Shock in Brazil:a player began to convulse in the middle of the match and had to be taken off in an ambulance

The Carioca Championship was marked by a moment of extreme concern at Maracanã stadium. Alexandre Souza, midfielder for Sampaio Corrêa, suffered a seizure in the middle of the field during the match against Flamengo and had to be urgently taken away by ambulance, which caused shock among players, coaching staffs, and the crowd in attendance.

The incident occurred in the eighth minute of the first half, when the footballer was running alone across the field and suddenly collapsed. Teammates and opponents immediately requested medical assistance, while the match was interrupted due to the seriousness of the situation.

The images from the stadium reflected the impact of the moment, with players from both teams surrounding the footballer and fanning him while they waited for the ambulance to enter, even saying a joint prayer. From the stands, the crowd accompanied Souza's exit with a strong round of applause and a silence filled with tension.

Minutes later, the player was immobilized, taken off on a stretcher, and transported to Quinta D'Or Hospital, located in the northern area of Rio de Janeiro.

According to Sampaio Corrêa's press office, Alexandre was conscious when he left Maracanã, although once at the hospital he suffered a new seizure. Near midnight, the club reported that the tests performed ruled out cardiac and neurological injuries, and that he is out of danger. In any case, the midfielder will remain hospitalized for at least 24 hours under observation, while awaiting the results of an MRI scan and blood tests.

Hours later, Alexandre Souza himself brought reassurance through his social media. In an Instagram story, he shared the club's medical report and wrote: "Good evening, I want to inform you that the worst of the scare has passed and thank you for the messages and prayers". He then added: "God does things that we sometimes don't understand, but looking at this photo… Flamengo players and my teammates united for a single purpose. I'm certain that I'll return".

The situation rekindled concern about the footballer's health, whose career is marked by overcoming adversity. In January 2024, Alexandre suffered a serious motorcycle accident that almost caused tetraplegia. After a long recovery process, he managed to return to professional activity one year later, which is why within Brazilian football circles he is described as a "living miracle".

In strictly sporting terms, the match was completed and Flamengo thrashed Sampaio Corrêa 7-1, a result that secured qualification for the quarterfinals of the Carioca Championship and fourth place in Group B, where it will face Botafogo. Sampaio Corrêa, meanwhile, finished last in its group and will have to play in the relegation play-off.