Andres Balanta dead at 22: Footballer dies after collapsing in training as Sergio Aguero says ‘that could have been me’
COLOMBIAN footballer and Argentine First Division star Andres Balanta died after collapsing in training.
The 22-year-old played for Atletico Tucuman, where he made seven appearances in the 2021/22 season.
Balanta – born in Cali, Colombia – collapsed during training and40 minutes of resuscitation failed to save his life.
The midfielder played in Colombia’s youth ranks and had hopes of making senior appearances after moving to Argentina in the summer.
A club spokesman said: “We regret to inform you about the death of Andres Balanta.
“The club’s supporters are deeply saddened today. Of course, we support his family, team-mates and friends.”
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The Colombian FA added: “The Colombian Football Federation regrets the death of Andres Balanta, player of the Colombia national team in its different divisions.”
Manchester City legend Sergio Aguero, whose career was cut short last year as a result of a heart condition, was taken back by the news.
On a Twitch live stream, Aguero revealed he was warned what happened to Balanta could have happened to him if he kept on training and playing.
He said: “Balanta died, they say. In training? Now?
“That’s s***, I clearly remember that the doctor told me that that can happen, and that’s why they (the doctors) don’t allow me to play because what I had…
“I don’t know what happened with the controls [medical testing]… it’s really difficult…”
The revelation of Aguero’s heart condition happened shortly after he joined Barcelona.
The 34-year-old experienced chest discomfort during a match against Alaves in October 2021 and was diagnosed with cardiac arrhythmia.
Aguero later retired on medical advice.
Balanta previously underwent medical testing in 2019 while playing for Deportivo Cali after a temporary loss of consciousness occurred in a morning training session.
Tributes have poured in for Balanta, with one fan saying on Twitter: “Sad for such a quick departure. My sincere condolences to family, friends and club mates. God bless them.”