Belgian footballer, Miguel Van Damme, has tragically passed away at the age of 28, today, 29^th March, 2021, after a long battle with Leukaemia.

The sad event was announced by his Club, Cercle Brugge, in their official Instagram Page. The Club eulogised Miguel Van Damme and commiserated with the family and friends of the departed goalkeeper.

“It is with great sadness we report that our friend and team-mate Van Damme has fought his long and uneven battle against leukaemia. Words are not enough to describe what we feel, even though we knew that things had not gone well for a while.”
Cercle Brugge

The Club in its statement acknowledged his tenacity to fight till the end.

“Miguel, your perseverance and strength to go for it [again] over and over, setback after setback, was admirable. You are an example of positivism, persistence and fighting spirit. A source of inspiration for everyone who fights. Forever in our green-black heart.”
Cercle Brugge

The Belgian Pro League concluded the statement by saying “Our thoughts are with his family, friends and everyone at Cercle Brugge. Your fighting spirit has been inspiring. Rest in peace.”

Miguel Van Damme1111 — Miguel (Center) with his team mates

Miguel Van Damme left behind his partner Kyana Dobbelaere and their two daughters. His wife also penned a touching tribute to her late husband on Instagram.

“Our dearest darling, daddy left for his last match last night, a match that can no longer be won. You left us very slowly, yet you did it again in your own way… very strong. You fought like a lion. We are so thankful for who you were. An example for many. You have made me realise that there is no such thing as giving up, even if there was only that one small glimmer of success, time and again you got over it. Rest now darling, you have more than earned it, you are now freed from all pain. We would love to see you. Big hug from your two girls. See you later.”
Kyana Dobbelaere

Spanish giants Real Madrid said in a statement also said, “Real Madrid C.F, the club’s President and the Board of Directors are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Circulo de Brujas player Miguel Van Damme. Real Madrid would like to send its condolences and its warmest regards and affection to all his family and loved ones, to his club and to his teammates.”

The Cercle Brugge goalkeeper was first diagnosed with the illness in 2016. Miguel Van Damme fought it for over five years. In what was a heart-breaking update, Van Damme told fans in September 2020 that having fought and beat the illness twice before- it had returned for a third time and this time it had been deemed incurable.

Cercle Brugge goalkeeper Van Damme started playing in the Belgian first division in 2014 but made less than 50 appearances as his career was disrupted by the disease.