No-one was close to him and nothing seemed wrong, yet suddenly, Marc-Vivien Foé, a Cameroonian international and professional footballer, collapsed to the ground in the center circle. Medical and support staff attempted to resuscitate the player on the pitch, before carrying him on a stretcher to the bowels of the stadium, where attempts to restart his heart failed and he was pronounced dead.
It was during Cameroon’s Confederations Cup match against Colombia in Lyon, France.
That was 13 years ago, on 26 June 2003, but the memories are still painfully fresh for Cameroon football world.
This weekend, fans of the footballer and the football fraternity mourned him on social media, churches and media.
Leading the pack was the Cameroonian football federation (FECAFOOT) and Manchester City FC who tweeted: “Today, on the anniversary of his tragic passing, we remember Marc Vivien-Foe. May he rest in peace.”
His former clubs and fans also posted posters with messages to pay tribute to the 28-year-old player.
As a reminder, Foe had been on loan at Manchester City from Lyon in the 2002-03 season, making 35 appearances and scoring nine goals. City retired his number 23 shirt after his death, while a street was named after him in Lyon.
Foe left behind a wife and sons aged six and three, as well as a daughter of only two months old. The player’s generosity had been legendary, and there were reports that he hadn’t much money left behind.