo state, Merli began his career in Brazil before moving abroad in 2019. He first joined União in Mato Grosso do Sul, later playing for clubs in Spain and Portugal.
He signed with GD Caldelas in 2024 and had recently extended his stay with the club before his untimely death.
Local authorities have not reported any suspicious circumstances surrounding the incident.
