Ex-La Liga star, 28, dies after collapse 6 years on from discovering heart issue
La Liga has been left in mourning after the sad death of ex-Levante and Zaragoza star Raphael Dwamena.
The 28-year-old passed away after suffering from a fatal heart attack, his current club, Albanian side KF Egnatia, have confirmed. The former Ghanaian international was in action for Egnatia on Saturday against Partizani Tirana but collapsed in the 23rd minute of the game.
Medical staff attempted to treat Dwamena, while the match was abandoned. Reports in Albania claim he was quickly rushed to the nearest hospital in Kavaja but was pronounced dead shortly after arrival after suffering another heart attack.
Dwamena first became aware of a problem with his heart when a defect was discovered in 2017. He had an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) fitted after collapsing during an Austrian Cup match back in October 2021.
Since the news of his death was confirmed, tributes have been pouring in. A message from his former club Levante read: “On behalf of #LevanteUD, we would like to express our sincere condolences on the passing of our former player, Raphael Dwamena. Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones at this difficult time. His legacy at our club will live on forever. RIP.”
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Meanwhile, the Ghana Football Association also had some kind words. Writing on Twitter, they said: “Our thoughts are with the family of Raphael Dwamena at this difficult time.
“Raphael represented Ghana wholeheartedly and paid his dues to the country until his unfortunate passing. We will forever miss him for his dedication to the National Course. Rest In Peace Raphael!!”
Raphael Dwamena also represented Zaragoza (Getty Images)Dwamena started his professional career in the Red Bull Salzburg academy before spells with Austrian sides Liefering, Austria Lustenau and FC Zurich. He moved to Levante in 2018 but scored just one goal in 15 appearances before spells with Zaragoza and Vejle Boldklub.
The striker returned to Austria in 2021, a move that was followed by a prolific stint with Egnatia, where he scored 24 goals in 36 games. He was the top goalscorer in the Albanian top division with nine goals from ten outings this term.
Dwamena had previously been named as his club’s captain for the 2023/24 season. The striker also received senior international recognition with Ghana during his career.
He made eight appearances for the African nation between June 2017 and September 2018 and netted two goals in an African Cup of Nations qualifier against Ethiopia over five years ago.
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