Belgian football is in mourning.
Cercle Brugge goalkeeper Miguel Van Damme died last night of leukemia, his family announced on Tuesday morning.
The player lost his battle with leukemia, which was diagnosed in the player in 2016.
It was his wife, Kyana Dobbelaere, who made the terrible revelation on social networks: “Our darling left last night for his last match, a match that can no longer be won, she wrote on Instagram.
You fought like a lion.
We are so grateful for the person you were, an example to many.
You made me understand that you should never give up, even if there is only a small glimmer of hope.
Rest now, you more than deserve it.
“Last May, Miguel Van Damme became the father for the first time of a little girl, Camille.
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A post shared by KYANA (@kyanadobbelaere)
The Cercle de Bruges, where Miguel Van Damme had played since 2013, of course also reacted on his side: "Words are inadequate to describe how we feel, even though we have known that things were not going well for some time, the club said in a statement.
Today is a very difficult day in the history of Cercle Brugge.
Our thoughts go above all to his wife Kyana, to his granddaughter Camille, to Miguel's parents, to his sister Francesca, but also to his many friends and family.
Miguel, your perseverance and strength to give of yourself time after time, setback after setback, was admirable.
You are a model of positivism, perseverance and fighting spirit.
An inspiration to all who fight.
Forever in our hearts.”
After an uneven battle with leukemia, Miguel Van Damme died at the age of 28.
Our thoughts are with his family, friends and everyone at Cercle Brugge.
Your fighting spirit has been inspiring.
Rest in peace.
🖤 pic.twitter.com/LPFCmGRiYe
— Pro League ⚽️🇧🇪 (@ProLeagueBE) March 29, 2022
On September 17, Miguel Van Damme kicked off the league match between his club and Eupen.
Jupiler Pro League clubs, the Belgian D1, currently led by Union Saint-Gilloise, and many players have paid tribute to him on social networks.