Footballer Bernardo Ribeiro dies following friendly match in Brazil

Bernardo Ribeiro has become the second footballer to die in two days after falling ill during a match in Brazil. The former Newcastle Jets midfielder was playing in a friendly match for Friburguense on Saturday 7 May.

Brazil's O Globo reports the 26-year-old was substituted after falling ill and was taken to hospital, but died shortly afterwards. The cause of Ribeiro's death is yet to be officially disclosed.

Just the day before, on Friday 6 May, Dinamo Bucharest player Patrick Ekeng died in hospital after collapsing during a Romanian league match against Viitorul Constanta.

"The Nova Friburgo sporting community is in mourning," his club said in a press statement.

"Friburgense Athletic Club says farewell to a great athlete and human being, loved by every single player, member of the technical staff, director and club official. Our deepest sympathies to the Frizao family and all the family of Bernardo Ribeiro."

Riberio began his professional career in Albania, briefly playing for Catania in Italy before signing Australia's Newcastle Jets in 2012. He made six appearances for the A-League club.

Former Jets teammates paid tribute to the Brazilian on social media following news of his passing.

Ribeiro's passing has tragic similarities to that of Cameroon international Ekeng. The midfielder, capped twice for his country, collapsed during the 70th minute during Friday's match, with his sister later claiming he was feeling "very tired" before the match.

"He told his best friend he was not able to play," Monique Chantal, Ekeng's elder sister, told BBC Sport. "He said he was very tired."

The cause of Ekeng's death has not been officially confirmed, but local media report the player suffered a suspected heart attack.