A nine-year-old boy from Noblejas, a town in Toledo with around 3,800 residents, died on Monday after suffering a heart attack while training with a local football team. The tragic event occurred during a practice on the town field, and it prompted immediate medical attention on site.
The Noblejas Municipal Football School and the Noblejas Sports Club confirmed the incident on Tuesday, stating that the cardiovascular emergency arose during Monday’s training. The boy, a local resident named Angel Luengo Garro, was part of the community’s football program and had been taking part in regular practices. The teams and local supporters expressed their sorrow for the loss and remembered him as a young athlete with a bright future ahead. The clubs acknowledged the swift but ultimately insufficient efforts of those present to save the boy’s life. They also conveyed their condolences to the family and stressed how difficult this moment is for everyone involved. This section of the statement was shared as part of the club’s ongoing outreach to supporters and participants in the wake of the tragedy. [Citation: Noblejas Municipal Football School official statement, 2023]
Out of respect and in mourning, officials from municipal sports services, observers, medical responders, the Ocaña Civil Guard, and the parents who were at the football field joined in the attempt to save the boy. The collective effort highlighted the seriousness of the incident and the emotional impact on the local community. The statement noted that the medical situation could not be resolved despite the best efforts of those in attendance. This acknowledgment was part of a broader expression of grief from the town and its football community. [Citation: Municipal sports services report, 2023]
As a sign of official mourning, all training and matches for Noblejas Municipal Football School were postponed until after the Christmas break. The decision reflected the community’s need to pause activities, support one another, and allow families and clubs to process the loss. The pause in activities was intended to provide space for reflection while maintaining safety and continuity for players when activities resume. [Citation: Noblejas Football School announcement, 2023]
Additionally, a gathering was proposed for Wednesday at 18:30 at the field where the incident occurred. The Noblejas football school requested the presence of players from all municipal teams, their families, and anyone wishing to participate in a moment of solidarity and remembrance. Those who attended described the moment as profoundly difficult, underscoring the emotional strain on the community and the weight of losing a child in such circumstances. The event was framed as a chance to honor the memory of the young player and to stand with his family during this painful time. [Citation: Noblejas Community Notice, 2023]