Tragedy of Challenge League professionals
Elia Alessandrini († 25) died in the pool while on vacation
Football Switzerland mourns Elia Alessandrini († 25). The former YB junior, who last played at Stade Lausanne-Ouchy, died on Friday while on holiday with his girlfriend near Muscat, the capital of Oman.
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Lausanne Ouchy player Elia Alessandrini († 25) died in a swimming accident during the holidays.
The terrible news reached the relatives on Friday around noon. As Blick learns from those close to the deceased, the tragedy happened in the presence of his girlfriend while swimming and diving in the pool, a few hours before the planned trip home to Switzerland. Alessandrini suddenly no longer appears, any medical help – even in the hospital – comes too late. The exact cause of death is not yet known.
A fighter and role model
Alessandrini started his football career at FC Schönbühl. As a teenager, he switched to the youth department of the Young Boys, where he went through all the levels. His talent is obvious, at 15 he gets the first draft from the association for the SFV selection. However, injuries keep stalling his career. Adductors, knees, shins, Alessandrini keeps losing length. The injuries are one reason why he does not make the breakthrough in the Super League.
“He wanted to play for a few more years, but he no longer had any big ambitions. That also has something to do with his injury history, »says YB doctor Jörg Dünkel, who has known Alessandrini for several years and recently looked after him personally. «Elia was thrown back again and again, but he never gave up, constantly fighting back. His mentality was impressive.” Dünkel was last in contact with Alessandrini in the spring: “He was perfectly healthy then.”
Thun, Chiasso and Kriens are the names of the central defender’s stations before he joins Stade Lausanne-Ouchy this summer. With the surprise team in the preliminary round, he only made five appearances in the Challenge League. With his style, he still contributes his part to the success. “He was a worker on the field, a fighter and a great role model for everyone. A natural leader,” says Hiraç Yagan, the sports director of Stade Lausanne-Ouchy, second in the Challenge League. “He always wanted only one thing: win, win, win.”
Positive, mature and ambitious
If you ask around the deceased, everyone agrees on one thing: Elia Alessandrini was unique. “He wasn’t your typical footballer – anything but cocky. Many kickers come to me with the most expensive branded clothing. He rarely wore these and often dressed inconspicuously. That suited his character. He was a quiet, friendly, courteous guy,” says Dünkel.
Taufi Murid (27) has been a good friend of Alessandrini since childhood. He too was shocked when he found out about his friend’s death on Friday. He was still in contact with him via chat on Thursday, and a dinner together with the circle of friends in Bern was planned for Saturday. “Elia was a very positive person and didn’t allow anything negative to happen. He quickly forgave and never held grudges.”
The two get to know each other at a Chlaus tournament at FC Schönbühl, play together in the E-Juniors and later attend the same school building. “Elijah was very mature for his age. He was very ambitious and disciplined, »says Murid. In addition to his career as a footballer, Alessandrini continued his law studies, his girlfriend is an aspiring lawyer. “He still had so much to do. His death is a great loss for all of us.”
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