A footballer has died from a suspected heart attack hours after he played in a top-flight match, with tributes pouring in from his club and fans.

Youssouf Keira, a centre-back for Guinean Ligue 1 club ASM Sangaredi, was found dead at his home in the early hours of Sunday.

The rising star had helped his team, which is based in the capital of Conakry, to remain undefeated all season.

But their winning streak, which lasted for nearly a year, was ended on Saturday evening when they lost 3-2 to Milo FC.

His club said he had done ‘everything possible’ during the match and had been ‘determined’ to achieve his goals alongside his team.

Tragically, at around 4am on Sunday, Keira was found unresponsive, with local media reporting that he suffered a heart attack.

His club was among those to pay tribute to the star player, describing his death as an ‘immense national loss’.

Former boss of the governing body of Guinean football, Mamadou Antonio Souaré, paid a heartfelt tribute, saying: ‘It is with great sadness that I have just learned the death of player Youssouf Keira following a cardiac arrest.

“AS Minors de Sangaredi loses a great defender who was promoted to a bright future.

“All my condolences to his biological family, to the Sangaredi Minors Sports Association as well as to the great Guinean football family.

“Rest in peace the warrior Youssouf Keira ‘Varane’!”

The Guinean FA announced: ‘It is with great sadness that we have learned of the death of the ASM Sangaredi player Youssouf Keira.

“It took place this Sunday, March 17 2024.

“We offer our sincerest condolences to his grieving family, the club’s board and players, and the entire football family.

“May his soul rest in peace.”

ASM Sangaredi are fourth in Guinea’s top league, which comprises of 14 clubs, and sit five points behind leaders Hafia.