A talented young German female footballer has died at the age of just 16 with her club paying a moving tribute.
MSV Dusiburg announced that their youth team player Charlotte Vellar had passed away via a social media post late on Sunday night. The defender had been at the Frauen-Bundesliga club since joining in 2018.
It is not yet known what caused the talented young players tragic deaths, with no public disclosure given. The youngster had played for the clubs' youth side who play in the U17 Lower Rhine League in Germany.
A statement released by the club, posted via Twitter, read: "There is no consolation in this unbelievable pain. MSV mourns the loss of Charlotte Vellar, who died far, far too early at the age of 16.
"Our condolences to family, friends and team members. We wish you strength for these incredibly difficult moments."
The shock news lead to an outpouring of support from professional clubs across the German game. Bayer Leverkusen were amongst those to offer their condolences. They tweeted: "Our sincere condolences! We are thinking of all her relatives during this difficult time."
League champions VfL Wolfsburg Frauen and FC Union Berlin also posted their messages of support. Fans of the women's game from all over Germany also posted their condolences.
Vellar had previously played for lower league side TV Kapellen and they also paid a heartfelt tribute by telling The Sun: "Lotti, as she was called, always had a smile on her face and found her great passion in soccer.
"Charlotte played in the U11 and U13 TV bands. She was a fun-loving and football-loving player. No matter what, she always had a smile on her face.
"We were so proud of Lotti because she was the first player in Kapellen to play in a Bundesliga club. Our sympathy goes to the family, friends and their U17 team from MSV Duisburg."
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