08 March 2023 , 19:07
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Saido Balde, one of Germany's most exciting teenage stars, was rushed to hospital after collapsing during a youth game on Tuesday.
The 14-year-old was about to come on in the 60th minute of a match for Hamburg's Perspective team (comprised of their most talented players from their Under-21, Under-19 and Under-17 sides) against Oberliga side SV Eichede when he collapsed.
Balde is suspected of having suffered an epileptic seizure and collapsed to the ground trembling where he received urgent medical attention. The teenager was then taken directly to the nearby University Hospital Eppendorf.
As outlined by Bild, Balde remained in the hospital until 4am on Wednesday morning before being allowed to return home. However, the German club will now lay out a series of medical checks and tests before he is allowed to return to sporting action.
The match, which Hamburg were leading 2-1 at playing facilities beside the club's Volksparkstadion home, was abandoned following the incident, which caused great alarm among the players and coaching staff present.
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Despite being only 14, Balde's promise has led to him being elevated into the club's Under-17 side this campaign amid great hopes for his future. The winger has bagged three goals and provided four assists in his last 15 appearances at that level, despite playing against opposition players who are several years his senior.
Balde has been on the books of Hamburg's youth system since he was aged 10, when he joined from SC Sternschanze. Holding both German and Portuguese citizenship, he predominantly has played on the right wing of Hamburg's Under-17 side.
Hamburg are known for their passionate fanbase and talented youth teams (Cathrin Mueller/Bongarts/Getty Images)Borussia Dortmund, Benfica and Paris Saint-Germain are among the clubs who have been alerted by Balde's progress and have sent scouts to Hamburg's youth team games this season in order to provide reports on the teenager.
Sensing the opportunity of attaining a rising star in football, Nike and Adidas are among the companies who have been attempting to tie Balde down to a contract. However, Tuesday's shocking incident has ensured that the teenager's health is his sole priority now.