Ethiopia national team and Bahir Dar City FC midfielder Alelign Azene has tragically passed away in his hometown of Arba Minch, his club confirmed on Wednesday.
Although the cause of his death was not disclosed yet, Bahir Dar City FC said Alelign took some time off from the club to recover from an undisclosed injury he sustained recently.
Sources also told APA that the player might have taken his own life although this cannot be verified.
Azene started his football career at his hometown club, Arba Minch City, before his transfer to Bahir Dar City FC two years ago where he helped the Waves of Tana to a historic second place finish in the 2022/23 Ethiopian Premier League season.
He has improved himself to become one of the very few best midfielders in the country.
The 26-year-old was a regular in the national team and was said to be one of the highest paid in Ethiopia.
News of his death came just after he got married in what was described as a well-attended ceremony in his home town.
MG/as/APA