Young Boys player Meschack Elia loses 4-year-old son just before Champions League match

A heartbreaking tragedy struck the family of Young Boys player Meschack Elia as his 4-year-old son passed away following a brief illness, reports The Sun. The devastating news came just before Young Boys were set to face Stuttgart in a Champions League match.

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Elia's partner, their one-year-old daughter, and the boy's twin brother were in Congo at the time. Upon learning of the tragedy, Meschack immediately flew home to be with his family.

The entire team was deeply affected by the loss, and the players decided to dedicate their goal in the match to the memory of Elia's son. During their celebration, they displayed a shirt bearing Elia’s name for the cameras.

“Meschack was on the floor when he heard the news - he was destroyed. He went to his team-mates, who tried to support him with words and embraces. We spoke to the players before the Stuttgart game, and nobody said they didn't want to take part. They all wanted to be in it together, and to give their all,” said Young Boys representative Albert Staudenmann.

Despite their emotional efforts, the Swiss club suffered a 5-1 defeat to Stuttgart. Young Boys finish at the bottom of their Champions League group table with zero points after six matches.