Ecuador striker Christian Benitez died on Monday, a day after playing in a match for Qatari club El Jaish.
He was 27. El Jaish provided no further details about his death.
"The club would like to offer its sincere condolences to the family of the player," the club said in a statement. "His sudden departure is a big shock for each member of the technical and administrative staff. He was a player that over the short period he was here was regarded for his high moral character."
Benitez was the top scorer in Mexico’s first division last season, helping Club América win the championship. He also played in the Premiership, spending the 2009-10 campaign on loan at Birmingham City.
News of Benitez’s death led to an outpouring of emotions on Twitter from players and media alike. Below is a small sampling:
Consternado por el fallecimiento de Chucho Benítez. Mis pensamientos están con su familia y el fútbol ecuatoriano. pic.twitter.com/vkehJslfui
— Joseph S Blatter (@SeppBlatter) July 29, 2013
Just heard the sad news about Christian Benitez … my thoughts and prayers are with his family
— fabrice muamba (@fmuamba) July 29, 2013
RIP Christian Benitez, sad to hear the terrible news.
— Rio Ferdinand (@rioferdy5) July 29, 2013
#Christian #Benitez you will be sorely missed #Chucho May your soul rest in #peace pic.twitter.com/lgEKm2hs6G
— Eljaish Sports Club (@EljaishSC) July 30, 2013
Stunning. Very, very sad. Christian Benitez dies aged 27 http://t.co/PeHZyNd0cL
— Max Bretos (@mbretosESPN) July 29, 2013
Rest in peace Christian Benitez. Life is short.. pic.twitter.com/d9PVA3sQgH
— Mario Balotelli (@MarioBaloteIIi) July 29, 2013
What a horrible news !!RIP Christian Benitez
— Lucas Leiva (@LucasLeiva87) July 29, 2013
Shocked to hear Christian Benitez has passed away. #RIP
— Pablo Zabaleta (@pablo_zabaleta) July 29, 2013
Such sad news about Christian Benitez RIP x
— Robbie Savage (@RobbieSavage8) July 29, 2013