A footballer died in Thailand from a lightning strike during a match

A footballer died in Thailand from a lightning strike during a match.

Consensus

A football match in Narathiwat province, southern Thailand, was interrupted by a lightning strike on August 4, 2026.
The lightning strike resulted in the death of 24-year-old footballer Sofwan Avaé.
Nine other players were injured in the incident.
The match was part of the Golok FA Cup 2026 regional tournament.
Footage of the lightning strike and players falling to the ground was shared on social media.
First aid was attempted on the deceased player, but it was unsuccessful.
The incident occurred during or immediately after the match, during heavy rain.

The match was a semifinal between Samcolts and Abu x Nong Sirin, and there is conflicting information about whether the lightning struck during stoppage time or immediately after the final whistle. — fontanka
The player had recently agreed to a transfer to the club 'Yala', which plays in the third division of the Thai championship. — fontanka
Eight Thai nationals were hospitalized, and one Malaysian player was sent home for treatment. — vm
A similar lightning-related incident occurred in Malacca, Malaysia, in July, where a 28-year-old player died despite medical efforts. — vm
A lightning strike at a festival in South Africa resulted in two deaths and 49 hospitalizations, with 13 in critical condition. — vm
A similar incident occurred in Peru in November 2024, where a 39-year-old defender died and seven others were injured during a match due to a lightning strike. — fontanka