Hungarian midfielder Miklos Feher died on January 25, 2004. The soccer player collapsed dramatically on the pitch while playing for Benfica against Vitória de Guimarães Leaning forward and kneeling over, Feher’s sudden collapse during injury time led to a flurry of urgent actions.
Feher’s teammates rushed to his aid. They understood the gravitas of the situation and tried to lift him to prevent him from swallowing his tongue, just in case. Paramedics stormed onto the field soon after. Amidst the chaos, everyone around was trying to achieve the common goal of saving Feher’s life. However, despite the collective efforts, Feher could not be saved.
Tragically, approximately three hours after being transported from the stadium in Guimarães to a nearby hospital, Miklos Feher succumbed to something unknown at the time.
Later, the cause of his untimely demise was identified as a cardiac arrhythmia induced by hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. This is a condition characterized by an abnormal thickening of a heart muscle.
Miklos Feher suffered a cardiac arrest while playing football in 2004. He was just 24.
He smiled before his death.🥲🥺
He died doing what he loves the most.💔 pic.twitter.com/aMTE3HosYY— Madridista (@DalviNameet) August 7, 2023
Marc-Vivien Foé, a Cameroonian midfielder, also suffered the same fate due to the same heart condition. Foé lost his life on June 26, 2003, during a match against Colombia in the 2003 FIFA Confederations Cup.
In the aftermath of Feher’s tragic passing, the impact rippled through the world of soccer. Benfica’s matches after the shocking incident were postponed.
Feher’s number 29 was retired by Benfica in a tribute to the striker. Despite the grief, the team managed to win the league that season, a bittersweet accomplishment. Feher’s league medal was presented to his grieving parents as a symbol of respect in the subsequent season.
The playing career of Miklos Feher
In his early days, the Hungarian midfielder began his soccer journey with Győri ETO in Hungary. Soon, he moved to Porto in 1998 but just made 12 appearances. A few loans from Porto, under the management of José Mourinho, followed before Feher found his way to Benfica.
Interestingly, amidst the spirited rivalry between the two clubs, a unique sentiment prevailed. Fans from both sides united in admiration for Feher during his tenure. His impact extended beyond the confines of club allegiance. On the international platform, Feher proudly donned Hungary’s colors, contributing to 25 matches and netting seven goals.
Miklós Fehér 💫 pic.twitter.com/nx8kFNXlZ7
— 𝙂𝙐𝙀𝙎 (@GUESBALL) August 4, 2023
The most prolific phase for Feher was during his time at ETO FC Győr in Hungary. Within 62 matches, he found the back of the net 22 times, showcasing his prowess as a goal-scorer. However, his presence on the scoring chart within the Portuguese league remained somewhat subdued.
Though hindered from achieving his full potential on the field, Miklos Feher left an indelible mark beyond his statistical achievements. Tragedy struck in the prime of his life that saw him leave the world of soccer abruptly. The memory of his name resonates, a poignant testament to the fragility and resilience inherent in this beautiful game.