Family of Brain-Dead Bayern Munich Prospect Demands Closure in Fatal Training Incident
The family of an 18-year-old Chinese soccer prodigy, who was declared brain dead after a tragic training accident in Madrid, has appealed for transparency and a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding their son’s untimely demise.
Guo Jiaxuan, a promising defender for the Beijing Guoan Football Club and a member of the Chinese U17 national team, sustained a severe head injury during a friendly match against RC Alcobendas on January 5th. According to Spanish media reports, Guo was struck in the head by an opposing player’s knee during a tackle, leading to a catastrophic brain hemorrhage. Neurological examinations subsequently pronounced him brain dead.
Guo’s remains were repatriated to China, where his heartbroken family has expressed deep concerns over the lack of information and transparency regarding the incident. His brother, Guo Peng, has taken to social media to voice his frustration and demand accountability.
"My brother’s condition has not improved, and we have gradually come to terms with the reality," Guo Peng wrote in a post shared by the official Xinhua News Agency. "However, we still demand to know the truth behind this accident."
Guo’s family is calling for the release of the video footage from the training match, as well as access to his insurance documents. They have accused Beijing Guoan and the Beijing Football Association of being obstructive and unsupportive in their quest for answers.
Guo Jiaxuan was considered a rising star in Chinese soccer, earning accolades as the best player in Beijing Guoan’s U19 youth league. In 2023, he was selected for China’s U17 national team and had the opportunity to train with FC Bayern Munich’s World Squad, an elite development program for international talents under the age of 19.
His untimely demise has shocked and saddened the soccer community both in China and abroad. Bayern Munich has expressed its condolences, describing Guo as "a great talent who had a bright future ahead of him."
Guo’s family is determined to uncover the truth behind his tragic accident, not only for their own closure but also to safeguard the well-being of other young athletes. They are calling on the authorities and soccer organizations involved to provide them with the information they deserve and to ensure that such incidents are thoroughly investigated and prevented in the future.
The soccer world stands in solidarity with Guo’s family and hopes that they will find the answers they seek and the peace they need to cope with this immeasurable loss.
